History of St. Ambrose Catholic Church

Founded in 1832, St. Ambrose Catholic Church is one of the oldest Catholic faith communities in Union County, Kentucky. The parish was established by pioneer priest Fr. Elisha J. Durbin, assisted by Fr. Edward A. Clark, to serve Catholic families who had settled in the rural Henshaw area. The church—known as the “Lower Chapel”—was constructed on land donated by Martin Thomas Cropper using locally made bricks, reflecting both the limited resources and deep faith of the early community.

From its earliest days, St. Ambrose served as a spiritual home for families who often traveled long distances for Mass and the sacraments. Fr. Durbin and Fr. Clark ministered to the congregation until 1860, traveling by horseback throughout western Kentucky while nurturing the growth of Catholic life in Union County. Even during periods without a resident priest, parishioners remained deeply committed to prayer, worship, and mutual support.

Foundations and Early Growth

(1832–1913)

Following its founding in 1832, St. Ambrose developed steadily under missionary priests and visiting clergy. After becoming a mission of St. Agnes Church in Uniontown in 1860, the parish continued to mature spiritually and organizationally.

A major milestone occurred in 1875, when St. Ambrose received its first long-term resident pastor, Rev. Theodore Kellenaers. His thirteen-year tenure brought stability and growth to the parish. During this time, the first rectory and a schoolhouse—known as St. Ambrose School (Union County School No. 21)—were constructed, strengthening both religious formation and community life.

Between 1888 and 1913, St. Ambrose was guided by a series of devoted pastors who helped sustain parish life through changing times:

• Rev. J. F. A. Donahue (1888)

• Rev. Patrick Walsh (1888–1889)

• Rev. Robert Craney (1889–1899)

• Rev. Joseph Odendahl (1899–1910)

• Rev. Francis X. Havelburg (1910–1913)

During this era, the parish also secured its long-term future through the acquisition of cemetery land in 1882, made possible by the generosity of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Francis

Mission Years and Renewal

(1913–1946)

In 1913, St. Ambrose once again entered a period of mission status, primarily under the pastoral care of Rev. Charles E. Rahm of St. Ann’s in Morganfield. Although this era presented challenges, it also demonstrated the resilience and dedication of parishioners who continued to support the Church through prayer, stewardship, and service.

Pastoral leadership during these years included:

• Rev. Lucian E. Clements (1915–1916)

• Rev. Joseph Newman (1916–1918)

• Rev. Joseph Fitzgibbon (1919–1920)

• Rev. Joseph Gettlefinger (1920)

From approximately 1920 to 1946, St. Ambrose remained a mission of St. Ann’s and was served by priests such as Francis Smith, Paul C. Barrett, Delphin Thomas, Thomas A. Murphy, Henry Willett, and Pius Edelen. Despite limited resources, parish life remained vibrant and rooted in strong family traditions.

During this period, additional cemetery land was acquired in 1918 and 1932, reflecting continued growth and careful stewardship of parish property.

Renewal and Parish Stability

(1946–1968)

In 1946, after more than two decades as a mission parish, St. Ambrose regained full parish status with the appointment of Rev. Frank M. Ward as pastor. This marked a renewed sense of independence and vitality for the parish. 

In 1949, Rev. Pius Edelen became pastor and served faithfully until 1962. His long tenure provided stability and pastoral continuity during a time of postwar growth and social change.

A significant development occurred in 1952, when Bishop Francis R. Cotton established St. Francis Borgia Parish in Sturgis, forming a new parish from part of St. Ambrose’s territory. While this reduced St. Ambrose’sgeographic area, it also strengthened Catholic life throughout Union County.

The parish joyfully celebrated its 125th Anniversary in May 1957, commemorating more than a century of faith, sacrifice, and service.

Pastors during this period included:

• Rev. Leonard Reisz (1962–1965)

• Rev. William Hagman (1965–1968)

Adaptation and Community Leadership

(1969–1999)

During the late 1960s, in response to Vatican II reforms, major changes were made to the church interior and liturgical life. These included the removal of the choir loft and upper portion of the back altar, replacing the wooden floor with concrete, and refurbishing pews, communion rails, and the Stations of the Cross.

In 1973, the former rectory, which had served as a residence after the pastor’s relocation to Sturgis, was destroyed by a fire. 

The 1980s and 1990s were marked by vibrant parish life and growing recognition of the parish’s historical and spiritual significance. On December 7, 1983, the Feast of St. Ambrose, the parish joyfully celebrated its 150th Anniversary, commemorating a century and a half of faith, sacrifice, and devotion. This spirit of renewal was further reflected in the construction of the Byrd House picnic shelter in 1987, the ordination of Fr. Freddie Byrd in 1988, and the designation of St. Ambrose as a Kentucky Landmark in 1990.

Beginning in 1994, Sr. Marcan Freking, a Franciscan Sister from the Order of St. Francis (OSF), began her ministry as pastoral associate for St. Ambrose and St. Francis Borgia. Her presence strengthened parish life through spiritual guidance, pastoral care, and continuity during a period of shared ministry and pastoral transitions.

Pastoral leadership during this era included:

• Rev. Joseph J. Pilger (1969–1971)

• Rev. Alan Pierson (1971–1973)

• Rev. Louis A. Telegedy (1973)

• Rev. James C. Hite (1974–1982)

• Rev. Henry “Hank” Cecil (1982–1988)

• Rev. Albert A. Reed (1988–1994)

• Rev. Terry Divine (1994–1997)

• Rev. Carl McCarthy (1997–1999)

Shared Ministry and Preservation

(2000–Present)

The early twenty-first century brought continued renewal and adaptation. Sr. Marcan Freking, OSF, continued her service as pastoral associate through 2005, providing stability, pastoral support, and spiritual leadership across multiple parishes and pastorates. Her ministry remains an important chapter in the parish’s modern history.

Renovations completed in 2002–2003 restored and modernized the church interior. Shortly thereafter, the Parish Hall—affectionately known as “The Barn”—was constructed, providing a much-needed space for fellowship, education, and parish events.

This era has been marked by collaborative ministry, shared leadership, and renewed emphasis on evangelization, hospitality, and faith formation.

In 2025, St. Ambrose received the America 250 KY Grant from the Kentucky Heritage Council to support major restoration of the sanctuary floor. This project included leveling floor joists, installing new subflooring, and installing new hardwood flooring, ensuring the preservation of the historic church for future generations.

Today, St. Ambrose continues its mission as part of a tri-parish community with St. Francis Borgia (Sturgis) and St. William (Marion). Rooted in nearly two centuries of prayer and perseverance, the parish remains committed to proclaiming the Gospel and serving its community with faith and compassion.

Pastoral leadership during this period included:

• Rev. Dan Kruetzer (1999–2001)

• Rev. Joseph O’Donnell (2001)

• Rev. Bruce Fogel (2002)

• Rev. Richard Cash (2003–2005)

• Rev. Larry McBride (2005–2011)

• Rev. Greg Trawick (2011–2014)

• Rev. Ryan Harpole (2014–2018)

• Rev. John Okoro (2018–2024)

• Rev. Jojy Joseph (2024–present)

Timeline of St. Ambrose Catholic Church

• 1829 – Catholic families organize under Fr. Durbin’s leadership.

• 1832 – St. Ambrose Church building constructed.

• 1860 – Parish becomes mission of St. Agnes, Uniontown.

• 1875 – First resident pastor, Rev. Theodore Kellenaers, appointed.

• 1877 – Schoolhouse and first rectory constructed.

• 1882 – Cemetery land acquired.

• 1913–1946 – Mission period under St. Ann’s, Morganfield.

• 1946 – Parish status restored under Rev. Frank Ward.

• 1952 – St. Francis Borgia Parish established in Sturgis.

• 1957 – 125th Anniversary celebrated.

• 1965–1969 – Vatican II reforms implemented including major interior renovations.

• 1973 – Former rectory destroyed by fire.

• 1983 – 150th Jubilee celebrated.

• 1988 – Ordination of Fr. Freddie Byrd.

• 1990 – Designated Kentucky Landmark.

• 2002–2003 – Major church renovation.

• 2003–2004 – Parish hall constructed.

• 2025 – America 250 KY grant received from the Kentucky Heritage Council. Santuary floors restored and hardwood flooring added.

Vocations from St. Ambrose

Priests

Rev. Joseph Fitzgibbon; Rev. Freddie Byrd

Religious Sisters

Sr. Mary Uriel (Maria Logsdon), Sr. Mary Inez (Florence Pigman), Sr. Mary Pascal (Tillie Logsdon), Sr. Celestine Marie (Mary Catherine Henshaw), Sr. Mary Rebecca (Mildred Henshaw), Sr. Mary Adeline, Sr. Mary Claver, Sr. Albertine, Sr. Rosalia, Sr. Serena Anderson