Bishop Francis R. Cotton
The Most Reverend Francis R. Cotton was bishop of the Owensboro Diocese from 1937 - 1960.
St. Thomas More parish was established in 1943 after the mother church, St. Francis de
Sales, became overcrowded. Shortage of building materials during World War II delayed
completion of construction until 1948. At that time, the Most Reverend Francis R. Cotton,
the first Bishop of Owensboro, blessed the temporary church structure which was intended
to be an auditoruim/gymnasium for the school when the actual church was built. This
"temporary" building served St. Thomas More parish for 48 years.
In addition to the St. Thomas More parish, Precious Blood Parish was established on August
25, 1960, out of the western portion of the Cathedral Parish, by Bishop Francis R. Cotton.
It is clear that the first bishop of Owensboro, Francis R. Cotton, performed gracious
deeds beyond any required of him.