Not that long ago, Flaherty nearly became another "town that once was". The citizens of Flaherty, a strong and growing Catholic community, could have disappeared into the history books as another victim of an ever-expanding Fort Knox, as the U.S. government proposed plans to secure additional acreage for the military base. Instead, Flaherty continued thriving throughout the 20th century.
1894 Dedication of St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church, Flaherty, Meade County, Kentucky
From “Catholic Advocate” on 1894NOV22
Never before in the history of Meade County, Kentucky was there witness such a magnificent ceremony as took place at Flaherty on the 14th inst. On that day the Right Rev. W.G. McClosky D.D., Bishop of Louisville, dedicated the new church of St. Martin’s to the service of Almighty God. Long before the appointed hour thousands had gathered from far and near to assist at the beautiful ceremony. Precisely at 10 o’clock the Bishop began the ceremony of dedication. He was assisted by the Very Rev. Hugh Daly, Dean of Elizabethtown, Rev. Wm. J. Dunn of Louisville, Rev. John Abell of Bethlehem, Rev Thomas York of Louisville, Rev. A. O’Sullivan of Daviess Co., Rev. George Niehaus of Cloverport, Rev. Edward J. Hart of Colesburg, Rev. John O’Connor of Louisville, and Rev. J.J. Fitzpatrick of St. Martin’s Church. There were fully 1,500 people within the walls of the sacred edifice. Many clergymen sent letters of regret that they could not attend.
The solemn high mass was celebrated by Rev. Father York, assisted as deacon and subdeacon by Rev. Fathers Day and O’Sullivan. Immediately after the first gospel, Father Fitzgerald in words of praise, congratulated the congregation of St. Martin’s on the excellent work performed in such a short time, saying that the record of church building in this diocese was broken by St. Martin’s In the short space of two years, they have built a magnificent church, costing upwards of $21,000, and have paid for the work.
After the announcements by Father Fitzgerald, Rev. Wm. J. Dunn, D. was introduced as the orator of the occasion. Father Dunn is too well known as an orator to need any words of praise, suffice it to say that never did he make such a masterly effort as on this day. The sermon was pronounced to be a masterpiece of sacred oratory.
The Bishop was assisted during the Mass as deacons of honor by Revs. J.J. Abell and G. Niehaus, whilst Fathers O’Connor and Hart were the Masters of Ceremonies.
On Thursday morning the Stations of the Cross, donated by Mrs. W. H. Edelin, were blessed with solemn ceremony. Father O’Sullivan was celebrant of the Mass, assisted by Father York and Fitzgerald as deacon and subdeacon, whilst Father Dunn acted as Master of Ceremonies. The Stations were blessed and placed in position by Father Fitzgerald. Rev. Thos. A. York preached a powerful sermon on “The Love of God Manifested in the Passion of Christ”.
Altogether the ceremonies of the two days were such as to stir up devotion in the hearts of the careless and encouragements in the hearts of all. St. Martin’s stands today, a monument to the zeal and earnestness of the people of Flaherty.
Confirmation was also administered to 54 among whom six adults, converts to our holy faith. The Rt. Rev. Bishop expressed his pleasure at being there to dedicate such a beautiful church, which he said was a credit to the people, as it is an honor to Meade County.
Meade County was taken from Hardin County in 1823. Previous to that date there were but few Catholics in the territory now known as Meade County. It would seem that for some years before the formation of the county, that mass was occasionally said by Fathers Badin, Nerincks and Abell, somewhere in the vicinity of Flint Island. Later the mission of St. Teresa’s there established, which is today under the charge of Father Raoux, in a very flourishing condition. Besides, St. Teresa’s there are two other churches in the county, St. Mary Magdalene at Payneville, and St. George’s at Brandenburg. The latter, a neat frame structure, was erected by Rev. John O’Connor. Both these churches are at present attended by Rev. Louis Werberth.
St. Martin’s congregation at Flaherty has kept up with the wonderful progress of Catholicity in the county. The present church of St. Martin’s is one of the finest country churches in the diocese. It reflects credit on the architects, Curtin & Hutchings of Louisville, who designed it, and an honor on the people of the congregation who so earnestly and zealously began the work of its erection a little over two years ago. At that time, Rev. J.J. Fitzgerald was appointed by the Rt. Rev. Bishop to succeed Rev. James O’Connor, who is now pastor of Holy Cross, Marion County.
From the first, the efforts of Father Fitzgerald were generously seconded and his appeals promptly responded to by the congregation. At the first public meeting held to consider the advisability of beginning the work at once, a church building committed was organized by a vote of the congregation. The result was that the Messrs. Wash Medley (James Washington Medley 1836-1912, my Great-great-grandfather, who was father of Charles Arthur Medley), Richard Columbus Craycroft (1836-1916, the father-in-law of my paternal Great-great-grandfather), Joshua Lancaster, and W. H. Edelin were chosen to take the responsibility of that important committee. We are now able to see that the congregation was not mistaken in their choice, as no better men could be appointed. Faithful in all things, sacrificing their time and labor, contributing very generously of their means, at all times manifesting an earnest desire to please the donors, and , indeed, having sincerely at heart the welfare of the congregation. With such men to assist his, no pastor needs to have much anxiety about the ultimate success of any undertaking in the congregation.
The cornerstone of the new edifice was blessed and placed in position by the Rt. Rev. W.G. McCloskey, D.D., Bishop of Louisville on June 22, 1893. The celebrant of the solemn high mass was Rev. T.A. York of Louisville, assisted by Revs. J.H. Riley of Rome, KY as deacon, and A. O’Sullivan of St. Joseph, KY as subdeacon, Revs. J.J. Abell and Martin O’Connor assisted as deacons of honor to the Rt. Rev. Bishop. The pastor, Father Fitzgerald, acting as master of ceremonies.
A most interesting and eloquent sermon was preached on the occasion by Father York.
St. Martin’s congregation, although supposed to be one of the most important country congregations in the diocese, was completely overlooked by Mr. Webb in his admirable work on “Catholicity in Kentucky”. True, he says in closing the chapter devoted to the Hardin and Meade County missions: “Two other churches in Meade County, St. Martin’s and St. Patrick’s, have been attended for a number of years by Rev. Martin O’Connor of Stithton, KY. This would be very well if St. Patrick happened to be in Meade County, and if St. Martin’s had even been attended from Stithton either by Father Martin O’Connor or any other priest since the early days of Father Coomes’ missionary work. The Rev. C.J. Coomes, whose name is held in benediction, attended this mission from Hardin County, both from St. Clara’s (Colesburg) and from St. Patrick’s (Stithton).
Old baptismal register, now preserved at St. Martin’s, has this inscription: “A record of baptisms administered in the chapel of St. Patrick’s and that station near Big Spring”. From this register I find the first baptism administered by Father Coomes at St. Patrick’s was on June 5, 1831. From this date certainly, Father Coomes attended “the station near the Big Spring”. In the time previous to the erection of the first church of St. Martin’s mass was said every month or two, first at the house of Thomas Boarman, later at Ben Elder’s and finally the priest having lost his house by fire, made his home with Mr. C. A. Craycroft, who had come from Washington County, KY, where he had settled after his arrival from Maryland. Mass was said at the house of Mr. Charles Alexander Craycroft until the erection of the church. This was accomplished after many noble and self-sacrificing efforts, principally of Charles Alexander Craycroft and Edward Lancaster. It is not surprising that the children of such fathers would be found working together in the same manner towards erecting a commodious church for the growing congregation of today. “The church”, as I find in an old baptismal register, “was dedicated on August 27, 1848, by the Rev. David Deparcq, assisted by Rev. FRs. Augustine Degauquier and C.J. Coomes, followed by a retreat of four days, the happy results of which was a general communion of 150 persons.” The foregoing is taken from the baptismal records of St. Martin’s.
At this time “the station near the Big Spring” ceased. It must have been a great joy to the few families who resided here, especially to those who worked hard to have the little church prepared for dedication, to assist at Holy Mass for the first time in their own church, blessed as it was and set apart for the service of Almighty God.
Among the principal Catholic families living in this part of the country, who were accustomed to hearing Mass at “the station near the Big Spring”, I find the following: John Shephard, Thomas Bowman, John Byrnes, Clement Gristy, George and John B. Medley. After these, yet before the opening of the new church, we find Wm. Mitchell, James Padgett, Charles Peak, Abram Rhodes, Henry Cooper, Sylvester Wheatley, Peter Brown, P.P. Nevitt, and _________ Lancaster. Immediately after the erection of the church we have the name of Charles Jones, who died last year having done his duty faithfully towards the erection of the present beautiful church of St. Martin’s.
In the baptismal register I find the first baptism in the church was administered to “Sarah Frances, daughter of William Bryan and Nancy Vowels, born 17th of November, 1848; godmother Sarah Ann Craycroft’. This was on January 12, 1849. It seems strange that a child was not baptized at an earlier date, unless that at this time people began to settle near the newly erected church. I am inclined to this opinion myself. The four first baptisms I find recorded are names not mentioned in the foregoing list, and strange each child of the four was born the year before the blessing of the church. At that time, Father Coomes was living with Mr. Charles Alexander Craycroft, and if these families lived in the neighborhood, no doubt they would not keep their children a year without baptism; nor if they were here when the church was dedicated would they, after the general communion, keep their children six months longer without their sacrament. I am, therefore, inclined to think that these families settled here a few months after the new church was ready for service.
Immediately after the opening of the new church, we have the surnames of such families as McDonough, Flaherty, Ritchie, Nevitt, Norris, Thompson, ____ Barnes, Mattingly, and Wayne. These are the surnames most frequently occurring until 1850. Later, we have the family surnames of Whelan, Redmond, Riney, and Ray.
The last baptism recorded at St. Martin’s by Father Coomes was administered on April 26, 1870, to Laura Isabel, daughter of William B. Lancaster, Sue Mattingly being godmother. During the long time which Father Coomes had charge of this mission, he was occasionally assisted by Fathers Wathen, Cham__ge, R.A. Abell, Bekkers and Degzuquier. After Father Coomes, came Rev. J. Ryan, and Rev. J. Creary, both of whom remained but a short time. In 1871, Fr. Barrett had charge and was succeeded by Rev. James Ryan in 1872. He is at present the Rt. Rev. Bishop of Alton, IL. During the pastorate of Father Ryan, a school was opened and a new pastoral residence was built, and attention given to many needed repairs. He was succeeded in 1873 by Father E. Vantropsenberge, who also was pastor but a short time. He died of yellow fever in the South, whither he had gone to nurse and assist the sufferers.
In 1873, Rev. James O’Connor became pastor. He is now in charge of Holy Cross congregation in Marion County. Father O’Connor did much good work during the 17 years of his pastorship and endeared himself to all by the kindly qualities of head and heart which he possesses. He was succeeded by Rev. John J. Fitzgerald. Father Fitzgerald was no strander to the people of St. Martin’s as for a number of years he was in charge of John’s and St. Ambrose’s churches in Hardin County and Spiritual Director to the Loretto Sisters at Bethlehem Academy. It seems that some success attended his efforts at St. John’s and the Rt. Rev. Bishop considering that he might be equally successful at St. Martin’s, appointed him pastor of St. Martin’s with St. Patrick’s as part of the mission. St. Patrick’s is attended about twice a month from St. Martin’s. Occasionally, Mass is also said at West Point at the house of Mrs. McCornac, about two miles from the railway station. Father Fitzgerald enjoys the trip on the handcar down the track. Mr. Lynch is section master at West Point and with right good will does he direct his men to “run the hand car down to McCormacs.” Besides, when the mills at Grahampton are working and Catholics are in town, Father Fitzgerald has said Mass for them as they are far from church and to poor to pay for conveyances to attend at St. Patrick’s, the nearest church. We hope to see the day that St. Patrick’s may have a resident pastor. No better people can be found that those of St. Patrick’s.
The new church of St. Martin’s is of the simple Gothic, rather than ornate, style of architecture. It is built of brick, with trimmings of terra and cut stone. The extreme dimensions are 115ft by 45ft. The main entrance is through the bell tower, which rises 86 feet and is surmounted by a beautiful cross. The clear story is over graceful arches resting on eight steel columns. These are surmounted by graceful, beautiful Corinthian capitals. Everything is well-proportioned and finished in first class style. Messrs. Eblen & Smith of Louisville did the brick work and gave entire satisfaction. The stained glass windows reflect great honor on Alberts & Luskey, also of Louisville. The donors of the windows are as follows:
• Rev. J.J. Fitzgerald
• Joshua Lancaster
• Mary Rhodes
• Mark Lancaster
• W.T. McDonough
• Joseph Brown
• Mrs. McDonough
• W.A. Brown
• Miss Alma Brown
• Mrs. W.A. Brown
• P.P. Nevitt
• Mrs. P.P. Nevitt in memory of Thomas Ballard
• J.H. Thompson for his deceased relatives
• Mr. Richard Columbus Craycroft (Richard Columbus Craycroft)
• Mr. & Mrs. James Washington Medley
• Mrs. Esabella Simms in memory of Michael Whelan
• Charles Shircliff for his parents
• Mr. W.H. Edelin in memory of Mrs. Eliza Edelin & Mrs. Donie Edelin
• Charles Jones in memory of deceased relatives, and now stands as a memorial to himself
The windows are all of artistic work and give a beautiful appearance to the church. Besides the above, many donations have been made to the church. The Stations of the Cross, which are very beautiful, have been donated by Mrs. W.H. Edelin, a new missal by Mr. Richard Columbus Craycroft for his family, a fine crucifix by Ben and Jim Whelan and altar cards by Mrs. Dan Whelan and James Brown, the large candlesticks the donations of Mrs. Snyder and the ladies of the congregation, altar linens by Mrs. Shawbenton, Mrs. P.P. Nevitt and Mrs. Will Craycroft, besides handsome donations from Loeb & Solomon of Vine Grove and Myers & Jacobs of Big Spring.
Above all others, the names of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Cissell who have passed to their reward and who henerously donated towards the work over $2,000 must not be forgotten. God blessed them with worldly means and back to him they gave it.
Mrs. Mary Catherine Brown, now preparing to receive the rewards of her good works, has also in her kind generosity, not only donated the magnificent Gothic altar of the church, but moreover, has contributed over $1,000. To these in great measure is the congregation indebted for the fine church which is now an honor to Meade County, and a lasting memorial to the generous donors. After these, special mentions should be made of Richard Columbus Craycroft, Joshua Lancaster, _____ Thompson, P.P. Nevitt, and the Rev. Bishop of Alton, IL, a former pastor of this congregation : “you were right in thinking that I had only pleasant recollections of so kindly and Catholic a people who were so good to me in my youth and inexperience.” This too, sums up my own estimate of the people who have changed only for the better since the days of Bishop Ryan as pastor. To our non-Catholic neighbors and friends, was also extent our sincerest gratitude for their kindness and generosity in helping us toward the erection of the church. They are today as proud of it as if it were their own.
The following are the chief and principle donators to the work:
Augustus Brown
F.T. Whelan
Chas. Jones
Joe Hall
Richard Flaherty
Robert Spalding
Benjamin Edward Ritchie (Grandfather’s great-uncle)
Mrs. Mary Bickett
Lee Hager (Great-grandfather)
Thomas Hager
E.C. Hardesty
W.L. Wright
C.A. Montgomery
John P. Osborne
J.W. Newton
James Washington Medley
J F. Knott
Mrs. Mary Rhodes
Mrs. Eliza Bickett
Fred Edelin
F.M. Lancaster
R.E. Yates
Charles Shircliff
Joseph Peak
M.W. Flaherty
Richard Norris
Joseph Medley
W.B. Lancaster
Robert A. Craycroft
G.C. Redmond
W.E. Pendleton
W.T. McDonough
Joseph C. Brown
H.P. Jones
W.T. Hughes
G.T. Bickett
J.A. Snyder
W. Craycroft
A.A. Ray
W.H. Hagar
H.T. Peak
A.S. Craycroft
J.H. Thompson
P.P. Nevitt
E.M. Whelan
John Buckman
Mrs. John Mattingly
Joshua Lancaster
E.V. Buckman
Robert Alexander Hamilton, (Great-great-grandfather)
Mrs. Sallie Hardesty
C.H. Peak
Lee Berry
Francis Ritchie (Great-great-grandfather)
F.E. Hardesty
J.O. Cosby
B.W. Talbot
E.O. Bickett
J.V. Redmond
Ben Lancaster
Edward Lancaster
John Brown
Mrs. Ida Owings
Rev. Anthony Sullivan
William Osborne
Hilary Rhodes
Mrs. Hilf
Mrs. Elizabeth Bickett
Mrs. Bowman
Mrs. Overton
Mrs. Arnet
Benjamin Edward “Ed” Ritchie
George Corbet
Lavie Hobbs
Ben Whelan
William Whelan
Doctor Cosby, Sr.
R.A. Nevitt
Matilda Mitchell
Elias Ray
Joe Bickett
And many others
I must not omit the name of M. W. Flaherty, who has so generously helped to put the work where we find it today. In the very beginning when we were seeking ground on which to make the bricks, after many others in better circumstances refused us their property, Mr. Flaherty, like the good and generous Catholic that he is, came forward to tender us his best field and if necessary all his fencing.
Such kindness should not go without special mention. Not only this but all the rock used in the foundation of the new church was quarried ___________ Property, adjoining the new edifice. ________ Flaherty thought he never saw ____ “Dear old Isle” is thoroughly Irish _____ ___ his nature and aspirations. From such a man I could not expect anything but good will towards the erection of the new church.
When I asked Mr. Flaherty about the origin of the name _____ referring to this locality ___ he told me that “someone brought it over from Ireland”. In truth, when a post office was opened here, Mr. Flaherty as chief petitioner, requested the name to be St. Martin’s as it is locally known, but by return from the post office authorities it was overlooked for the equally Catholic name of Flaherty.
No words of mine could convey an adequate appreciation of the work done by St. Martin’s congregation in connection with the new church. Were we to estimate the cost of the church, including all the work, I think $20,000 would not be a low estimate. Everything not in a strict professional sphere was done by the congregation. With hearty goodwill and with earnest purpose did they respond to every call. Those who saw the site of the present church two years ago can, in some measure, realize the amount of work done towards bringing the church to its present state of completion.
I must not omit to mention the fact that St. Martin’s justly boasts one of the very best choirs in the diocese among the county congregations. Miss Rebecca Brown, who took charge when Father Fitzgerald was appointed pastor, and who is a godchild of our pastor, has by her earnest endeavors and by her constant perseverance organized a choir of which she may be justly proud. Her choir sang the Mass at the cornerstone laying and at the dedication. She is, indeed, ably assisted in the choir by Miss Alma Brown, Miss Frankie Craycroft, who is the principal singer, by Misses Ella Flaherty, Carrie Cooper, Nannie Craycroft, Katie Flaherty, Edith Craycroft, Victoria Craycroft, Hallie Craycroft, and by Messrs. James and Jerome Cooper, J. Edelin, Lafe Whelan, Damien Cooper, S. Lancaster, J. Whelan and John Osborne.
The choir of St. Martin’s was assisted by the St. Paul Juvenile Brass Band of Louisville at both the ceremony of the laying of the cornerstone and the dedication. This band is composed of small boys under the leadership of Prof. Hollywood, and under the care of Father York, pastor of St. Paul’s.
Father York, who is himself an excellent musician, may well be proud of his band. Father York and our pastor were classmates at St. Mary ___ Baltimore, hence the close friendship formed then has not been ____ by years of separation, but rather more closely cemented by such _____ as the dedication of St. Martin’s.
Never before in the history of Meade County, Kentucky was there witness such a magnificent ceremony as took place at Flaherty on the 14th inst. On that day the Right Rev. W.G. McClosky D.D., Bishop of Louisville, dedicated the new church of St. Martin’s to the service of Almighty God. Long before the appointed hour thousands had gathered from far and near to assist at the beautiful ceremony. Precisely at 10 o’clock the Bishop began the ceremony of dedication. He was assisted by the Very Rev. Hugh Daly, Dean of Elizabethtown, Rev. Wm. J. Dunn of Louisville, Rev. John Abell of Bethlehem, Rev Thomas York of Louisville, Rev. A. O’Sullivan of Daviess Co., Rev. George Niehaus of Cloverport, Rev. Edward J. Hart of Colesburg, Rev. John O’Connor of Louisville, and Rev. J.J. Fitzpatrick of St. Martin’s Church. There were fully 1,500 people within the walls of the sacred edifice. Many clergymen sent letters of regret that they could not attend.
The solemn high mass was celebrated by Rev. Father York, assisted as deacon and subdeacon by Rev. Fathers Day and O’Sullivan. Immediately after the first gospel, Father Fitzgerald in words of praise, congratulated the congregation of St. Martin’s on the excellent work performed in such a short time, saying that the record of church building in this diocese was broken by St. Martin’s In the short space of two years, they have built a magnificent church, costing upwards of $21,000, and have paid for the work.
After the announcements by Father Fitzgerald, Rev. Wm. J. Dunn, D. was introduced as the orator of the occasion. Father Dunn is too well known as an orator to need any words of praise, suffice it to say that never did he make such a masterly effort as on this day. The sermon was pronounced to be a masterpiece of sacred oratory.
The Bishop was assisted during the Mass as deacons of honor by Revs. J.J. Abell and G. Niehaus, whilst Fathers O’Connor and Hart were the Masters of Ceremonies.
On Thursday morning the Stations of the Cross, donated by Mrs. W. H. Edelin, were blessed with solemn ceremony. Father O’Sullivan was celebrant of the Mass, assisted by Father York and Fitzgerald as deacon and subdeacon, whilst Father Dunn acted as Master of Ceremonies. The Stations were blessed and placed in position by Father Fitzgerald. Rev. Thos. A. York preached a powerful sermon on “The Love of God Manifested in the Passion of Christ”.
Altogether the ceremonies of the two days were such as to stir up devotion in the hearts of the careless and encouragements in the hearts of all. St. Martin’s stands today, a monument to the zeal and earnestness of the people of Flaherty.
Confirmation was also administered to 54 among whom six adults, converts to our holy faith. The Rt. Rev. Bishop expressed his pleasure at being there to dedicate such a beautiful church, which he said was a credit to the people, as it is an honor to Meade County.
Meade County was taken from Hardin County in 1823. Previous to that date there were but few Catholics in the territory now known as Meade County. It would seem that for some years before the formation of the county, that mass was occasionally said by Fathers Badin, Nerincks and Abell, somewhere in the vicinity of Flint Island. Later the mission of St. Teresa’s there established, which is today under the charge of Father Raoux, in a very flourishing condition. Besides, St. Teresa’s there are two other churches in the county, St. Mary Magdalene at Payneville, and St. George’s at Brandenburg. The latter, a neat frame structure, was erected by Rev. John O’Connor. Both these churches are at present attended by Rev. Louis Werberth.
St. Martin’s congregation at Flaherty has kept up with the wonderful progress of Catholicity in the county. The present church of St. Martin’s is one of the finest country churches in the diocese. It reflects credit on the architects, Curtin & Hutchings of Louisville, who designed it, and an honor on the people of the congregation who so earnestly and zealously began the work of its erection a little over two years ago. At that time, Rev. J.J. Fitzgerald was appointed by the Rt. Rev. Bishop to succeed Rev. James O’Connor, who is now pastor of Holy Cross, Marion County.
From the first, the efforts of Father Fitzgerald were generously seconded and his appeals promptly responded to by the congregation. At the first public meeting held to consider the advisability of beginning the work at once, a church building committed was organized by a vote of the congregation. The result was that the Messrs. Wash Medley (James Washington Medley 1836-1912, my Great-great-grandfather, who was father of Charles Arthur Medley), Richard Columbus Craycroft (1836-1916, the father-in-law of my paternal Great-great-grandfather), Joshua Lancaster, and W. H. Edelin were chosen to take the responsibility of that important committee. We are now able to see that the congregation was not mistaken in their choice, as no better men could be appointed. Faithful in all things, sacrificing their time and labor, contributing very generously of their means, at all times manifesting an earnest desire to please the donors, and , indeed, having sincerely at heart the welfare of the congregation. With such men to assist his, no pastor needs to have much anxiety about the ultimate success of any undertaking in the congregation.
The cornerstone of the new edifice was blessed and placed in position by the Rt. Rev. W.G. McCloskey, D.D., Bishop of Louisville on June 22, 1893. The celebrant of the solemn high mass was Rev. T.A. York of Louisville, assisted by Revs. J.H. Riley of Rome, KY as deacon, and A. O’Sullivan of St. Joseph, KY as subdeacon, Revs. J.J. Abell and Martin O’Connor assisted as deacons of honor to the Rt. Rev. Bishop. The pastor, Father Fitzgerald, acting as master of ceremonies.
A most interesting and eloquent sermon was preached on the occasion by Father York.
St. Martin’s congregation, although supposed to be one of the most important country congregations in the diocese, was completely overlooked by Mr. Webb in his admirable work on “Catholicity in Kentucky”. True, he says in closing the chapter devoted to the Hardin and Meade County missions: “Two other churches in Meade County, St. Martin’s and St. Patrick’s, have been attended for a number of years by Rev. Martin O’Connor of Stithton, KY. This would be very well if St. Patrick happened to be in Meade County, and if St. Martin’s had even been attended from Stithton either by Father Martin O’Connor or any other priest since the early days of Father Coomes’ missionary work. The Rev. C.J. Coomes, whose name is held in benediction, attended this mission from Hardin County, both from St. Clara’s (Colesburg) and from St. Patrick’s (Stithton).
Old baptismal register, now preserved at St. Martin’s, has this inscription: “A record of baptisms administered in the chapel of St. Patrick’s and that station near Big Spring”. From this register I find the first baptism administered by Father Coomes at St. Patrick’s was on June 5, 1831. From this date certainly, Father Coomes attended “the station near the Big Spring”. In the time previous to the erection of the first church of St. Martin’s mass was said every month or two, first at the house of Thomas Boarman, later at Ben Elder’s and finally the priest having lost his house by fire, made his home with Mr. C. A. Craycroft, who had come from Washington County, KY, where he had settled after his arrival from Maryland. Mass was said at the house of Mr. Charles Alexander Craycroft until the erection of the church. This was accomplished after many noble and self-sacrificing efforts, principally of Charles Alexander Craycroft and Edward Lancaster. It is not surprising that the children of such fathers would be found working together in the same manner towards erecting a commodious church for the growing congregation of today. “The church”, as I find in an old baptismal register, “was dedicated on August 27, 1848, by the Rev. David Deparcq, assisted by Rev. FRs. Augustine Degauquier and C.J. Coomes, followed by a retreat of four days, the happy results of which was a general communion of 150 persons.” The foregoing is taken from the baptismal records of St. Martin’s.
At this time “the station near the Big Spring” ceased. It must have been a great joy to the few families who resided here, especially to those who worked hard to have the little church prepared for dedication, to assist at Holy Mass for the first time in their own church, blessed as it was and set apart for the service of Almighty God.
Among the principal Catholic families living in this part of the country, who were accustomed to hearing Mass at “the station near the Big Spring”, I find the following: John Shephard, Thomas Bowman, John Byrnes, Clement Gristy, George and John B. Medley. After these, yet before the opening of the new church, we find Wm. Mitchell, James Padgett, Charles Peak, Abram Rhodes, Henry Cooper, Sylvester Wheatley, Peter Brown, P.P. Nevitt, and _________ Lancaster. Immediately after the erection of the church we have the name of Charles Jones, who died last year having done his duty faithfully towards the erection of the present beautiful church of St. Martin’s.
In the baptismal register I find the first baptism in the church was administered to “Sarah Frances, daughter of William Bryan and Nancy Vowels, born 17th of November, 1848; godmother Sarah Ann Craycroft’. This was on January 12, 1849. It seems strange that a child was not baptized at an earlier date, unless that at this time people began to settle near the newly erected church. I am inclined to this opinion myself. The four first baptisms I find recorded are names not mentioned in the foregoing list, and strange each child of the four was born the year before the blessing of the church. At that time, Father Coomes was living with Mr. Charles Alexander Craycroft, and if these families lived in the neighborhood, no doubt they would not keep their children a year without baptism; nor if they were here when the church was dedicated would they, after the general communion, keep their children six months longer without their sacrament. I am, therefore, inclined to think that these families settled here a few months after the new church was ready for service.
Immediately after the opening of the new church, we have the surnames of such families as McDonough, Flaherty, Ritchie, Nevitt, Norris, Thompson, ____ Barnes, Mattingly, and Wayne. These are the surnames most frequently occurring until 1850. Later, we have the family surnames of Whelan, Redmond, Riney, and Ray.
The last baptism recorded at St. Martin’s by Father Coomes was administered on April 26, 1870, to Laura Isabel, daughter of William B. Lancaster, Sue Mattingly being godmother. During the long time which Father Coomes had charge of this mission, he was occasionally assisted by Fathers Wathen, Cham__ge, R.A. Abell, Bekkers and Degzuquier. After Father Coomes, came Rev. J. Ryan, and Rev. J. Creary, both of whom remained but a short time. In 1871, Fr. Barrett had charge and was succeeded by Rev. James Ryan in 1872. He is at present the Rt. Rev. Bishop of Alton, IL. During the pastorate of Father Ryan, a school was opened and a new pastoral residence was built, and attention given to many needed repairs. He was succeeded in 1873 by Father E. Vantropsenberge, who also was pastor but a short time. He died of yellow fever in the South, whither he had gone to nurse and assist the sufferers.
In 1873, Rev. James O’Connor became pastor. He is now in charge of Holy Cross congregation in Marion County. Father O’Connor did much good work during the 17 years of his pastorship and endeared himself to all by the kindly qualities of head and heart which he possesses. He was succeeded by Rev. John J. Fitzgerald. Father Fitzgerald was no strander to the people of St. Martin’s as for a number of years he was in charge of John’s and St. Ambrose’s churches in Hardin County and Spiritual Director to the Loretto Sisters at Bethlehem Academy. It seems that some success attended his efforts at St. John’s and the Rt. Rev. Bishop considering that he might be equally successful at St. Martin’s, appointed him pastor of St. Martin’s with St. Patrick’s as part of the mission. St. Patrick’s is attended about twice a month from St. Martin’s. Occasionally, Mass is also said at West Point at the house of Mrs. McCornac, about two miles from the railway station. Father Fitzgerald enjoys the trip on the handcar down the track. Mr. Lynch is section master at West Point and with right good will does he direct his men to “run the hand car down to McCormacs.” Besides, when the mills at Grahampton are working and Catholics are in town, Father Fitzgerald has said Mass for them as they are far from church and to poor to pay for conveyances to attend at St. Patrick’s, the nearest church. We hope to see the day that St. Patrick’s may have a resident pastor. No better people can be found that those of St. Patrick’s.
The new church of St. Martin’s is of the simple Gothic, rather than ornate, style of architecture. It is built of brick, with trimmings of terra and cut stone. The extreme dimensions are 115ft by 45ft. The main entrance is through the bell tower, which rises 86 feet and is surmounted by a beautiful cross. The clear story is over graceful arches resting on eight steel columns. These are surmounted by graceful, beautiful Corinthian capitals. Everything is well-proportioned and finished in first class style. Messrs. Eblen & Smith of Louisville did the brick work and gave entire satisfaction. The stained glass windows reflect great honor on Alberts & Luskey, also of Louisville. The donors of the windows are as follows:
• Rev. J.J. Fitzgerald
• Joshua Lancaster
• Mary Rhodes
• Mark Lancaster
• W.T. McDonough
• Joseph Brown
• Mrs. McDonough
• W.A. Brown
• Miss Alma Brown
• Mrs. W.A. Brown
• P.P. Nevitt
• Mrs. P.P. Nevitt in memory of Thomas Ballard
• J.H. Thompson for his deceased relatives
• Mr. Richard Columbus Craycroft (Richard Columbus Craycroft)
• Mr. & Mrs. James Washington Medley
• Mrs. Esabella Simms in memory of Michael Whelan
• Charles Shircliff for his parents
• Mr. W.H. Edelin in memory of Mrs. Eliza Edelin & Mrs. Donie Edelin
• Charles Jones in memory of deceased relatives, and now stands as a memorial to himself
The windows are all of artistic work and give a beautiful appearance to the church. Besides the above, many donations have been made to the church. The Stations of the Cross, which are very beautiful, have been donated by Mrs. W.H. Edelin, a new missal by Mr. Richard Columbus Craycroft for his family, a fine crucifix by Ben and Jim Whelan and altar cards by Mrs. Dan Whelan and James Brown, the large candlesticks the donations of Mrs. Snyder and the ladies of the congregation, altar linens by Mrs. Shawbenton, Mrs. P.P. Nevitt and Mrs. Will Craycroft, besides handsome donations from Loeb & Solomon of Vine Grove and Myers & Jacobs of Big Spring.
Above all others, the names of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Cissell who have passed to their reward and who henerously donated towards the work over $2,000 must not be forgotten. God blessed them with worldly means and back to him they gave it.
Mrs. Mary Catherine Brown, now preparing to receive the rewards of her good works, has also in her kind generosity, not only donated the magnificent Gothic altar of the church, but moreover, has contributed over $1,000. To these in great measure is the congregation indebted for the fine church which is now an honor to Meade County, and a lasting memorial to the generous donors. After these, special mentions should be made of Richard Columbus Craycroft, Joshua Lancaster, _____ Thompson, P.P. Nevitt, and the Rev. Bishop of Alton, IL, a former pastor of this congregation : “you were right in thinking that I had only pleasant recollections of so kindly and Catholic a people who were so good to me in my youth and inexperience.” This too, sums up my own estimate of the people who have changed only for the better since the days of Bishop Ryan as pastor. To our non-Catholic neighbors and friends, was also extent our sincerest gratitude for their kindness and generosity in helping us toward the erection of the church. They are today as proud of it as if it were their own.
The following are the chief and principle donators to the work:
Augustus Brown
F.T. Whelan
Chas. Jones
Joe Hall
Richard Flaherty
Robert Spalding
Benjamin Edward Ritchie (Grandfather’s great-uncle)
Mrs. Mary Bickett
Lee Hager (Great-grandfather)
Thomas Hager
E.C. Hardesty
W.L. Wright
C.A. Montgomery
John P. Osborne
J.W. Newton
James Washington Medley
J F. Knott
Mrs. Mary Rhodes
Mrs. Eliza Bickett
Fred Edelin
F.M. Lancaster
R.E. Yates
Charles Shircliff
Joseph Peak
M.W. Flaherty
Richard Norris
Joseph Medley
W.B. Lancaster
Robert A. Craycroft
G.C. Redmond
W.E. Pendleton
W.T. McDonough
Joseph C. Brown
H.P. Jones
W.T. Hughes
G.T. Bickett
J.A. Snyder
W. Craycroft
A.A. Ray
W.H. Hagar
H.T. Peak
A.S. Craycroft
J.H. Thompson
P.P. Nevitt
E.M. Whelan
John Buckman
Mrs. John Mattingly
Joshua Lancaster
E.V. Buckman
Robert Alexander Hamilton, (Great-great-grandfather)
Mrs. Sallie Hardesty
C.H. Peak
Lee Berry
Francis Ritchie (Great-great-grandfather)
F.E. Hardesty
J.O. Cosby
B.W. Talbot
E.O. Bickett
J.V. Redmond
Ben Lancaster
Edward Lancaster
John Brown
Mrs. Ida Owings
Rev. Anthony Sullivan
William Osborne
Hilary Rhodes
Mrs. Hilf
Mrs. Elizabeth Bickett
Mrs. Bowman
Mrs. Overton
Mrs. Arnet
Benjamin Edward “Ed” Ritchie
George Corbet
Lavie Hobbs
Ben Whelan
William Whelan
Doctor Cosby, Sr.
R.A. Nevitt
Matilda Mitchell
Elias Ray
Joe Bickett
And many others
I must not omit the name of M. W. Flaherty, who has so generously helped to put the work where we find it today. In the very beginning when we were seeking ground on which to make the bricks, after many others in better circumstances refused us their property, Mr. Flaherty, like the good and generous Catholic that he is, came forward to tender us his best field and if necessary all his fencing.
Such kindness should not go without special mention. Not only this but all the rock used in the foundation of the new church was quarried ___________ Property, adjoining the new edifice. ________ Flaherty thought he never saw ____ “Dear old Isle” is thoroughly Irish _____ ___ his nature and aspirations. From such a man I could not expect anything but good will towards the erection of the new church.
When I asked Mr. Flaherty about the origin of the name _____ referring to this locality ___ he told me that “someone brought it over from Ireland”. In truth, when a post office was opened here, Mr. Flaherty as chief petitioner, requested the name to be St. Martin’s as it is locally known, but by return from the post office authorities it was overlooked for the equally Catholic name of Flaherty.
No words of mine could convey an adequate appreciation of the work done by St. Martin’s congregation in connection with the new church. Were we to estimate the cost of the church, including all the work, I think $20,000 would not be a low estimate. Everything not in a strict professional sphere was done by the congregation. With hearty goodwill and with earnest purpose did they respond to every call. Those who saw the site of the present church two years ago can, in some measure, realize the amount of work done towards bringing the church to its present state of completion.
I must not omit to mention the fact that St. Martin’s justly boasts one of the very best choirs in the diocese among the county congregations. Miss Rebecca Brown, who took charge when Father Fitzgerald was appointed pastor, and who is a godchild of our pastor, has by her earnest endeavors and by her constant perseverance organized a choir of which she may be justly proud. Her choir sang the Mass at the cornerstone laying and at the dedication. She is, indeed, ably assisted in the choir by Miss Alma Brown, Miss Frankie Craycroft, who is the principal singer, by Misses Ella Flaherty, Carrie Cooper, Nannie Craycroft, Katie Flaherty, Edith Craycroft, Victoria Craycroft, Hallie Craycroft, and by Messrs. James and Jerome Cooper, J. Edelin, Lafe Whelan, Damien Cooper, S. Lancaster, J. Whelan and John Osborne.
The choir of St. Martin’s was assisted by the St. Paul Juvenile Brass Band of Louisville at both the ceremony of the laying of the cornerstone and the dedication. This band is composed of small boys under the leadership of Prof. Hollywood, and under the care of Father York, pastor of St. Paul’s.
Father York, who is himself an excellent musician, may well be proud of his band. Father York and our pastor were classmates at St. Mary ___ Baltimore, hence the close friendship formed then has not been ____ by years of separation, but rather more closely cemented by such _____ as the dedication of St. Martin’s.