The Archdiocesan Expansion Campaign, which was officially closed June 1, reached 91 per cent of its minimum goal of $1,750,000.00, Father Noel C. Burtenshaw, chancellor, announced today.

The chancellor said the campaign was most successful and netted $1,559,476, 91% of its goal. The drive was started in May 1965 by Archbishop Paul J. Hallinan.

“The results show that the people of the archdiocese responded in a magnificent way over the past three years,” Father Burtenshaw said.

“Campaigns of this kind are not always so successful,” he commented. “And the campaign has not been totally completed. We have received many letters during the past few weeks from those who have not yet completed their pledge, informing us they wish to continue payments. We are most grateful for their wonderful response.”

The campaign was started to provide facilities in the archdiocese. Father Burtenshaw said, “Because of the campaign the Village of St. Joseph was built in Atlanta to serve our dependent children and the Newman Center and a chapel on the campus of the University of Georgia was built and opened.” He said the final project is the Catholic Center in downtown Atlanta. “Plans are now being studied to make this facility a reality,” he added.

While the initial pledge was in excess of $2 million, the minimum goal was $1,750,000, the chancellor said. “We hoped that the $2 million would be redeemed, but we kept our sights on the minimum goal.” “It is most difficult to operate a fund drive of this kind in Atlanta because of the constant turnover of population every year. Taking this and also the number of Catholics in the archdiocese into account, it was a most successful campaign,” the chancellor said.

Honorary chairman of the expansion was Hughes Spalding, SR., G. Albert Lawton served as general chairman and Michael J. Egan was assistant general chairman.

Father Burtenshaw said a financial report is now being compiled and it will be published in the near future.