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10.20.2018 Fr. Michael Murphy, builder of St Margaret of Scotland Church
This will be a very shot blog on the history of Fr. Michael Murphy. Michael Murphy, prior to becoming a priest, was a businessman. He came to North Carolina in 1950. He was also a wealthy man. In the years that followed he financed and built several churches in the towns surrounding Maggie Valley; he was known as the “Apostle of the Smokies.” Long story short in time he bought 33 acres of land in Maggie Valley. On these 33 acres he built a 25-unit motel. Shortly thereafter the Bishop gave him permission to build another church. In 1969 the new St. Margaret of Scotland Catholic Church was dedicated.
The name was chosen in honor of his mother Margaret Murphy. The name, which was a second choice, was chosen because “She always fed the poor and he always fed the poor.” The facility was built to accommodate 200 parishioners at one service. The parish, at that time, was hardly big enough to fill the church, even if it wanted to. In reply to the size of the church he commented, “I did not build the church because of the demand, I built it for the future- strong so it will last for ages. Someday, it will be full every Sunday.” The Bishop there at that time often urged Michael Murphy to become a priest.
After some thought Murphy enrolled and studied at St. Meinrad Seminary in Indiana and was ordained on May 11, 1972. Now, Fr. Murphy, was age 80 when he was ordained. News of his ordination sped around the world. Fr. Murphy, believe it or not, continued to operate his Falling Waters Motel. In 1981, with help from the Bishop, it was converted to the Living Waters Catholic Reflection Center. Even to this day it continues to be a popular retreat spot.  Within a year after his ordination he was assigned to be Pastor of the St. Margaret of Scotland Church, which he had constructed.
Fr. Murphy presided over this parish until his death. He was 99 years old. The parish hall he had built on the land he donated to the Church, was named Murphy-Garland Parish Hall. St. Margaret’s has a strong push to try to have Fr. Murphy Canonized. In the “book for the sick and departed” a message reads that “should your request be fulfilled, please call the parish office.
The Internet has much more on this awesome person, I have only provided some of the highlights on his life.

Upon entering a new church I always look for the “book for the sick and departed.” A parishioner pointed it out to me. She also quietly mentioned that it is a miracle book. Not having the time to inquire why, I just took her word on it. There it was smack dab at the foot of the Alter area, in the front of the church. The church is now half full and praying the Rosary. I hate standing out in a crowd, but did it anyway. So many are ill and so many are no longer with us. After five-years of doing this I have it down to almost a science; basically immediately members of the Ozdarski/ Grenier families and then family members needing special mention; even get a chance to add a couple of non-family individuals as well at times. The purpose for this in so many churches is both altruistic and self-serving. So many are forgotten with a few weeks of their passing. Purgatory is probably over crowded with “forgotten souls.” Should either Carla or I go, I know we’ll have each others backs after the fact. My self-serving interest is that should I survive Carla, I dread the thought of being one of those forgotten souls. I have no doubt I’d be forgotten shortly by any remaining family members. For this reason it’s a matter of self preservation after death. Even though many of the us listed in these dozens of churches have not departed yet, I feel we could all use a prayer or two from time to time.

I have provided a link to this fine person, it’s a quick read and much more organized than what I have written. goto: history of Fr. Murphy