Historical Marker

St. Francis de Sales

Historical marker location:
Paducah, Kentucky
( 530 Broadway, Paducah)

St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church is the oldest church in Paducah located on original site. Property purchased May 8, 1848, for $225 by Father Elisha Durbin. First church built 1849 and was enclosed with a fence as livestock roamed at large at the time. First pastor was Rev. William Oberhulsman, 1850-54. Second church built in 1870 by Rev. Ivo Schacht, 1869-71.

Reverse
St. Francis de Sales - Rev. Herman W. Jansen, pastor from 1882-1909, built present church at cost of $30,000. Cornerstone laid June 5, 1899. Rev. Henry Connolly was pastor 1909-1927. Reverend John D. Fallon served 1927-38. Reverend Albert J. Thompson 1938-57. Rev. Charles DeNardi 1957-63. Rev. Robert T. Wilson named pastor 1963. Members of six generations under eighteen pastors have worshipped here. Presented by Henry Puryear.