In the summer of 1967 Mass was offered in the open air. In 1968 a pavilion was built to accomodate Catholics who lived or vacationed in the area. During this time Mass was celebrated each year from the first Sunday of May until Labor Day. It was called "the open air Mass."

In the fall of 1985 the pavilion was enclosed and the following year finishing touches made it into St. Anthony of Padua Church. Since Christmas 1986, Mass has been offered every Sunday.

Msgr. George H. Hancock is the present pastor and the priest who developed the parish.

Two Glenmary Sisters, Sister Rosemary Esterkamp and Sister Martha Schuller have a mission program at Smithland, KY., the county seat of Livingston County. St. Anthony Parish includes all of Livingston County, a population of 9,250 with a total Catholic population of 30.

The Glenmary Sisters reside at 520 Court St., Smithland, KY 42081.

The parish primarily serves tourists. It has only 71 members. There are no ccd classes for lack of children. No organizations other than the parish council. The majority of members are retired.

The parish is located at the northern end of the "Land between the Lakes", between Kentucky and Barkley Lakes, a resort area in Western Kentucky.