How Far Our Roots Have Spread

The Wood of the Cross

By: Lisa Miklos, Past President

As the birthplace of MCCW-USA and later MCCW-Worldwide, Fort McPherson in Atlanta holds a special spot in the history of MCCW. Enjoy these words by past MCCW President Lisa Miklos about the decommissioning of Fort McPherson and its Catholic chapel.

“MCCW USA began at Fort McPherson, Georgia in 1970. Our roots are southern and our tree has grown from there. It is only fitting now that Fort McPherson has closed, the wood from that tree has been preserved and lives on as a reminder of where we’ve come from. 

Just prior to the gates closing for the last time at Fort McPherson, the chapel community, led by Father Fred Wendel, hosted a coming home celebration. Everyone who ever attended Mass there over the years was invited back for a night of memories and farewells. The history of this chapel community came to life on the big screen as a slide show ran on a loop. We were all treated to the telling of many stories that began with, “Do you remember when?” MCCW and her beginnings were highlighted with great pride throughout the evening. 

At the conclusion of the evening, Father Fred shared that the chapel community had a little memento to share with everyone. He told us that while the chapel was being cleaned out and homes were being found for all of the Catholic property, the men of the chapel decided that they wanted to give everyone a piece of the chapel. They found a non-structural inside wall and cut it into pieces and fashioned crosses out of that wood. 

Father Fred blessed these crosses in front of the gathering at the celebration and asked that one person representing each family come forward to receive their piece of the Fort McPherson Chapel. This was such a powerful experience for everyone in attendance.  These wooden crosses, pieces of our roots, serve as symbols of our simple beginnings and they remind us of just how far our roots have spread.”