More than a dozen Rapid City churches put aside differences in their denominational theologies to celebrate the "theology of the hammer" last week as Black Hills Area Habitat for Humanity blessed its first home built by an ecumenical crew of local churches.

"We had Catholics and Protestants and others put theological distinctions behind us and agree on the theology of the hammer," said Scott Engmann, Habitat executive director, as he welcomed a crowd of well-wishers to Tammie Pryor's new home at 144 St. Anne St. on Tuesday.

"The faith community has shown its vision for practical compassion in Rapid City - never before have we seen such a spirit of cooperation from such a wide variety of denominations," Engmann said.

In its first-ever "Building on Faith" initiative, Habitat built a house for Pryor with the help of volunteers from Blessed Sacrament Church, Calvary Lutheran, Canyon Lake United Methodist, Cathedral of our Lady of Perpetual Help, Emmanuel Episcopal, First Congregational, First Presbyterian, First United Methodist, South Park United Methodist, St. Andrew's Episcopal, Trinity Lutheran, South Canyon Lutheran and Westminster Presbyterian. The crews worked Tuesdays and put in about 2,000 hours of labor on the house.

"Tuesdays have become 'Building on Faith Days' for Habitat, where one has found virtually every major denomination cooperating toward a common goal," Engmann said of what he called the "first time there's been a concentrated effort" from all across the religious community on one house.

"I'm overjoyed," said Pryor of her new four-bedroom, one-bath home with a front porch and cherry-toned wood laminate floors throughout. Before applying to Habitat, Pryor lived in a mobile home. A licensed foster parent, Pryor will move into the home with one foster child who is currently living with her

Pryor worked hard in June on short notice to finish her contribution of 200 hours of "sweat equity" - something that's required of all new Habitat homeowners. She learned just three weeks ago that the home would be hers, after the initial applicants were unable to assume the mortgage.

"It was an act of God. I know it was," Pryor said.

The quilting group at Calvary Lutheran Church presented the family with two handmade quilts, the Altrusa Club contributed a book shelf and a housewarming basket and the Master Gardeners from the Pennington County Cooperative Extension brought yard tools and grass seed. As is Habitat tradition, the Community Food Banks of South Dakota filled the kitchen pantry with free food, the board of directors presented the family a Bible and Doug Melum of Knecht Home Center contributed a toolbox and a plunger.

"As a new homeowner, you'll have a few tasks to take care of around the house," Melum said.

Bob Cole of KSLT prayed over Pryor and her new house, asking that God "let the house be a joy to her … and bless everyone who enters it."

Habitat built the house, Cole said, "but it is up to Tammie to build a home."

To illustrate Habitat's concept of "Pay it Forward," the dedication of Pryor's home was followed immediately by a groundbreaking at what will become Habitat's 60th home at 710 Blaine Ave. The proceeds from Pryor and other Habitat mortgage holders like her are used to finance more affordable housing options for low-income people, Engmann said.

Pryor will own her home, the 57th built by BHAHH, with a mortgage of about $400 per month, including taxes and insurance.

Since 1992, Black Hills Area Habitat has been partnering with individuals, families and organizations to create simple, decent affordable homes from Belle Fourche to Custer. Current builds include Rapid City and Spearfish.

Habitat's ReStore building materials store is open at 401 11th St. in Rapid City from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

Contact Mary Garrigan at 394-8424 or mary.garrigan@rapidcityjournal.com