St. Alphonsus Catholic Church
St. Alphonsus' Catholic Church was built in 1854 by Rev. Walter Coombs, on land donated by John Rodman. Mr. Coombs was a very zealous clergyman, and at that time the only priest in the county. Mass was first offered up by Rev. John Boyle, who was stationed at St. Raphael's Church, and served at St. Alphonsus' Church once a month for two years. After he left Rev. Eugene O'Callaghan officiated. He was a good and zealous man, never failing to fill his appointments. He served this church once a month for four years, being at that time stationed at Owensboro.
In 1861, the Rev. Ivo Schacht was sent to St. Alphonsus' by Rev. Martin Spalding as the first resident pastor. He enlarged the old church building, which had become too small, and purchased a lot from James Glenn and built St. Joseph's Female Academy, which was occupied by the Sisters of Loretto, of Marion County, Ky. It was a frame building, and was accidentally burned in 1870. Mr. Schacht was succeeded by Rev. Charles Eggermont, and during his administration the old frame church was burned. He immediately made arrangements to build the present brick church, but before its completion he was called to fill a professorship at St. Joseph's College, at Bardstown, Kentucky. Rev. Paul Yolk, the present pastor, took his place. He finished the church building, and rebuilt St. Joseph's Academy, which is now occupied by the Ursuline nuns. The church is 84 x 45 feet, and has a graceful spire. It is situated fifteen miles southwest of Owensboro, and there is a membership of about 1,200. A beautiful cemetery adjoins the church. This part of Daviess County is settled almost entirely by Catholics, and it is a remarkable fact that during a period of more than twelve years not a murder has been committed by a member of this church.
Priests
The following is a list of all the priests that have served this church:
| Priest | Years |
|---|---|
| E. J. Durbin | 1825-1831 |
| John Wathen | 1831-1837 |
| Walter Coombs | 1837-1846 |
| Athanasius And | 1846-1848 |
| John Boyle | 1848-1850 |
| Eugene Callaghan | 1850-1861 |
| Ivo Schacht | 1861-1864 |
| Charles Eggermont | 1864-1870 |
| Paul Yolk | 1870- |
| Rev. Michael Coghlan (Ireland) | 1848-1871 |
The members belonging to St. Alphousus' Church are all Americans, coming chiefly from Marion, Nelson and Washington counties, whose ancestors came from Maryland. The baptismal registers show that from 1861 to 1881, 900 infants have been baptized in this congregation. Children all receive a good Christian education in the district school.
Source: History of Daviess County, Kentucky. Chicago: Interstate Publishing Co., 1883. Print.