150 YEARS OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH IN
SHELBYVILLE
-------------------
Experiences of Those Who Were Here Before It Was Built--
Names of Those Who Made Its Construction Possible, and
The Names of Those Who Have Served as Pastors
---------------- ------------------
Compiled by John F. Long---2009
The first documentation of a Catholic in Shelbyville was Kean O`Hara. He came to America around 1798 and was one of the most distinguished of Kentucky educators. Tradition says he was invited by Governor Issac Shelby to teach in the state. Sometime before 1802 he taught in Shelbyville. Around 1800 the Rev. Stephen Badin, a pioneer missionary priest in Kentucky, made a visit to Shelby County. The next mention of the clergy in Shelbyville was in the summer of 1830 with a visit and speech by the Rev. A. M. Elder and Bishop Flaget.
The next known of the presence of a Catholic priest in Shelbyville was in the spring of 1843. During the spring of 1842 James McLaughlin killed a man by the name of Patton on Third Street in Louisville, and upon request for a change of venue the case was tried here in March of 1843. The trial lasted three days, and after four more days spent wrangl-ing and discussion of the case, the jury returned a verdict of guilty and McLaughlin was sentenced to hang, the date of execution fixed for April 27tH that year. McLaughlin was a Catholic and during his incarceration and trial, his wife and a baby in arms came to Shelbyville and boarded at the home of Patrick Higgins, a black-smith who operated a shop on the Northeastern corner of First and Main Streets.
At the request of Mrs. McLaughlin, Father James Quinn of Louisville came here and he too boarded at Mr. Higgins home. Father Quinn was a brother of the man who owned “Quinn`s Row” where the Bloody Monday Riots originated in Louisville in August 1855. Father Quinn died a few months after Bloody Monday of cholera.
The day before McLaughlin was to be hung, his wife and Father Quinn made a trip to Frankfort where they made a personal appeal to Governor Letcher for a pardon. This was denied and they returned to Shelbyville having abandoned hope of saving the life of the convicted man. On the following morning the town was full of people from around the country and adjoining counties, with the curiosity to see a man executed. The streets were crowded and great numbers flocked to the pasture West of town. A scaffold had been erected at the intersection of the Smithfield Pike and the State Road near where the County Fair Grounds are now.
About ten o`clock McLaughlin cut his throat, dying a few hours thereafter, thereby cheating the gallows and disappointing the immense throng that had assembled to see him executed. How he procured the razor was never known. Scandal-mongers and in- temperate talkers started a report that “the old Priest” had given it to him, but Father Quinn, in the old Court House, told eloquently and conclusively what the Catholic faith believes and teaches. He then probably preached the first sermon ever given by a Catholic Priest in Shelbyville. Many of the older citizens who were present on that occasion were convinced that he had nothing to do with furnishing McLaughlin with the razor with which he took his life. However, some of the talkers who lacked self-control of their feelings, continued to negatively talk about Catholics. This talk continued well into the early 1900`s.
In the early part of 1853, Louisville Bishop Martin J. Spaulding, who later became the Archbishop of Baltimore, feeling the necessity for more priests in Kentucky, went to Europe to obtain them if possible. His mission was not a fruitless one, as five young priests came back with him. Of these, Holland native Rev. John Henry Bekkers, minister- ed to the spiritual needs of the Catholics in the Shelbyville area for several years. Father Bekkers was possessed of sufficient means to have lived comfortably in his native land, but imbued with the sanctity of his vows and full of desire to be of service to those who needed it, he came to Kentucky to do his full duty as he saw it. He was a mild mannered, robust, energetic man, whose personality made him friends of all whom he met. He was attached upon his arrival to this state, to the Cathedral in Louisville. He was there less than a year when he was made Chancellor of the Diocese. Exaltation to that honorable office came to him unsolicited, and it did not interfere with his determination to go on “The Mission.” Catholics were scarce in those days in the rural districts, and to meet them meant hardships and privations. Nothing daunted him however, and Father Bekkers obtained permission from his Bishop to make frequent trips to the country. In 1855 he made his first trip to Shelbyville. His presence here soon became known to the handful of people who were Catholic and lived here then, and the announcement that Mass would be celebrated the next morning at the home of Mr. & Mrs. William Shinnick was received by them with pleasure and a comparatively large crowd who could get there were present at this, the first celebration of the sacrifice of the Mass in Shelbyville.
Some of the early Catholics from the area that were here, before there was a Priest to serve them, were the families of Patrick Higgins, the blacksmith, William Shinnicks, Pat Murphy, Herman Deiss, Patrick Welch, Garrett Lee and John Lyons all of Shelbyville, Ned Connell, Ben Morey, Jerry Cotter and Tom Ahrens all of Bagdad, John Geoghegan and Patrick O`Connell both of Eminence, John O`Mullane and MalachI Donohue both of Tay- lorsville, and Thomas O`Donnell and Samuel Heffernans both of Cropper. Mass was said in many of their homes, as these families combined to make the foundation of the parish.
Father Bekkers continued to come to Shelbyville every three or four months, always encouraging the Catholics here, in their hope of being able soon to have a chapel or church of their own, with a resident Priest, promising them material assistance in the future.
In 1859, Mrs. Jane Campbell gave impetus to the hopes for a church in Shelbyville. This lady, prior to her first marriage, was a devout Catholic who lived in Baltimore. She married Mr. Peter Crapster, the grandfather of the Shelbyville Postmaster, and came to Shelbyville to live. Mr. Crapster was a Methodist and his wife “strayed away” from the religion of her childhood. After the death of Mr. Crapster, she married William F. Campbell who was also a Protestant. After Father Bekkers had been here several times, Mrs. Campbell again iden- tified herself with the Catholic Church, becoming so enthusiastic in the discharge of her duties that she made frequent visits to Louisville in order that she might attend Mass more often than was possible at Shelbyville. She and her husband both frequently complained of the time taken, cost in money for these trips, and at the suggestion of Shelbyville resident Patrick Murphy, she agreed to donate a lot 78` X 227` upon which to build a church. Her proposition became known to Father Bekers, but as there were not many Catholics of Shelbyville and they were very poor, matters were not encouraging until help was promised from an unexpected quarter.
Mrs. Ross, a Methodist lady, kept a boarding house here in those days, where the Priest stopped during his visits to Shelbyville. One day, while Father Bekkers was at Mrs. Ross`, the Rev. John Tevis, a Methodist minister and husband of Mrs. Julia A. Tevis who founded Science Hill School and was a friend of Mrs. Ross, called on the boarding house and the two gentlemen became acquainted. The Priest told of his hope of building a church here and of Mrs. Campbell`s agreement to give a lot upon which it might be con-structed. Rev. Tevis not only then and there said that he was anxious to have a Catholic church here, but that he would donate $200 for that purpose and would use his influence with his Protestant friends, that other subscriptions might be procured. In less than two weeks a subscription list, headed with the name of Rev. Travis, was signed by Lud Fore, Marion C. Taylor, G.A. Armstrong and Calvin Fore each of whom gave $100. Other donat-ions from non-Catholics brought the sum total up to about $900, and on January 1st, 1860, Father Bekkers accepted Mrs. Campbell`s deed to the church lot. Liberality and strenuous efforts on the part of the members, supplemented by liberal donations on the part of the friends of Father Bekkers in Louisville, made the prospects of a Catholic church in Shelby- ville promising indeed. The seeming liberality of Rev. Tevis and the other non-Catholics, was not a matter of philanthropy, but of business. It must be remembered that this was in the times of slavery and colored labor was not skilled and intelligent, The people of Shelbyville generally appreciated the competency of the Irish and the German people who came here looking for work. Time and time again, Science Hill School had employed white girls and white men in its laundry, garden and green houses. Stone masons, quarrymen and builders of roads had been here and done satisfactory work in their different lines, yet many of those who under different conditions would have remained, but they returned to the cities. As there was no opportunity for them to attend a church of their own and for this reason they “shook the dust” of Shelbyville from their shoes. To encourage those who were here to stay, and as an inducement for others to come, the request made for subscriptions to the Church Fund met with liberal responses from the non-Catholics of the community.
In the spring of 1860, Mr. William Shinnick at whose home Mass had been celebrated at different times during the preceding five years, bought a farm which was several miles West of town, to which he and his family moved. From that time until, more than a year after the church had been dedicated, Mass was said at the home of Mr. Patrick Welch.
Excavations for the foundations of the church were made in early 1860 as the weather would permit. Every member of the church became enthusiastic, all of them contributing as liberally as possible both in money and work. Most of the building was done by the hands of the parishioners themselves, most of whom were of old Irish stock. Remember, no motorized equipment was available then, so everything was done by hard with many long hours. The bricks for the building were made by hand by John and Ed Brady. The foundation was laid under the supervision of James McCarty and he was assisted by Peter Lee, David Boyle, Thomas Fox, Thomas Gernert, Joseph McGann, Will McFadden, John Harris, John Lyons and others, all vieing with each other in their efforts to do what they could for the good cause. None of them took full pay for their services, and those who could afford it took nothing The carpenter work was done by Watts & Wells of Shelby-ville. The brick laying was done by a man named Campion and the plastering by a man named Nolan, both from Louisville. Both men were assisted by Michael Brown, who not only mixed the mortar and plaster, but also laid some of the brick. The stone work was done by Herman Deiss of Shelbyville, who like the others took little or nothing for the work he did. The work progressed rapidly and by the Autumn the walls were up and the roof was on, but all the money that was available had been spent and to continue work on the church to its
SHELBYVILLE
-------------------
Experiences of Those Who Were Here Before It Was Built--
Names of Those Who Made Its Construction Possible, and
The Names of Those Who Have Served as Pastors
---------------- ------------------
Compiled by John F. Long---2009
The first documentation of a Catholic in Shelbyville was Kean O`Hara. He came to America around 1798 and was one of the most distinguished of Kentucky educators. Tradition says he was invited by Governor Issac Shelby to teach in the state. Sometime before 1802 he taught in Shelbyville. Around 1800 the Rev. Stephen Badin, a pioneer missionary priest in Kentucky, made a visit to Shelby County. The next mention of the clergy in Shelbyville was in the summer of 1830 with a visit and speech by the Rev. A. M. Elder and Bishop Flaget.
The next known of the presence of a Catholic priest in Shelbyville was in the spring of 1843. During the spring of 1842 James McLaughlin killed a man by the name of Patton on Third Street in Louisville, and upon request for a change of venue the case was tried here in March of 1843. The trial lasted three days, and after four more days spent wrangl-ing and discussion of the case, the jury returned a verdict of guilty and McLaughlin was sentenced to hang, the date of execution fixed for April 27tH that year. McLaughlin was a Catholic and during his incarceration and trial, his wife and a baby in arms came to Shelbyville and boarded at the home of Patrick Higgins, a black-smith who operated a shop on the Northeastern corner of First and Main Streets.
At the request of Mrs. McLaughlin, Father James Quinn of Louisville came here and he too boarded at Mr. Higgins home. Father Quinn was a brother of the man who owned “Quinn`s Row” where the Bloody Monday Riots originated in Louisville in August 1855. Father Quinn died a few months after Bloody Monday of cholera.
The day before McLaughlin was to be hung, his wife and Father Quinn made a trip to Frankfort where they made a personal appeal to Governor Letcher for a pardon. This was denied and they returned to Shelbyville having abandoned hope of saving the life of the convicted man. On the following morning the town was full of people from around the country and adjoining counties, with the curiosity to see a man executed. The streets were crowded and great numbers flocked to the pasture West of town. A scaffold had been erected at the intersection of the Smithfield Pike and the State Road near where the County Fair Grounds are now.
About ten o`clock McLaughlin cut his throat, dying a few hours thereafter, thereby cheating the gallows and disappointing the immense throng that had assembled to see him executed. How he procured the razor was never known. Scandal-mongers and in- temperate talkers started a report that “the old Priest” had given it to him, but Father Quinn, in the old Court House, told eloquently and conclusively what the Catholic faith believes and teaches. He then probably preached the first sermon ever given by a Catholic Priest in Shelbyville. Many of the older citizens who were present on that occasion were convinced that he had nothing to do with furnishing McLaughlin with the razor with which he took his life. However, some of the talkers who lacked self-control of their feelings, continued to negatively talk about Catholics. This talk continued well into the early 1900`s.
In the early part of 1853, Louisville Bishop Martin J. Spaulding, who later became the Archbishop of Baltimore, feeling the necessity for more priests in Kentucky, went to Europe to obtain them if possible. His mission was not a fruitless one, as five young priests came back with him. Of these, Holland native Rev. John Henry Bekkers, minister- ed to the spiritual needs of the Catholics in the Shelbyville area for several years. Father Bekkers was possessed of sufficient means to have lived comfortably in his native land, but imbued with the sanctity of his vows and full of desire to be of service to those who needed it, he came to Kentucky to do his full duty as he saw it. He was a mild mannered, robust, energetic man, whose personality made him friends of all whom he met. He was attached upon his arrival to this state, to the Cathedral in Louisville. He was there less than a year when he was made Chancellor of the Diocese. Exaltation to that honorable office came to him unsolicited, and it did not interfere with his determination to go on “The Mission.” Catholics were scarce in those days in the rural districts, and to meet them meant hardships and privations. Nothing daunted him however, and Father Bekkers obtained permission from his Bishop to make frequent trips to the country. In 1855 he made his first trip to Shelbyville. His presence here soon became known to the handful of people who were Catholic and lived here then, and the announcement that Mass would be celebrated the next morning at the home of Mr. & Mrs. William Shinnick was received by them with pleasure and a comparatively large crowd who could get there were present at this, the first celebration of the sacrifice of the Mass in Shelbyville.
Some of the early Catholics from the area that were here, before there was a Priest to serve them, were the families of Patrick Higgins, the blacksmith, William Shinnicks, Pat Murphy, Herman Deiss, Patrick Welch, Garrett Lee and John Lyons all of Shelbyville, Ned Connell, Ben Morey, Jerry Cotter and Tom Ahrens all of Bagdad, John Geoghegan and Patrick O`Connell both of Eminence, John O`Mullane and MalachI Donohue both of Tay- lorsville, and Thomas O`Donnell and Samuel Heffernans both of Cropper. Mass was said in many of their homes, as these families combined to make the foundation of the parish.
Father Bekkers continued to come to Shelbyville every three or four months, always encouraging the Catholics here, in their hope of being able soon to have a chapel or church of their own, with a resident Priest, promising them material assistance in the future.
In 1859, Mrs. Jane Campbell gave impetus to the hopes for a church in Shelbyville. This lady, prior to her first marriage, was a devout Catholic who lived in Baltimore. She married Mr. Peter Crapster, the grandfather of the Shelbyville Postmaster, and came to Shelbyville to live. Mr. Crapster was a Methodist and his wife “strayed away” from the religion of her childhood. After the death of Mr. Crapster, she married William F. Campbell who was also a Protestant. After Father Bekkers had been here several times, Mrs. Campbell again iden- tified herself with the Catholic Church, becoming so enthusiastic in the discharge of her duties that she made frequent visits to Louisville in order that she might attend Mass more often than was possible at Shelbyville. She and her husband both frequently complained of the time taken, cost in money for these trips, and at the suggestion of Shelbyville resident Patrick Murphy, she agreed to donate a lot 78` X 227` upon which to build a church. Her proposition became known to Father Bekers, but as there were not many Catholics of Shelbyville and they were very poor, matters were not encouraging until help was promised from an unexpected quarter.
Mrs. Ross, a Methodist lady, kept a boarding house here in those days, where the Priest stopped during his visits to Shelbyville. One day, while Father Bekkers was at Mrs. Ross`, the Rev. John Tevis, a Methodist minister and husband of Mrs. Julia A. Tevis who founded Science Hill School and was a friend of Mrs. Ross, called on the boarding house and the two gentlemen became acquainted. The Priest told of his hope of building a church here and of Mrs. Campbell`s agreement to give a lot upon which it might be con-structed. Rev. Tevis not only then and there said that he was anxious to have a Catholic church here, but that he would donate $200 for that purpose and would use his influence with his Protestant friends, that other subscriptions might be procured. In less than two weeks a subscription list, headed with the name of Rev. Travis, was signed by Lud Fore, Marion C. Taylor, G.A. Armstrong and Calvin Fore each of whom gave $100. Other donat-ions from non-Catholics brought the sum total up to about $900, and on January 1st, 1860, Father Bekkers accepted Mrs. Campbell`s deed to the church lot. Liberality and strenuous efforts on the part of the members, supplemented by liberal donations on the part of the friends of Father Bekkers in Louisville, made the prospects of a Catholic church in Shelby- ville promising indeed. The seeming liberality of Rev. Tevis and the other non-Catholics, was not a matter of philanthropy, but of business. It must be remembered that this was in the times of slavery and colored labor was not skilled and intelligent, The people of Shelbyville generally appreciated the competency of the Irish and the German people who came here looking for work. Time and time again, Science Hill School had employed white girls and white men in its laundry, garden and green houses. Stone masons, quarrymen and builders of roads had been here and done satisfactory work in their different lines, yet many of those who under different conditions would have remained, but they returned to the cities. As there was no opportunity for them to attend a church of their own and for this reason they “shook the dust” of Shelbyville from their shoes. To encourage those who were here to stay, and as an inducement for others to come, the request made for subscriptions to the Church Fund met with liberal responses from the non-Catholics of the community.
In the spring of 1860, Mr. William Shinnick at whose home Mass had been celebrated at different times during the preceding five years, bought a farm which was several miles West of town, to which he and his family moved. From that time until, more than a year after the church had been dedicated, Mass was said at the home of Mr. Patrick Welch.
Excavations for the foundations of the church were made in early 1860 as the weather would permit. Every member of the church became enthusiastic, all of them contributing as liberally as possible both in money and work. Most of the building was done by the hands of the parishioners themselves, most of whom were of old Irish stock. Remember, no motorized equipment was available then, so everything was done by hard with many long hours. The bricks for the building were made by hand by John and Ed Brady. The foundation was laid under the supervision of James McCarty and he was assisted by Peter Lee, David Boyle, Thomas Fox, Thomas Gernert, Joseph McGann, Will McFadden, John Harris, John Lyons and others, all vieing with each other in their efforts to do what they could for the good cause. None of them took full pay for their services, and those who could afford it took nothing The carpenter work was done by Watts & Wells of Shelby-ville. The brick laying was done by a man named Campion and the plastering by a man named Nolan, both from Louisville. Both men were assisted by Michael Brown, who not only mixed the mortar and plaster, but also laid some of the brick. The stone work was done by Herman Deiss of Shelbyville, who like the others took little or nothing for the work he did. The work progressed rapidly and by the Autumn the walls were up and the roof was on, but all the money that was available had been spent and to continue work on the church to its
Photo of the Church of Annunciation taken in late 1880`s with the new bell-tower
completion was impossible at that time. Father Bekkers determined however that the best thing to do was to have the church dedicated. This was done and the church was dedicated as the Church of the Annunciation on October 2nd, 1860 the Feast of the Holy Angels. The Rt. Rev. Martin J. Spalding, Bishop of Louisville being present and officiated at the ceremonies. Very little of the church was plastered, nor were there any pews in it. However quite a large crowd was present, many which were friends of Father Bekkers from Louisville, coming here for the occasion.
The first marriage in the church was that of Mr. Michael Brown and Miss Kate O`Conner preformed on January 8th 1861, even though the interior was not completed. Both were natives of Ireland, she from the county Kerry and he from the town of Ventry on the Dingle Peninsula. Father Bekkers officiated the ceremony.
Early in 1867, they purchased a two story log home and over an acre of land on Wash-ington Street, where the Stratton Center is now located, for $750.00. They wanted to be close to the church, so they and their family could help clean and maintain the Church. It was here that they became the parents of Richard of Pittsburg, Pa., Mary Jennings of Crescent Hill, Ky., John J., Margaret Cotter, Patrick, Michael, William and Kate Brown all of Shelbyville. Great-grand children who were raised in the parish are Mary A. Krebs of Louisville, Ky., Margaret C Graybill of Atlanta, Ga. and John F. Long of Shelbyville, Ky. The children of Margaret Graybill and John Long were baptized in the church here, and as with some of their grandchildren also being baptized here, that makes the sixth gen- eration to have belonged to the Church of the Annunciation. After the dedication, Father Bekkers came to Shelbyville but just a few more times. Rev. Father Lawrence Bax of St. John`s Church in Louisville and Father Polydore Fermont,
The first marriage in the church was that of Mr. Michael Brown and Miss Kate O`Conner preformed on January 8th 1861, even though the interior was not completed. Both were natives of Ireland, she from the county Kerry and he from the town of Ventry on the Dingle Peninsula. Father Bekkers officiated the ceremony.
Early in 1867, they purchased a two story log home and over an acre of land on Wash-ington Street, where the Stratton Center is now located, for $750.00. They wanted to be close to the church, so they and their family could help clean and maintain the Church. It was here that they became the parents of Richard of Pittsburg, Pa., Mary Jennings of Crescent Hill, Ky., John J., Margaret Cotter, Patrick, Michael, William and Kate Brown all of Shelbyville. Great-grand children who were raised in the parish are Mary A. Krebs of Louisville, Ky., Margaret C Graybill of Atlanta, Ga. and John F. Long of Shelbyville, Ky. The children of Margaret Graybill and John Long were baptized in the church here, and as with some of their grandchildren also being baptized here, that makes the sixth gen- eration to have belonged to the Church of the Annunciation. After the dedication, Father Bekkers came to Shelbyville but just a few more times. Rev. Father Lawrence Bax of St. John`s Church in Louisville and Father Polydore Fermont,
a mission priest, attended to the spiritual wants of the Shelbyville Catholics until May 1861 when Rev. Michael Lawler was appointed the regular pastor. In March of that year before his appointment to the pastorate, Father Lawler went from Louisville to Eminence on a train.There were no trains to Shelbyville, as the L&N and Southern lines were not built until the early 1900`s. From Eminence he rode across the country on horseback, to take a look at the charge which had been offered him. What he found here was enough to discourage one of less energy and determination, but he returned to Louisville and accepted the pas-torate of the Shelbyville, Pewee Valley and Taylorsville churches. Two months later he and Father Bax drove up the pike from Louisville and Father Lawler began at once to bring order out of chaos. The walls were not all plastered on the inside nor any painting done on the outside. The glaziers had done nothing to the windows and no pews had been provided, not even a start on an organ loft had been made, and a bell to summon the faithful to services had not been purchased. The foundation, the walls, roof, floor and a temporary altar were there and that was all. Fortunately they were all paid for and the lot had been donated.
There was no debt, but there was an immense amount of work to be done, and the members of the congregation were poor, although they were liberal and were enthusias- tic. They appreciated the situation and with the assistance of neighbors and others, they were enabled to have the church plastered, the windows put in, a church bell hung in a temporary belfry in the back yard, and crude improvised benches, instead of pews, put it in the church. It was about one year from the time the church was dedicated until the first Mass was said in it. About this time, the first child was baptized in the Church of the Annunciation. She was Mary Ann Murphy, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Patrick Murphy. Father Lawler was the officiating priest at the baptism. She later married Mr. John McClusky of Louisville, Ky.
Until 1863, Father Lawler while in Shelbyville boarded at Mrs. Ross`, the same house in which Rev. John Tevis gave such encouragement to Father Bekkers just four years before He gave two Sundays a month to Shelbyville, one to Pewee Valley, one to Taylorsville, and in months that had five Sundays, he gave the fifth to Jericho. As the greater part of his time was spent in Shelbyville, and tiring of the boarding house life, he longed for a home of his own and looked forward to the time when there would be a priest`s house. In May of that year, he rented what was known as the Henry Burnett house on Washington Street, and influenced his niece, Miss Bridget Gaynor of Huntington, In. to come to Shelbyville and serve as his housekeeper. Shortly after he had begun housekeeping, having the church debt well in hand, Father Lawler began making arrangements for a Rectory, or priest house, on a part of the lot on which the church stood. By the middle of December the house was completed and a few days afterwards Father Lawler moved into it. His niece remained with him as his house-keeper until 1865, when she married Mr. William McFadden. She was then succeeded by her sister Miss Kate Gaynor, who later became the wife of James B. Cooney of Louis-ville. Mrs. Doolan succeeded Miss Kate Gaynor and remained with Father Lawler until he was transferred from Shelbyville.
In 1865 there had not yet been constructed a gallery, or a organ loft, and there had been no celebration of high Mass up to that time. In that year Father Lawler had the present choir gallery built, purchased a pipe organ, and Mrs. C. W. Harwood became the organist. Others who served as organist on a regular basis over the years, were Miss Lizzie Deiss, Mrs.Richard Hennebery, Miss Maggie McQuillan, Miss Mary Shinnick, Miss Alyce Dubourg, Miss Mary Mead, Mrs Ed D. Shinnick and Miss Josephine Connell. Mrs. Dominic Kaltenbacker sang in the choir for more than thirty-five years, and Miss Julia Cotter sang with
There was no debt, but there was an immense amount of work to be done, and the members of the congregation were poor, although they were liberal and were enthusias- tic. They appreciated the situation and with the assistance of neighbors and others, they were enabled to have the church plastered, the windows put in, a church bell hung in a temporary belfry in the back yard, and crude improvised benches, instead of pews, put it in the church. It was about one year from the time the church was dedicated until the first Mass was said in it. About this time, the first child was baptized in the Church of the Annunciation. She was Mary Ann Murphy, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Patrick Murphy. Father Lawler was the officiating priest at the baptism. She later married Mr. John McClusky of Louisville, Ky.
Until 1863, Father Lawler while in Shelbyville boarded at Mrs. Ross`, the same house in which Rev. John Tevis gave such encouragement to Father Bekkers just four years before He gave two Sundays a month to Shelbyville, one to Pewee Valley, one to Taylorsville, and in months that had five Sundays, he gave the fifth to Jericho. As the greater part of his time was spent in Shelbyville, and tiring of the boarding house life, he longed for a home of his own and looked forward to the time when there would be a priest`s house. In May of that year, he rented what was known as the Henry Burnett house on Washington Street, and influenced his niece, Miss Bridget Gaynor of Huntington, In. to come to Shelbyville and serve as his housekeeper. Shortly after he had begun housekeeping, having the church debt well in hand, Father Lawler began making arrangements for a Rectory, or priest house, on a part of the lot on which the church stood. By the middle of December the house was completed and a few days afterwards Father Lawler moved into it. His niece remained with him as his house-keeper until 1865, when she married Mr. William McFadden. She was then succeeded by her sister Miss Kate Gaynor, who later became the wife of James B. Cooney of Louis-ville. Mrs. Doolan succeeded Miss Kate Gaynor and remained with Father Lawler until he was transferred from Shelbyville.
In 1865 there had not yet been constructed a gallery, or a organ loft, and there had been no celebration of high Mass up to that time. In that year Father Lawler had the present choir gallery built, purchased a pipe organ, and Mrs. C. W. Harwood became the organist. Others who served as organist on a regular basis over the years, were Miss Lizzie Deiss, Mrs.Richard Hennebery, Miss Maggie McQuillan, Miss Mary Shinnick, Miss Alyce Dubourg, Miss Mary Mead, Mrs Ed D. Shinnick and Miss Josephine Connell. Mrs. Dominic Kaltenbacker sang in the choir for more than thirty-five years, and Miss Julia Cotter sang with
Father John H. Riley was a popular and ambitious pastor from 1905 to 1918
the choir and was a soloist for over fifty years. In 1876 a “mission” was given here, at which Rev. J. Lancaster Spalding, then a young priest, later to be the Bishop of Peoria, delivered a series of eloquent sermons. During that mission, Mr. William F. Campbell, the husband of the lady who had donated the church lot, was converted to Catholicism. He remained an enthusiastic member of the church until his death, which occurred in 1871. Mrs. Campbell died in1886.
On September 14th, 1868 Bishop McClouskey came to Shelbyville to administer confirm- ation to a class. Learning fully then, of what Father Lawler had done for the Catholics of Shelbyville, and being impressed with the gentleman`s energy, business qualifications and piety, he offered him the pastorate of St. Patrick`s Church and school at Market and 13th Streets in Louisville. This was quite a complement and a deserved promotion, and while the people of Shelbyville grieved when their beloved priest announced his determ- ination to move into “a larger field,” they congratulated Father Lawler upon his good fortune becoming pastor of St. Patrick`s. He assumed his duties at St. Patrick`s in November 1868, after having served the con-gregation in Shelbyville for more than seven years, paying off a large debt, making many improvements, and leaving the church entirely out of debt when his successor, Rev. Dominic Crane took charge. The subsequent experiences and lamented death of Father Lawler are matters of church history. Father Crane was pastor here twice. First as the immediate successor of Father Lawler when he remained here less than two years. He was returned to Shelbyville as the pastor in 1888, remaining here four years.
While here the last time, he collected the money that built the bell tower now in the front of
On September 14th, 1868 Bishop McClouskey came to Shelbyville to administer confirm- ation to a class. Learning fully then, of what Father Lawler had done for the Catholics of Shelbyville, and being impressed with the gentleman`s energy, business qualifications and piety, he offered him the pastorate of St. Patrick`s Church and school at Market and 13th Streets in Louisville. This was quite a complement and a deserved promotion, and while the people of Shelbyville grieved when their beloved priest announced his determ- ination to move into “a larger field,” they congratulated Father Lawler upon his good fortune becoming pastor of St. Patrick`s. He assumed his duties at St. Patrick`s in November 1868, after having served the con-gregation in Shelbyville for more than seven years, paying off a large debt, making many improvements, and leaving the church entirely out of debt when his successor, Rev. Dominic Crane took charge. The subsequent experiences and lamented death of Father Lawler are matters of church history. Father Crane was pastor here twice. First as the immediate successor of Father Lawler when he remained here less than two years. He was returned to Shelbyville as the pastor in 1888, remaining here four years.
While here the last time, he collected the money that built the bell tower now in the front of
the church, built an iron fence in front of the church property and put in wainscoating and other improvements on the interior of the church. The permanent improvements made by him at that time cost about $1,700, of which about $1,400 was the cost of the bell tower. Until that time the church bell had hung in the open in the yard back of the church. C. A. Curtin an architect from Louisville, drew the plans for the tower and L. H. Gruber & Sons, of Shelbyville, built the tower. Father Crane later be-came the Chaplin at Sts. Mary and Elizabeth Hospital in Louisville.
Father James P. Ryan came here in 1869, but stayed less than a year. Shortly after leaving Shelbyville, he was transferred to another Diocese. It was later learned that on March 17th, 1909, a Papal Brief reached Bishop Davis of Davenport, Iowa, appointing the Rev. Msgr. James P. Ryan a proto-notary Apostolic.
After Father Ryan left, came Rev. D. J. O`Donovan in 1870. He too stayed here only a year, afterwards going East. He died in Boston in 1892. In 1871 Rev. Martin J. Flynn came here as pastor. During the latter part of his pastorate a convent and school was established here by the Sisters of the Third Order of St.Francis of the Immaculate Conception. They bought desirably located property, and later built a large three-story annex to the purchased property. The school was open both to day students and boarders. There were comparatively few Catholic children here and very few that came from a distance to attend the school, but it did thrive for about fifteen years
There were as many as fifteen of the Sisters here at a time, but sufficient patronage was not accorded them to justify them to continue the school. Financially the enterprise was a failure and in 1887, the Sisters accepted a proposition to establish an institution at Clinton, Iowa. They later sold their property and two of the most attractive residences in Shelbyville were built on the “Convent property.” Over the years the homes have been demolished. Neither is there now, nor has there ever been another Catholic School that was supported by the church in Shelbyville.
After Father Flynn left in 1874, came Rev. William Hogarty, who remained here two years. He later became Pastor of St. Catherine`s Church in New Haven, Ky., and the Rev. H. Mertens succeeded Father Flynn, but he was here less than two years.
Rev. Hugh Daley was pastor here after Father Mertens. He stayed here from 1877 to 1888. He left Shelbyville to become pastor of St. James church in Elizabethtown. After Father Daley, Father Dominic Crane returned for the second time here for four more years. Rev. James F. Donohue came to Annunciation in 1892, remaining here two years. While here, extensive improvements were made in the church. The walls and ceiling were paint-ed and decorated, new pews to succeed those that had done service for thirty years were purchased and put in place. New stained glass windows were put in and new “Stations of the Cross” were procured. Father Donohue left this Diocese immediately upon his de-parture from Shelbyville, in 1894. He was at Saline, Il. for a while, and later going farther West. Rev. J.H. Cushing came here in 1894 and made a number of improvements to the
Father James P. Ryan came here in 1869, but stayed less than a year. Shortly after leaving Shelbyville, he was transferred to another Diocese. It was later learned that on March 17th, 1909, a Papal Brief reached Bishop Davis of Davenport, Iowa, appointing the Rev. Msgr. James P. Ryan a proto-notary Apostolic.
After Father Ryan left, came Rev. D. J. O`Donovan in 1870. He too stayed here only a year, afterwards going East. He died in Boston in 1892. In 1871 Rev. Martin J. Flynn came here as pastor. During the latter part of his pastorate a convent and school was established here by the Sisters of the Third Order of St.Francis of the Immaculate Conception. They bought desirably located property, and later built a large three-story annex to the purchased property. The school was open both to day students and boarders. There were comparatively few Catholic children here and very few that came from a distance to attend the school, but it did thrive for about fifteen years
There were as many as fifteen of the Sisters here at a time, but sufficient patronage was not accorded them to justify them to continue the school. Financially the enterprise was a failure and in 1887, the Sisters accepted a proposition to establish an institution at Clinton, Iowa. They later sold their property and two of the most attractive residences in Shelbyville were built on the “Convent property.” Over the years the homes have been demolished. Neither is there now, nor has there ever been another Catholic School that was supported by the church in Shelbyville.
After Father Flynn left in 1874, came Rev. William Hogarty, who remained here two years. He later became Pastor of St. Catherine`s Church in New Haven, Ky., and the Rev. H. Mertens succeeded Father Flynn, but he was here less than two years.
Rev. Hugh Daley was pastor here after Father Mertens. He stayed here from 1877 to 1888. He left Shelbyville to become pastor of St. James church in Elizabethtown. After Father Daley, Father Dominic Crane returned for the second time here for four more years. Rev. James F. Donohue came to Annunciation in 1892, remaining here two years. While here, extensive improvements were made in the church. The walls and ceiling were paint-ed and decorated, new pews to succeed those that had done service for thirty years were purchased and put in place. New stained glass windows were put in and new “Stations of the Cross” were procured. Father Donohue left this Diocese immediately upon his de-parture from Shelbyville, in 1894. He was at Saline, Il. for a while, and later going farther West. Rev. J.H. Cushing came here in 1894 and made a number of improvements to the
First Communion class on June 11,1920 with Father Vincent Sciolla. Children are front row
(L-R) Ervin(Puss) Greenwell, Bill Flannery, Margaret Cotter, Julia Cotter, William Crane, John Morris. Back (L-R) Paul Bohn, Father Sciolla and Marion Bohn.
(L-R) Ervin(Puss) Greenwell, Bill Flannery, Margaret Cotter, Julia Cotter, William Crane, John Morris. Back (L-R) Paul Bohn, Father Sciolla and Marion Bohn.
church property, including the concrete walk in front of the church and priest house. Healso went out West and died at Denver, Col. several years later.
It is very obvious that many of the Pastors were not here for very many years during this twenty-five year period. This can be traced to the rapid expansion of the Catholic Church, as well as the area that the Shelbyville church covered. Some of the stations and missions whose people were under the spiritual care of the pastors of the Church of the Annunciation during this time were: Bedford, Rollington, LaGrange, Pewee Valley, Jericho, Drennon, Preston`s, Mount Eden, Bagdad, Eminence, Taylorsville, New Castle, Cropper, Campbellsburg, Clarke, Lockport, Brownsboro and Crestwood. Travel was hard in those days as there were not many good roads and methods of travel was very primitive.
In 1895 Rev. John J. Fitzgerald came to Shelbyville as pastor, remaining more than ten years. He was a good worker and made quite a number of improvements while here, most notably a new pipe organ, which he purchased to replace the wheezy old affair that Father Lawler bought second hand nearly thirty years before. He left here the latter part of Dec-ember, 1905 to build a new church at Highland Park, at that time a suburb of Louisville. The church was St. Leo`s, with an adjoining comfortable residence and a prosperous par- ochial school. This was all made possible by his faithfulness to the task he had under-taken, and it constitutes a monument that will stand to his credit in the Highland Park community long after his death. In January,1906 , Rev. John H. Riley; came to Shelbyville. There had been a number of popular pastors here since the church was built, but not one had been as popular as Father Riley.
It is very obvious that many of the Pastors were not here for very many years during this twenty-five year period. This can be traced to the rapid expansion of the Catholic Church, as well as the area that the Shelbyville church covered. Some of the stations and missions whose people were under the spiritual care of the pastors of the Church of the Annunciation during this time were: Bedford, Rollington, LaGrange, Pewee Valley, Jericho, Drennon, Preston`s, Mount Eden, Bagdad, Eminence, Taylorsville, New Castle, Cropper, Campbellsburg, Clarke, Lockport, Brownsboro and Crestwood. Travel was hard in those days as there were not many good roads and methods of travel was very primitive.
In 1895 Rev. John J. Fitzgerald came to Shelbyville as pastor, remaining more than ten years. He was a good worker and made quite a number of improvements while here, most notably a new pipe organ, which he purchased to replace the wheezy old affair that Father Lawler bought second hand nearly thirty years before. He left here the latter part of Dec-ember, 1905 to build a new church at Highland Park, at that time a suburb of Louisville. The church was St. Leo`s, with an adjoining comfortable residence and a prosperous par- ochial school. This was all made possible by his faithfulness to the task he had under-taken, and it constitutes a monument that will stand to his credit in the Highland Park community long after his death. In January,1906 , Rev. John H. Riley; came to Shelbyville. There had been a number of popular pastors here since the church was built, but not one had been as popular as Father Riley.
His warm personal friends were not confined to the members of his church. He was first of all a Catholic priest, who did his full duty as such, and insisted that his parishioners do the same. With non-Catholics as well as those of his faith, he was “a good mixer,” the kind that everybody likes and esteems. In October, 1910 the church celebrated its semi-centennial and he made it an affair of considerable importance. A new and imposing church building was always his ambition. He always felt that the church should be a basilica style, as it was the main church serving the six county area. His friends, both Catholic and non-Catholic wished him hearty success in his laudable ambition, and as he was a hustler, as well as an exceptionally good man, it was thought his hopes would be realized. At that time it was possible to build a new church, but with the high material charges, improvement and enlargement of the present church and the amount of money to build the kind of church he wanted, he had to be content with the old one. One of the more festive occasions during this time was the celebration of Father Riley`s Silver Jubilee. A large banquet was held, and Governor A. O. Stanley served as toastmaster. Father Riley left Shelbyville late in 1918. He was followed by Father Vincent Sciolla, a native of Italy. Being from and educated in Italy, it goes without saying that Father Sciolla was a very religious man. During the nine years he was here, he had numerous religious missions and prayer services that strengthened the faith of every parishioner in the congregation. When Father Sciolla developed some health problems he was replaced by Father Joseph Humma in 1928. He served the parish well, as he was here only four years. In 1932, Father Humma was transferred to a larger parish in Louisville, where he also had the responsibility of a large parochial school.
In 1932, a young priest named Father Bernard J. Kieffer was appointed pastor of the Church of the Annunciation. Father Kieffer was the first Shelbyville priest to have receiv-ed his entire education in Rome, Italy. It was during this time that The Great Depression occurred and it was at its worst while he was here. Faced with the challenge to finance church expenses, he established what was known as the Lawn Fete. It started as an out-door social on the lawn, open to the public. Home-made cake and ice cream was served by parish members to those seated at card tables, located on the First Street side of the church. Games were later added, with prizes of home-made cakes, candy, fruit and soft drinks. The profit of almost $300 from the first Lawn Fete, was a great help to offset the expenses of the Church. Father Kieffer was transferred to become pastor of Holy Trinity Church (now Trinity High School) in St. Matthews in 1938. As he continued to assume more duties, he was later given the title of Monsignor. On February 23,1938, the Papal Letters issued by Pope Pius XI in December,1937 were executed as they established Louisville as an Archdiocese. The Most Rev. John A. Floersh was designated as Louisville`s first Archbishop. He had been the sixth Bishop of Louis-ville since July 1924. The new province was formed to oversee the dioceses of Louisville, Owensboro, Knoxville, Nashville and Covington.
Father James E. Lehmann was sent as the new pastor after Father Kieffer, but he re- mained here only three years. In 1941 he was then transferred to Our Lady in Louisville, as he was young and prepared to lead the rapidly growing parish and parochial school. It was there on April 27,1950 that he acted as host for his fellow priests, who were alumni of the Innsbruck Seminary. Many Louisville priest were educated in Austria, as the dio- cese had a vast number of German immigrants who spoke little English. On this day, there were over 200 priests from all over the world who came to the church to assist in a Solemn Mass. It was an
In 1932, a young priest named Father Bernard J. Kieffer was appointed pastor of the Church of the Annunciation. Father Kieffer was the first Shelbyville priest to have receiv-ed his entire education in Rome, Italy. It was during this time that The Great Depression occurred and it was at its worst while he was here. Faced with the challenge to finance church expenses, he established what was known as the Lawn Fete. It started as an out-door social on the lawn, open to the public. Home-made cake and ice cream was served by parish members to those seated at card tables, located on the First Street side of the church. Games were later added, with prizes of home-made cakes, candy, fruit and soft drinks. The profit of almost $300 from the first Lawn Fete, was a great help to offset the expenses of the Church. Father Kieffer was transferred to become pastor of Holy Trinity Church (now Trinity High School) in St. Matthews in 1938. As he continued to assume more duties, he was later given the title of Monsignor. On February 23,1938, the Papal Letters issued by Pope Pius XI in December,1937 were executed as they established Louisville as an Archdiocese. The Most Rev. John A. Floersh was designated as Louisville`s first Archbishop. He had been the sixth Bishop of Louis-ville since July 1924. The new province was formed to oversee the dioceses of Louisville, Owensboro, Knoxville, Nashville and Covington.
Father James E. Lehmann was sent as the new pastor after Father Kieffer, but he re- mained here only three years. In 1941 he was then transferred to Our Lady in Louisville, as he was young and prepared to lead the rapidly growing parish and parochial school. It was there on April 27,1950 that he acted as host for his fellow priests, who were alumni of the Innsbruck Seminary. Many Louisville priest were educated in Austria, as the dio- cese had a vast number of German immigrants who spoke little English. On this day, there were over 200 priests from all over the world who came to the church to assist in a Solemn Mass. It was an
The Confirmation class of June 1940 with Archbishop Floersh and Father Lehman
unforgettable day for all. On March 13, 1957, Father Lehmann along with Monsignor Van Bogaert and Monsignor Schmidt celebrated the Silver Jubilee of their ordination at Innsbruck. Father Richard E. Hommerich replaced Father Lehman in 1941. Father Hommerich made friends easily, and was liked by all in the parish. He made such a positive impression on everyone, that his nephew Thomas was ordained a priest in July, 1964. Being here during the years of World War II, made it impossible to make any improvements to the church. All building materials were going to the war effort, and were unavailable for civilian use.
In 1949, Father Vincent Manger became the pastor. Even though he was a small man in stature, he was full of energy and focused on making major improvements to the in-terior of the church. These improvements had to be done, as it had been over ten years since any interior maintenance had been done. The old wood floors were replaced with terrazzo flooring. All the walls were repaired and painted decoratively. A new roof was installed, as leaks over the years had seriously damaged the ceiling. The ceiling was cov-ered with decorative styro foam tiles, and the pews were reconditioned and some were replaced.
In 1949, Father Vincent Manger became the pastor. Even though he was a small man in stature, he was full of energy and focused on making major improvements to the in-terior of the church. These improvements had to be done, as it had been over ten years since any interior maintenance had been done. The old wood floors were replaced with terrazzo flooring. All the walls were repaired and painted decoratively. A new roof was installed, as leaks over the years had seriously damaged the ceiling. The ceiling was cov-ered with decorative styro foam tiles, and the pews were reconditioned and some were replaced.
Father Richard E. Hommerich replaced Father Lehman in 1941. Father Hommerich made friends easily, and was liked by all in the parish. He made such a positive impression on everyone, that his nephew Thomas was ordained a priest in July, 1964. Being here during the years of World War II, made it impossible to make any improvements to the church. All building materials were going to the war effort, and were unavailable for civilian use.
In 1949, Father Vincent Manger became the pastor. Even though he was a small man in stature, he was full of energy and focused on making major improvements to the in-terior of the church. These improvements had to be done, as it had been over ten years since any interior maintenance had been done. The old wood floors were replaced with terrazzo flooring. All the walls were repaired and painted decoratively. A new roof was installed, as leaks over the years had seriously damaged the ceiling. The ceiling was cov-ered with decorative styro foam tiles, and the pews were reconditioned and some were replaced.
Major maintenance and repairs were preformed on the heating system, the windows, the bell-tower and the organ. Mr. and Mrs. Annibale Biagi commissioned and donated a marble baptismal font to be made in Italy in memory of their son John Gregory who was killed in April 1945 by German rifle fire just a few days before the end of World War II. He had just graduated from high school in June 1944. Other donations included the Altar furniture given by the father and sister of Father Manger.
During Father Manger`s pastorate, the state widened First Street, removing the dec- orative wrought iron fence and several feet from the lawn. However additional property to the rear of the Church was obtained on which the educational building was later built. Father Manger also acquired special permission from Pope to celebrate three Masses on Sundays so he could celebrate Mass every Sunday in Eminence. Attendance began to grow and improvements to St. John Chrysostom became more affordable.
In 1956, Father Manger was reassigned to St. Luke in Southern Louisville. He was re-placed by Father James S. French who quickly got to know all the families of the parish as he frequently visited the homes. Father French was a very spiritual person, and had such a caring personality, that he was easily accepted. After being here nine years, he was transferred in 1965 to St. Andrew in Harrodsburg. Father Joseph A. Lyon was pastor 1965 to 1969. It was during his tenure that the new educational building was built.
In 1949, Father Vincent Manger became the pastor. Even though he was a small man in stature, he was full of energy and focused on making major improvements to the in-terior of the church. These improvements had to be done, as it had been over ten years since any interior maintenance had been done. The old wood floors were replaced with terrazzo flooring. All the walls were repaired and painted decoratively. A new roof was installed, as leaks over the years had seriously damaged the ceiling. The ceiling was cov-ered with decorative styro foam tiles, and the pews were reconditioned and some were replaced.
Major maintenance and repairs were preformed on the heating system, the windows, the bell-tower and the organ. Mr. and Mrs. Annibale Biagi commissioned and donated a marble baptismal font to be made in Italy in memory of their son John Gregory who was killed in April 1945 by German rifle fire just a few days before the end of World War II. He had just graduated from high school in June 1944. Other donations included the Altar furniture given by the father and sister of Father Manger.
During Father Manger`s pastorate, the state widened First Street, removing the dec- orative wrought iron fence and several feet from the lawn. However additional property to the rear of the Church was obtained on which the educational building was later built. Father Manger also acquired special permission from Pope to celebrate three Masses on Sundays so he could celebrate Mass every Sunday in Eminence. Attendance began to grow and improvements to St. John Chrysostom became more affordable.
In 1956, Father Manger was reassigned to St. Luke in Southern Louisville. He was re-placed by Father James S. French who quickly got to know all the families of the parish as he frequently visited the homes. Father French was a very spiritual person, and had such a caring personality, that he was easily accepted. After being here nine years, he was transferred in 1965 to St. Andrew in Harrodsburg. Father Joseph A. Lyon was pastor 1965 to 1969. It was during his tenure that the new educational building was built.
The interior of the church after the renovation by Father Manger in the early 50`s
Educational classes were previously taught in the original priest home, which was a large two story home next to the church. At the same time, the church was remodeled to conform to Vatican II. The architectural work was done by J. Quintin Biagi, a member of the parish. New pews, altar, tabernacle and pulpit were install-ed. Also it was at this time that the old plaster on the exterior of the church was removed, and tuck-pointing of the brick was completed. Father Chester B. Bowling replaced Father Lyon in 1969. Father Bowling has the distinction of being pastor here at Church of the Annunciation longer than any other pastor. He was here until 1983, over 14 years. During his pastoral time here, several parcels of property were purchased for future development. A new rectory was also built, which replaced the original one that was built in 1864.
Father John A. Lesousky, of the Resurrection Order, became pastor in 1983. Father John grew up at St. Mary`s Seminary as his father was a teacher there. When he was old enough to go the seminary, he went to St. Peters Seminary and Western University in Canada and the Gregorian University in Rome. After being ordained in Rome, he returned to St Mary`s as a teacher in 1957 and later became rector there in 1970. He was one of the most loved and respected priests, both by Catholics and non-Catholics, to have been at the Church of the Annunciation. He was known for his faithfulness to visit the sick and infirmed.
Father John A. Lesousky, of the Resurrection Order, became pastor in 1983. Father John grew up at St. Mary`s Seminary as his father was a teacher there. When he was old enough to go the seminary, he went to St. Peters Seminary and Western University in Canada and the Gregorian University in Rome. After being ordained in Rome, he returned to St Mary`s as a teacher in 1957 and later became rector there in 1970. He was one of the most loved and respected priests, both by Catholics and non-Catholics, to have been at the Church of the Annunciation. He was known for his faithfulness to visit the sick and infirmed.
The first Mass celebrated in the Church after remodeling to conform to Vatican II
home coming for him, the people of Annunciation sure hated to see him leave. After a few years at St. Cecilia, he celebrated his Golden Jubilee to the priesthood. A large gathering attended the Solemn High Mass and celebration, of which almost half were from Shelbyville. Shortly after his Golden Jubilee, he retired. 15 years after he left Annunciation, many from the church visit him and take him out to dinner.
The new pastor for Annunciation was Father Charles J. Batcheldor who arrived in mid 1993. He had been pastor at St. Francis of Assisi in Louisville. It was during his years as pastor, that the Centro Latino Center was established. The property at Second and Main Streets was later purchased for storage and work area of the Center . The church also acquired the property across Main Street which was renovated and converted into the offices for the Church of the Annunciation. It was named the Cotter Center because of a monetary gift in memory of the family given at the death of Wm. Joseph Cotter. A new sanctuary was added to the existing church and was opened for use in the fall of 1999. David M. Biagi was the architect for this project. Shortly after the dedication of the new sanctuary, Father Batcheldor announced his retirement.
The new pastor for Annunciation was Father Charles J. Batcheldor who arrived in mid 1993. He had been pastor at St. Francis of Assisi in Louisville. It was during his years as pastor, that the Centro Latino Center was established. The property at Second and Main Streets was later purchased for storage and work area of the Center . The church also acquired the property across Main Street which was renovated and converted into the offices for the Church of the Annunciation. It was named the Cotter Center because of a monetary gift in memory of the family given at the death of Wm. Joseph Cotter. A new sanctuary was added to the existing church and was opened for use in the fall of 1999. David M. Biagi was the architect for this project. Shortly after the dedication of the new sanctuary, Father Batcheldor announced his retirement.
In 1988, Barney Bright was commissioned to design a bronze sculpture of the Christ-like figure with extended arms which is mounted on the wall behind the Altar.The statue which stands five feet tall, weighs over two hundred pounds. Mr.Bright was a nationally known artist and a native of Shelbyville, but this is his only piece of work in his hometown of Shelbyville, although some of his works are all over the world. In 1993, Father Lesousky was assigned to St. Cecilia, where he had been pastor years earlier. Even though it was a
Father William Bowling was assigned to become the pastor. Ordained in 1997, this became his first pastorate assignment. In 2001, the church was able to secure the old service station at Second and Main Streets. With this acquisition, the church property consist of the entire block between First and Second Streets. In 2006, a large warehouse and show-room building on West side of Second Street became available. As it adjoined the church property, a sensible decision was made to purchase it and convert it into a social hall for the parish members. It also provides classrooms and extra storage space.
Due to the lack of attendance and the shortage of priests, many of the churches in the dioceses have closed, or they have combined with surrounding parishes to form a cluster church. As the Church of the Annunciation has been growing in numbers the last several years, and members have been as involved and active as the early parishioners were, it seems the church will be here another 150 years.
Due to the lack of attendance and the shortage of priests, many of the churches in the dioceses have closed, or they have combined with surrounding parishes to form a cluster church. As the Church of the Annunciation has been growing in numbers the last several years, and members have been as involved and active as the early parishioners were, it seems the church will be here another 150 years.
Information of the history was gathered from notes and correspondence of Michael Brown, Margaret B. Cotter, Daniel O`Sullivan, John F. Long, The Shelby Sentinel and The Chancery of the Archdiocese of Louisville Copyright ©2009
Used w/permission from Author
Used w/permission from Author
