History of St

Many of our Catholic ancestors came to this country from England. To one of these families living in Madison Co., Ky., was born a son. Elisha J. Durbin, in 1800. On September 21, 1822, he was ordained by Bishop David. In 1824, he was given pastoral care of the entire Catholic population of Western and Southwestern Kentucky.

Fr. Durbin organized St. Agnes Parish in 1859. In 1860, he built a neat substantial brick church on a lot donated by William David, a non-Catholic. In 1870, Fr. G.A. VanFroostenberghe became pastor of our growing congregation. In 1878 Fr. VanFroostengerghe was succeeded by Fr. B.E. Daly who in turn was replaced by Fr. M. Dillon in 1880. During their residency, two tracts of land were purchased south of the city for the parish cemetery.

Rev. Theophilus Kellenaers became pastor in 1888. It was during his 33 years as pastor that we acquired our present beautiful church. It is of Rananesque style and contains irreplaceable stained glass windows. The foundation was laid in the fall of 1891. The entire church was built for $38,000 and was completely free of debt before consecration ceremonies on October 11, 1893.

August, 1920 brought us Fr. R.C. Buff. Fr. P.C. Barrett served as pastor pro-tem from February to May 1924. He was followed by Rev. J.T. Pieters. Soon after his arrival in Uniontown. he had the church redecorated. The most beautiful addition to the church was the frescoes painted on the ceiling and around the doors and windows (later removed). Improvements also included the purchase of a $10,000 Kelgen pipe organ which is still in use today. It is the largest and most beautiful organ in the area.

Fr. Pieters' successors were Frs. J.P. Hayden (1935-36). Delphin R. Thomas (1937-38), Robert Whelan (1938), and A.J. Thompkins (1938). The summer of 1942 brought the arrival of Fr. Raymond G. Hill. During his 20 years at St. Agnes. the church was again redecorated.

Fr. Pius Edelen was assigned to St. Agnes parish from 1962 to 1976. The church was repaired and completely redecorated once again in 1975. On July 20, 1976, Fr. Charles G. Fischer was appointed pastor of St. Agnes. In January, 1981, a major renovation program was begun and completed in the spring. The renovation included painting throughout, new pews, two restrooms added, installation of carpet and tiling of the vestibules. Parishioners did 99% of the work. Fr. Jim Miller, C.PP.S., became pastor in June, 1983. During this period extensive exterior improvements were made: tuckpointing of the brick, new concrete for the entrance steps, terrace around the church and sidewalks. Ramps for the handicapped were also installed. Central air conditioners were installed. The 125th Anniversary of St. Agnes Church was also celebrated in 1984.

Fr. Jim Millers' successors were Frs. Henry Frantz, C.PP.S., 1985-1994, then Fr. Henry Wieder, 1994-1997. Fr. Henry Willett, 1997-1998, Fr Robert Willett, 1998-2001. Fr. Bob was given the additional pastorates of Sacred Heart Parrish and St. Peter Parrish due to a shortage of priest. He died while resident pastor on November 6, 2001. In June of 2002 Fr Terry Devine was appointed pastor of St. Agnes Parrish, along with Sacred Heart and St. Peter Parrishes, continuing the pattern began by Fr. Bob Willett.