Fr. Charles Eggermont served as pastor 1872-1878 when St. Mary's became an independent parish.  Fr. Kyran W. King became the first resident pastor and soon began work on the "new" brick church, which was dedicated on June 8, 1884.  Fr. John Sheridan led the community in worship in the church between 1885-1888, even though the interior was not finished until Fr. Lawrence Ford (1888-93) arranged for its completion.

The Fr. Hugh O'Sullivan era (1893-1938) saw many improvements in the parish plant.  A brick kiln was built on the property which was used to fire bricks to build the rectory (1898), the stables (presently being used as parish office), and a new school building, completed in 1918. This school building, O'Sullivan Hall, continued to grow over the next 11 years as the school enrollment increased and more classroom space was required.

The parish rejoiced as the Diocese was established because their pastor was named Vicar General and given the dignity of Monsignor.  These honors were short lived, however, as Msgr. O'Sullivan died July 26, 1938.  Fr. Joseph Egan replaced him temporarily until Fr. William B. Jarboe was named pastor, serving until 1947.  Frs. Frank Ward, Henry O'Bryan and Plus Edelen worked as assistant pastors during this time. Frs. O'Bryan and Edelen continued as assistants for Fr. Martin Nahstoll along with Frs. Martin Mattingly, Walter Hancock and B. J. Hagman.  Fr. Nahstoll led the parish in erecting a new High School building in 1954-55.

Fr. Benedict Huff became pastor in 1961, assisted by Frs. B.J. Hagman, David Warren, and William Field.  It was under Fr. Huff's administration that the current grade school building was completed (1965).  Fr. Charles Fischer succeeded Fr. Huff and ushered in the establishment of Trinity High School, which serves the parishes in Eastern Daviess County.  Fr. Fischer was helped by Frs. Lewis White, Phillip Field, Phillip Thomas, Jerry Riney, and Carroll Wheatley.  Fr. Carroll Wheatley later taught at Trinity High school.

1971 saw school boards established for St. Mary’s Grade school and Trinity High school and a parish pastoral council formed to assist in the task of leading the St. Mary’s parish community. Fr. Frank Roof served as associate in early 1970’s ?????

Fr. Charles Philip Riney assumed the duties of pastor in 1976, assisted by Frs. John Meredith and Ray Goetz.  On October 6, 1978 the fourth church building was blessed and dedicated.  Fr. Stephen Dunn began as pastor in 1983 with the help of Frs. B.J. Hagman, Severin Messick, O.S.B., Tony Bickett, Gerry Baker and Larry McBride.

In 1986 the O'Sullivan building was dismantled.  Fr. Joseph Mills came as interim pastor during the Spring 1989.  In June 1989 Fr. Louis F. Piskula was named pastor and Fr. Len Arcilesi came as his associate.  Fr. B. J. Hagman continued to be in residence with special duties as needed around the Diocese.  Fr. Richard L. Cash served as 1/2 time associate and 1/2 time with Trinity High School (1990-92). Fr. Bruce McCarty was appointed associate pastor in 1992 with special duties and ties to Trinity High School.  Fr. Kevin Osborne pastored from 1995-1996, Fr. Bernard Powers from 1996-1997 and Fr. Richard Powers 1997 to present.  Fr. Brian Roby was assistant 1999-2000; Fr. Mike Williams 2000-2001 and Fr. Randy Howard 2001 to present.

St. Mary of the Woods was blessed with a community of sisters living in Whitesville and working in the schools for many years.  The Ursuline sisters taught at Trinity High School for many years as well as Sisters of Charity of Nazareth.  But the first sister to work as pastoral associate and DRE Director of Religious Education was Sr. Ann Legeay, S.C.N. in 1980.  Sr. Ann was influential in getting a Senior Citizen Center program started in the community.  Sr. Terri O'Sullivan, S.C.N., worked pastoral associate 1986-88 and was succeeded by Sr. Brenda Engelman, O.S.B., 1988-1990.  She was followed by Sr. Mary Sheila Higdon, O.S.U. 1990-1992.  Pam Smith filled the position from 1995-1996; then Sr. Clarita Browning, O.S.U., 2000; followed by Sr. Karla Kaelin, O.S.U., 2000-2002. 

The first Lay person to work as the director of parish business affairs was Sharrie Cinnamond in 1979.  In 1990, the Long Trail stable was extensively renovated to accommodate the parish office, and the rectory first floor was remodeled into living space for the clergy.  A copper roof was put on the church building in 1991 and the rectory was demolished in April 2000. 

Over the years there have been various programs and organizations as well as countless unnamed persons which have contributed to the life and growth of this parish: The Total Abstinence Society, Knights of Columbus, Legion of Mary, St. Vincent de Paul, Catholic Family Movement, Altar Society, Cursillo, Army of Mary, Parish Renewal Weekends, Marriage Encounters, Teens Encounter Christ, Engaged Encounters, Block Rosaries, Renew, Koinonia & the Haiti Committee to name but a few which have offered approaches and tools for growth to segments of the parish.  In 1992, the entire parish embarked upon a Stewardship process, allowing the Word of God to confront the way in which we live and share all aspects of our life.  In 1999 a capital fund raising campaign was in the works.  Plans are being made to build a parish life center and replace the rectory.

The faith community continues to grow through the efforts and generosity of many dedicated persons, and by the grace of God. The vision of our ancestors has sparked a flame of faith, whose torch has been handed on to us who run the course of history. Our challenge is to run the race well with the flame of faith alive in our hearts and to pass along that burning desire to attain an everlasting place in God's Kingdom. Our prayer is that our efforts, however small and meager, may in some way bring others closer to our loving God.