Chapel of the North American Martyrs at Pius XII Pastoral Center near Hayesville in 1963

During the early 1960's, the Glenmary Home Missioners acquired 475 acres of land in Clay County near Hayesville. On this property they operated the Pius XII Pastoral Center. The Pastoral Center was used as a training center for newly ordained Glenmary priests and was the location of a summer camp for prospective vocations from across the country. These campers also gained firsthand experience of rural life in the missions. The chapel in the Pastoral Center was dedicated on 28 August 1963 by the Bishop of Raleigh, Most Rev. Vincent Waters and placed under the patronage of the North American Martyrs. Glenmary decided to sell this property in 1968.