Church History

Sacred Heart Parish has a history that spans three centuries. Each era has contributed to the church as it is today.

Father Elisha J Durbin was assigned to care for the Catholics of this area around 1830. His mission territory embraced what is now known as the Diocese of Owensboro. In the late 1850s most of the population was engaged in farming. The Irish came here for construction of the railroad and brought the Catholic Faith to this area. In 1859, Father Joseph DeVries was sent to take charge of the southern Kentucky missions, which included Logan County.

In 1868, the mission of Russellville was assigned to St Mary’s in Franklin. Mass was said in various private homes because there was no church building. As the congregation grew, it became necessary to arrange to accommodate the growing flock. In 1872 under the direction of Father Henry Mertins, a lot was purchased on the corner of Fifth and Winter Streets and construction began on a frame church building. The building, when completed, was dedicated under the title of Sacred Heart of Jesus on April 27, 1873.

The Catholic Advocate, Thursday, August 18, 1889, recorded, “At confirmation recently administered at Russellville a well instructed class of seventeen was confirmed. During High Mass, the rendering of the music by the choir was equal to anything a metropolitan church could present. The sacred edifice, which has been recently renovated internally, looked lovely, and the rectory, lately constructed by a faithful flock for a worthy and devoted pastor showed the hold Catholicity (Cathol-is-city) is taking under the guidance of God’s priest in the district.”