The estimated cost of the above projects when completed and fully equipped was estimated to cost Ksh 24 million. Meanwhile, being very thorough, Fr. Hannon had the two acres of the new plot bull-dozed to remove the black cotton soil, which was about 4’’ to 6’’ deep, in order to construct the church on a solid foundation. On the lower side of the plot he filled it with soil and the plan was to construct the church, community hall, facilities and a mission house, the priest residence.
During this period, the Sacred Heart of Jesus (Moyo mtakatifu wa Yesu) Upper Matasia outstation was transferred from Kiserian parish to Matasia Catholic Parish. It was also the same time when additional Small Christian Communities were curved from the existing Jumuiya’s. Fr. John Hannon also initiated a development committee which helped the church council in planning and executing the development projects, although he actualized most of the ideas.
Fr. Hannon received generous support from the Christians in Matasia. The parish council was very supportive and it collected a substantial amount of money to begin the construction of the new church. The construction of the church projects received a subsidy from Rome courtesy of Fr. John which helped to pay for the roofing costs. Fr. Hannon found all sorts of help from his family, friends and support from the Christians. The local Christians contributed about sixty percent of the total cost of the projects while the parish priest Fr. John Hannon through his initiative raised the balance from his friends and well-wishers.
In August 2003, the Parish Priest and the church leaders decided to move to the partially completed church building. The Christians of Matasia are forever grateful to Fr. John Hannon for planting a seed of selfless giving and spiritual growth in the Parish. Fr. John Hannon, did not choose the easy option of retiring in Ireland as he could have done that, considering his age and his health but he chose to come to Matasia and maybe devote his last missionary work. He did a great job. Certainly, with a tremendous increase of population in that area, the opening of the new Parish in Matasia has been a real God- send to many people and to the Diocese.
