By: Ali Elizabeth Turner
On Friday and Saturday, October 2 and 3, the Saint Paul Catholic Women (SPCW), with help from the Knights of Columbus, are once again hosting their annual yard sale, held at the St. Paul Catholic Church on US 72 West. Expect a large selection of merchandise, low prices, and joyful volunteers. Treasures await everyone from young to old! — from people looking for bargains, to savvy ones looking to update their homes to those looking for tools, appliances, and gadgets. There are also toys and books for children and clothes galore!
The annual event year after year proves to have bargains, blessings, and finds for the shoppers looking to get great stuff at low prices! This year there will be a variety of items from which to choose. They include gently used quality furniture, gorgeous crystal and china dishes, accessories and home décor of all kinds, clothing, toys, electronics, books and magazines, housewares, photo frames, and much more.
This yard sale is a must-stop among all the yard sales hosted throughout Athens on Fiddlers Convention weekend! This event is well worth your time.
The SPCW Yard Sale is a popular event for the church, the community, and visitors to the Tennessee Valley Old Time Fiddlers Convention. The underlying spirit of the yard sale is helping others. Church members generously donate merchandise. St. Paul church members volunteer countless hours to sort, clean, and organize material. All customers get great products at low prices. Any left-over items are donated to other charities that help those in need.
This yard sale is the only fundraiser for St. Paul Catholic Women. The funds support parish and community needs and good works throughout the year. Over the past year, the group has provided local support for to the Women’s Resource Center which is our local crisis pregnancy center in Athens. Last year the SPCW-hosted Christmas Giving program touched over 25 families in the community who were especially in need for Christmas. Other projects include Christmas gifts for those who are sick or homebound and support to youth programs. SPCW also supports church needs by creating a beautiful space to worship and hosting special activities to deepen faith and fellowship. St. Paul Catholic Women meet monthly and welcome all for fellowship and faith enrichment.
Background of St. Paul Catholic Church in Athens:
St. Paul Catholic Church has been an on-going church community since the early 20th century. Initially, there were approximately 18 Catholic families in Athens who worshipped in a small chapel that was located on the corner of Coleman and Brown’s Ferry. Eventually the chapel closed, and the congregation traveled by ferry to St. Ann’s in Decatur. In the 1940s, Mr. and Mrs. Carl Hatchett opened up their home on South Clinton Street to the families, and on Saturdays, they would gather there for Mass. After the service, the Hatchetts would serve breakfast.
Eventually, in 1959, the small brick building on Hwy 72 was built on land that had been sold to the St. Paul’s congregation by the Spencer family. In 1992, the larger church was built followed by the parish hall, rectory, religious education building, and an on-site columbarium. Since its inception, the church has become a loving foundation and home to its members in Athens and Limestone County. The breakfast tradition continues on select Sunday mornings and is enjoyed by all.
By: Ali Elizabeth Turner
