A special memorial afghan has been ordered and will be available for anyone to purchase for $49.95. One will be on display at the parish office.

Fr. Elisha Durbin, riding horseback through the woods, was the first to set the sign of religion in the county. St. Ann was the fourth Catholic Church in Union County, preceded by Sacred Heart, St. Ambrose, and St. Agnes. It was erected in 1876-1877 on land donated by the prominent attorney and State Senator Ignatius A. Spalding, Jr. A committee made up of Senator Spalding, Dr. T.]. Shoemaker, Ben Thomas, Charles Alvey, and Louis Wathen oversaw the construction. The original cost was $9000.00. Bishop McClosky was the Bishop of the Diocese of Louisville. The 500 pound bell was donated by Mr. and Mrs. Robert Spalding, Atlanta, Ga.

There is more than one account of how St. Ann Church got her name. However, the most credible is that Senator Spaulding’s wife and also his mother were named Ann. Hence, it was named St. Ann, mother of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

The first baptismal record entry was May 21, 1876, by Fr. Theophilus Kellenaers, who was the first pastor. Fr. Kellenaers retained the pastor’s home at St. Ambrose, Henshaw, since St. Ann was a mission then. It was not until 1889 that a priest’s residence was constructed, under the supervision of Fr. Robert Craney. Also under the supervision of Fr. Craney, St. Ann School was built in 1912.

In 1913, the extension was added under the pastorate of Fr. Charles Rahm, which now makes up the sanctuary, sacristies and basement. It is presumed the exterior stucco was applied during this renovation.

In 1925, Fr. Charles Rahm oversaw a complete renovation of the church’s interior. This included 14 stained glass windows from Innsbruck, Austria. These Tyrolese Tradition windows were donated by various groups and individuals.

It is believed, in the early 1950’s, the upper part of the center altar was removed and replaced with the Crucifixion mural.

In 1969-70, during the pastorate of Fr. Joseph Saffer, another major interior renovation took place, which included the removal of the mural which was replaced with marble trim, new pews, complete concrete floor, and the first carpet. The wooden altar and communion rail were removed at this time.

In 1985, under the pastorate of Fr. Aloysius Powers, the present rectory was constructed, which includes several meeting rooms in the basement. The original rectory was built sometime before 1912 and torn down after the new one was built.

In 1997-98, under the pastorate of Fr. Patrick M. Bittel, a new 16,000 square foot parish hall was constructed. It includes the parish offices, parish hall, activity room, video library, cafeteria and kitchen. A prayer garden, directly behind the church, was donated. Bishop John 3. McRaith, Diocese of Owensboro, was present in the fall of 1998 to dedicate and bless the new building.

In 1999-2000, also under the pastorate of Fr. Patrick M. Bittel, an interior renovation of the church was completed, which included cleaning of the stained glass windows, new light fixtures, complete repainting, and installation of a rest room. Several donations were made to refurbish the Stations of the Cross, as well as other new sacramentals. On April 9, 2000 Bishop John 1. McRaith was present for the rededication of the church and to bless the new crucifix.

During the fall of 2000, the entire exterior of the church was repainted. After completion, Fr. Patrick M. Bittel blessed the new Right to Life monument, donated by the Knights of Columbus, and blessed the new prayer garden.

Rev. Theophilus Kellenaers 1876-1888

Rev. James F. Donahue 1888-1888

Rev. Patrick Walsh 1888-1889

Rev. Robert Craney 1889-1913

Rev. Charles E. Rahm 1913-1932

Rev. Francis I. Smith 1932-1938

Rev. Paul C. Barrett 1938-1947

Rev. Joseph L. Spalding 1947-1965

Rev. Joseph W. Saffer 1965-1971

Rev. Thomas Clark 1971-1982

Rev. Aloysius F. Powers 1982-1989

Rev. J. Bradley Whistle 1989-1991

Rev. J. Patrick Reynolds 1991-1992

Rev. Severin Messick 1992-1996

Rev. Patrick M. Bittel 1996-