Saturday, February 10, 2001

The Natchez Democrat

&uot;We’ll need the prayers and help of everyone.&uot;

– Wilbur Johnson

President, Holy Family School Board

As firefighters worked furiously to battle the flames that

engulfed the convent at Holy Family Catholic School Saturday,

the Natchez community quickly came together.

Before the fire was put out friends and strangers alike were

lining up to help the good folks of Holy Family Catholic Church.

The loss of much of the building and its contents is truly a tragedy.

The historic structure was severely damaged in the blaze. But

fortunately Natchez was blessed. Despite the monetary and material

items destroyed by the fire, thankfully, no one was injured in

the fire.

If anything good can come out of such a traumatic experience,

it’s that under such stresses and strains the true nature of the

people of Natchez shines.

At first, as the smoke still drifted into the sky, the kindness

came in the form of hugs and encouraging words.

By afternoon, volunteers were offering time, labor and money

to help the church rebuild what the fire had destroyed. And at

the same time the community — which is more important than any

structure — was becoming closer to one another.

The outpouring of good will warms our heart and makes us happy

we live in a city filled with love. And, it proves that places

like Holy Family have been effective in teaching and spreading

that spirit of love and concern.

Perhaps the long-term lesson is to realize the value in working

together and depending upon each other – and not merely in times

of tragedy.