St. Paul Parish - Lexington at 501 West Short Street, Lexington, KY 40507-1254 US - Tradition - Our Heritage, Our Responsibility
| Tradition - Our Heritage, Our Responsibility |
A Glimpse Into The Past (A Sketch of Renovation Projects) March 30, 1864 Lexington Transcript "We learn of the intention of the members of the Catholic congregation in this city to redouble their efforts in raising funds for a new church edifice, their present church being too small.... May their endeavor be crowned with success, and a noble structure soon rise up... as an ornament to our city". November 11, 1865 Observer & Reporter "The cornerstone of the new Catholic church will be laid. A procession will start from St. Peter Church on Limestone Street and traverse the principle streets of the city until it reaches Short Street, the site of the new church, when interesting ceremonies will take place". June 23, 1866 Observer & Reporter "... a grand picnic on the Fourth of July...for the purpose of raising funds for the new Catholic church... As the erection of a church to the honor and worship of Almighty God is a thing that all Christians are more or less interested in, we trust that the generous and noble minded citizens of Lexington...will come forward as usual and contribute liberally in...this grand undertaking". September 26, 1866 Observer & Reporter Suspended ‑ "The work on the new Catholic church is to be suspended for want of funds. ... We very much regret this, as it would have been with one single exception the finest edifice of the kind in the state. Can our Catholic friends not make one more effort to bring it to completion"? June 5, 1867 Observer & Reporter "The grand strawberry festival for the benefit of the new Catholic church commenced on Monday evening at the church building on Short Street and thus far has proved one of the most elegant and successful affairs of the kind to which our citizens have been treated for years". **Note (The fair was one of many fundraising events for the new church.) September 26, 1868 Observer & Reporter The Grand Festival - "A Grand fair to be held in the beautiful and spacious audience room of the new Catholic church...We would advise them (fairgoers) not to lose the opportunity of having a full and unobstructed view of one of the finest churches in the country, erected at great expense by a poor congregation, a fact that speaks volumes for their piety, their generosity and their public spirit". October 18, 1868 Dedication of Saint Paul Church "On Sunday last, that beautiful specimen of church architecture, which the Catholics of this city have erected under difficulties and in the face of obstacles that would have discouraged or have been insurmountable to a less persevering people, was consecrated to the services of religion, and henceforth, it will be known as Saint Paul Church. By the addition of this splendid edifice to our public buildings, our city has gained its brightest ornament, and the liberality, energy, and piety that saw it to its successful completion will have in it the lasting and most enduring monument". October 13, 1869 Observer & Reporter "The new Catholic church is to be made additionally attractive by a chime, consisting of three bells. The arrival of the melodious bells will be awaited with impatience". June 16, 1875 Observer & Reporter Big improvements are being made to Saint Paul Church. Broad front steps are added in front of the new church... June 24, 1883 Lexington Transcript "The new clock in the tower of St. Paul's church is now in perfect running order. It is a valuable improvement.... The chime will be placed on the clock within the next ninety days...The old bell will be used to strike the hours". August 22, 1892 Lexington Leader "The cross on the spire has been regilded by daring steeple climbers and the steeple proper covered with new slate. ...Today the interior is a wilderness of scaffolding,...upon which painters will ply their skillful brushes during the next few weeks". September 1, 1943 Letter to Parishioners Rev. Joseph McKenna, Pastor "On Sunday, September 26, St. Paul's will celebrate the diamond jubilee of its present building. In commeration of the church's 75 years of faithful and continuous service, we think it fitting that donations be accepted for the creation of a fund to be used for needed repairs and improvements to the church and the school. ...since the work must be postponed until after the war, we suggest donations be given in the form of U.S. war bonds..." September 28, 1968 Lexington Herald & Leader "In celebration of their centennial this fall, St. Paul's Catholic Church...recently completed a total remodeling to both their church and parish house, at a cost of $200,000". January 29, 1994 marked the completion of the restoration of the steeple. One hundred thirty eight years ago, the cornerstone of Saint Paul Church was laid by Bishop George Carrell of Covington. Members of the parish have kept the church and parish house in good repair throughout the years. As we celebrate in our church, let us remember that the upkeep of the church building has always been entrusted to those who have worshiped in its sacred space. We need your help in this next phase of the renovation project. We need your continued financial support and prayers if we are to continue in the tradition of our forefathers.