Historical Marker

St. Frances of Rome Catholic Church

Historical marker location:

Louisville, Kentucky

( 122 S. Clifton Ave., Louisville)

In 1886, Bishop McCloskey purchased Steller’s Woods at Cavewood Ave. (now Clifton) & Payne St. for a new parish. Named for Francesca Romana (1384-1440, canonized 1608, feast day Mar. 9), who inspired women to pray, care for sick, & feed hungry. Dedicated Oct. 2, 1887, Fr. Thos. White was first pastor. Windows and organ from St. Mary's, 1937. Organ built in 1884 by Louis Van Dinter.

Reverse

Catholic & Clifton History- Catholic diocese moved from Bardstown to Louisville 1841. 1st bishop, Rev. Joseph Flaget. Cathedral 1852. Nearby churches: St Martin du Tours 1853; St Joseph’s 1866; Holy Trinity 1882; St Francis Assisi 1886; Holy Spirit 1937. Clifton chartered 1876 and named after estate of Joshua Bowles at Vernon and Sycamore St. Early bldgs.: Toll House 1830; Ky. School Blind 1853; Workhouse 1850.