A building fund had been established in November 1946 and Reverend Doyle reported $5,099.50 contributed by December 1948. Contributions came from Philadelphia friends of Reverend Doyle, the Catholic Church Extension Society, parishioners, friends, and fund raisers such as carnivals, dinners and other church activities sponsored by the ladies of the church.

After bids were opened, the lowest being $10,000, two parishioners, Mr. Wilson Reynolds and Mr. Lynch Creekmore, were asked to supervise the construction on a cost basis. The ground was broken in November 1948 for the rectory of St. Michael's Church at 13th and Cherry. The building supplies were purchased at cost, and the two carpenters, Edward Yeager and John Taylor, donated half of their wages. The electrical wiring and fixtures were donated by Will Reynolds of Fort Smith. It was completed in July 1949. The house was furnished from church income.

Most likely Reverend Albert L. Fletcher, D. D., blessed the new rectory on the day of his Episcopal Visitation and of the administration of the Sacrament of Confirmation which was April 4, 1950. Reverend Joseph N. Doyle enjoyed the comfort and conveniences of this rectory for less than a year when he was transferred to St. Vincent DePaul Parish in Rogers, Arkansas.

Robert Hightower remembers serving as altar boy for Father Stephen Jacklin during his first pastorate here in 1937. Bill Kennedy, Richard Dibrell Johnson, James Johnson, and John Kemp Kagy were all altar boys during the 1940's and early 1950's. They helped train Joe Weinsinger, Jr. during Reverend Doyle's pastorate.

Dr. John Kagy, nephew of Francis Watkins and James Johnson, remember mowing the lawn of the church grounds with a rotary mower. This was an all day job because the lot was quite large.

Carl Falovine organized dances for the young people in the basement of the church. A victrola was used to provide music. More non-Catholics than Catholics attended these dances. Sometimes the young people were invited to the Atkins home located near the church for parties and dances.

Two fondly remembered members of the parish during this tinge were "Papa Joe" and "Mama Jessie" Smith. This couple had a great affinity for children and they were involved in many aspects of parish life. Papa Joe played Santa Claus for the ECI) students for several years.

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