History of St. Helen's Catholic Church Shively, Kentucky 1897-1997
A link to the history of Shively follows
The Rev. John Baptist Peifer Years - 1897 to 1938
(The first part of this history was from a webpage with an unknown author - www.sthelenshivelyky.org. The site is no longer active)
Over one hundred years ago a German immigrant, Rev. John Baptist Peifer, was appointed the first pastor of the newly formed parish of St. Helen. At the time of his appointment, Father Peifer was pastor of All Saints Church, Taylorsville, Kentucky. Father Peifer took charge of St. Helen on October 2, 1897. Along with his appointment to St. Helen, he was given charge of St. Andrew Church near Pleasure Ridge Park, succeeding the Franciscan Fathers who had been attending the congregation from St. Peter Church, Louisville, Kentucky. St. Andrew Church remained under Father's leadership until 1903.
The original property of St. Helen parish consisted of two hundred feet, fronting the Eighteenth Street Road (now Dixie Highway) with a depth of four hundred and forty-eight feet. According to the courthouse records of Jefferson County, this property was purchased from J.P. and Emma Shively on September 13, 1897. A few years later, 25 additional feet, fronting the Eighteenth Street Road, adjoining the south side of the above property, was also purchased from J.P. and Emma Shively, giving the property a frontage of 225 feet. On August 1, 1946 one and one-half acres of land, formerly belonging to the Shively estate and lying on the east side of the church property, was purchased from Emmanuel Levi for $4,301.70.
A three room cottage, located at 3940 Seventh Street Road, opposite the entrance to the Home of the Aged and Infirm, (now Southland Terrace Shopping Center) served as a rectory and church until the first rectory and the first schoolhouse were built. This cottage was the property of William Nieman. According to parish tradition, the first Mass was offered within the present parish boundaries in this same cottage. The parish's first baptism administered by Father Peifer was for Adam Peter Meffert. The first marriage was a mixed marriage between James Webb and Mary Wells. The first funeral was celebrated for 10-day-old Louise Neiman.
The efforts of Father Peifer began to bear fruit. During the closing months of 1897, the first rectory and the first school building were constructed. The Record, dated December 18, 1887, carried the following notice related to the early days of St. Helen Church: "Last September a handsome lot was secured on the other side of the Alm's house to start a very much needed church, and Rev. John B. Peifer was appointed pastor. He pushed the work energetically, and two handsome frame buildings are now completed. One of these buildings is 23 x 75 feet, and is intended for a schoolhouse, but at present will be used for a church, and in the spring will be used for a church and school combined. The other building consisting of six rooms is the pastoral residence. The amiable Father Peifer needs all the assistance he can get, and really, it will be a fine excursion for the people of Louisville."
On January 9, 1898 the first schoolhouse was blessed by Rev. Michael Bouchet, the Vicar General of the Diocese. Mass was offered by Father Peifer. Fathers Zabler and Heising were the deacon and sub-deacon of the Mass. Father Zabler, pastor of St. Martin's Church, preached the sermon. The newly organized choir sang the Mass. The Record of January 15, 1898 noted that "in spite of the bad weather, the church was jammed, which must have been a source of pleasure to the pastor, but at the same time a sign of new trouble in the near future; for it shows clearly that the neat building, which was intended for a schoolhouse, is entirely too small, and that he would have to begin work again in the spring for the erection of a more spacious building."
This schoolhouse stood on the site of the present school. Folding doors separated the sanctuary from the body of the building. When classes were in session, the folding doors were closed, and the body of the building used as a church. this arrangement served for church and school until November 1898, when the first brick church was dedicated.
The cornerstone of the first brick church was laid Sunday afternoon, July 10, 1898. The Record of July 9th gave the following account of this event: "The members of the congregation of St. Helen Church have arranged an excursion to take their city friends to the laying of the cornerstone, to take place next Sunday, July 10th. A special train will leave Louisville from the depot, 7th and River, at 2:30 p.m., and will return at 6:00 p.m. Round trip tickets will cost 25 cents. Refreshments will be served on the church grounds." The cornerstone bore the simple inscription: "Erected 1898." The church was blessed November 6, 1898. On November 5, 1898 The Record gave the following notice of the coming event: "The new St. Helen church is now completed and will be solemnly blessed on Sunday morning, November 6th at 10 o'clock. We congratulate the members of the new parish for their zeal and energy. They have completed one of the finest brick churches around Louisville."
On November 12th The Record thus described the dedication ceremony: "Last Sunday (November 6th) the Rt. Rev. Bishop (McClosky) blessed St. Helen Church.... The church, beautiful with its immaculate whiteness, may be taken as a model for many churches in the diocese. The cheapness of the structure puts it within reach of nearly every congregation of the Diocese and its beauty can hardly be surpassed. We understand that it cost only $6,000.00."
The church building (before the construction of the towers) measured 47 by 105 feet, and had a seating capacity of 400. C.A.. Curtin was the architect. Al Struck was the contractor, and the late Edward P. Lynch of the parish was one of the principal mechanics.
Elsie Dorn was the first school teacher. She died at the close of the school year in May 1898. Miss Dorn was succeeded by Clara Hulskamp, who taught for three succeeding years. Miss Hulskamp had a state certificate for teaching in the public schools. She taught alone her first year. During her second and third year she was assisted by Tillie Gerst and Mayme Hinkel.
The first altar boys were taught the Latin responses of the Mass by Miss Katie Elsen, Father Peifer's housekeeper. Before the days of automobiles, when travel was done by carriage or horseback, a 'stable boy' was needed to take care of Father Peifer's horse. George Nieman was given the honor of being the 'stable boy.' During the year 1898 several of the parish societies were established. Among them were the St. Helen Ladies Society for married women, the St. Joseph's Men society for married men, and the St. Cecilia Young Ladies Society for the unmarried women. The St. Joseph's Orphan Society, the St. Helen Poor Soul Society, the St. Aloysius Young Men's Society, the Guardian Angel Society for the children, the St. Vincent de Paul Society and the Holy Name Society were organized at later dates.
In 1902 the Ursuline Sisters replaced the lay teachers. The first Sisters were Sister Matthew and Sister DeChantel. Sister Matthew taught at St. Helen for the next 22 years. For the first 10 years the sisters resided at St. Anthony's Convent, Twenty-Second and Market Streets, then and the Ursuline Convent, Shelby and Chestnut Streets. They traveled daily to St. Helen, at first on the Illinois Central R.R., and later on the Interurban street car line. This arrangement continued until 1912. On September 20, 1912 a cottage located at 4014 Dixie Highway was purchased and furnished for a Sister's home. Many are the stories relating to the difficulties and sacrifices encountered in the Sister's travels to and from St. Helen school. The success of the school is a living monument to the zeal of the Sisters who sacrificed so generously of themselves over the years.
In 1902, three marble altars were erected in the church. These altars were blessed on November 9th of this year by Fathers L. Bax, F Zabler and E. Bachmann
On February 9, 1908 a three-manual pipe organ was dedicated to divine service by Father Peifer. At that time this organ was considered to be one of the finest in the area.
In 1911 the interior of the church was frescoed, the windows were replaced by stained glass windows, and electric lights were installed. The Stations of the Cross were erected in 1911. The Record of June 8, 191 1 contains the following regarding the Stations: "Handsome St Helen Church has been further enriched with a set of Stations of the Cross - fourteen oil paintings - imported from Munich, and true copies of Martin Fuerstein's "Via Crucis: in St. Ann's Church in that great European city of the arts. The statues will be solemnly blessed and erected in St. Helen this Trinity Sunday afternoon, June 11th at 4:30 by Rev. Ignatius Wilkins, O.F.M. of St. Boniface's. The sermon will be preached by Father Wilkins, and the fine church choir and superb organ will render Rossini's 'Stabat Mater.'
On January 20, 1917 the tile floor in the sanctuary was completed. Many donations were made to the parish, such as the altar of the Sorrowful Mother, electric candelabras, candlesticks, the large cross, the sanctuary lamp, the pulpit and several statues.
On June 29, 1917 Rev. John B. Peifer celebrated the Twenty-Fifth anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood.
In the year 1923 the old frame schoolhouse was moved back some 150 feet from the highway and was converted into the second Sisters' home. The cottage across the highway which had served as a Sisters’ home since 1912 was sold. On the site of the frame schoolhouse the present brick school was started. Fred Erhart was the architect and H.H. Schnieders & Sons were the builders. The cost of the building was about $35,000. The structure was blessed by Bishop Floersh on September 9, 1923. Father Schuhmann preached the sermon. A large number of priests and friends of the parish were present.
In 1935, the two towers were added to the church. The towers were patterned after the Cathedral of Trier, Germany, Father Peifer's home city. This addition increased the seating capacity of the church to 600. Carl Epping was the architect and Hays and Nicoulin were the builders. The cost of this addition was approximately $25,000.
The original cornerstone was moved to the northwest corner of the new structure, and the new cornerstone was placed above the old one. The cornerstone bore the inscription "St. Helen Church Enlarged 1935." This addition to the church was completed and dedicated to divine service on Sunday morning, October 15, 1935. Father Peifer was the celebrant at the Solemn High Mass. Fathers Ruff and Timoney were the deacon and subdeacon, and Father Cotton was the master of ceremonies. Bishop Floersh was present in the sanctuary, and Rev.E.E. Willett and Rev.D.A. Driscoll were chaplains to the Bishop. The sermon was preached by Rev. Aloysius Meyering. Bishop Reverman, a lifelong friend of Father Peifer, sent a telegram of congratulations which was read by Father Meyering.
There were two bells in the south tower. One of the bells was a small one and was originally installed in 1898 in the first church tower. At that time the school children were given the privilege of pulling it up to its place. The other bell was a much larger and was installed in 1935 when the two towers were completed. This bell was donated by Frank Hausman. It bore the strangely worded inscription, "Helenae Sanctae Franciscus Precans" - "Francis (Frank) praying to St. Helen."
In 1946 the entire church was tuck pointed and in 1947 the interior was redecorated.
Rev. John Baptist Peifer, the Man
Father John B. Peifer was born on February 29, 1864 in Bitburg, Germany, near Trier. He studied for the priesthood in Germany, finishing in Belgium at the University of Louvain. He was ordained on June 29, 1892. With little money and few possessions, Father Peifer came to Louisville in 1895 at the age of 31. He was made assistant to Father Heising at St. Vincent de Paul. After a short tenure there he was given the pastorate of All Saints Church at Taylorsville, Kentucky, where he remained until he came to Shively. Arriving in the area he found nothing but a crossroads where St. Helen was to be.
He threw tremendous energy and a large ambition into the development of a new community. He was described as a short, chubby man with a round elf-like face that peered out from behind small horn-rimmed glasses. A thick German accent under laid his English, but there was no misunderstanding his outspoken personality - if toes had to be stepped on, then he stepped on toes to get his work done.
The Kentucky Gazette, March 22, 1940, stated that Father Peifer, in company with other civic-minded people, conceived the idea of interurban streetcar service, and in this way caused the great upswing and migration of the city folk to the rural section of our county. The Gazette also told of Father's service to the unfortunates in the Home for the Aged and Infirm, the Eruptive Hospital, and Waverly Hills Sanitarium. During the epidemic of spinal meningitis and smallpox which scourged the city and the county in the years 1911-12, at the risk of his own safety, Father Peifer entered the Eruptive Hospital (on the south end of the property of the Home for the Aged and Infirm) and administered the last rites of the church. He gave spiritual comfort to everyone regardless of faith.
In the spring of 1938, Father Peifer, because of declining health and the infirmities of age, resigned the parish. "After the day comes the night," he said, "and at night people retire. I have had my day, 41 years, at St. Helen. My day is done. Night is here. I now retire."
On the morning of August 15, 1938, after saying two Masses and preaching his farewell sermon, the venerable pastor with his cousin, Margaret Elsen, left St. Helen bound for New York City. The last thing he did before leaving St. Helen was to visit the church and breathe a prayer. On leaving the church he never looked back, but straightway went to a waiting auto which took him and Miss Margaret to Union Station. A few days after his departure from Louisville he sailed for his native town, Bitburg, Germany near Trier. Although he was never to return to America he chose to retain his citizenship. His intention was to spend his declining years in a small house which stood on a tract of woodland near Bitburg. This land was his personal property. It seems that he lived in this place during the summer, and during the cold months he made his home in an apartment adjoining a Sisters' Convent in Bitburg. Father Peifer's continued interest and concern for St. Helen and its parishioners is evidenced by his correspondence with Father Newman. Father Peifer died on March 4, 1940, reportedly, of a heart ailment after an illness of a few days. He passed away peaceably without apparent pain and was spared the hardships of World War II.
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(The first part of this history was from a webpage with an unknown author - www.sthelenshivelyky.org. The site is no longer active)
Over one hundred years ago a German immigrant, Rev. John Baptist Peifer, was appointed the first pastor of the newly formed parish of St. Helen. At the time of his appointment, Father Peifer was pastor of All Saints Church, Taylorsville, Kentucky. Father Peifer took charge of St. Helen on October 2, 1897. Along with his appointment to St. Helen, he was given charge of St. Andrew Church near Pleasure Ridge Park, succeeding the Franciscan Fathers who had been attending the congregation from St. Peter Church, Louisville, Kentucky. St. Andrew Church remained under Father's leadership until 1903.
The original property of St. Helen parish consisted of two hundred feet, fronting the Eighteenth Street Road (now Dixie Highway) with a depth of four hundred and forty-eight feet. According to the courthouse records of Jefferson County, this property was purchased from J.P. and Emma Shively on September 13, 1897. A few years later, 25 additional feet, fronting the Eighteenth Street Road, adjoining the south side of the above property, was also purchased from J.P. and Emma Shively, giving the property a frontage of 225 feet. On August 1, 1946 one and one-half acres of land, formerly belonging to the Shively estate and lying on the east side of the church property, was purchased from Emmanuel Levi for $4,301.70.
A three room cottage, located at 3940 Seventh Street Road, opposite the entrance to the Home of the Aged and Infirm, (now Southland Terrace Shopping Center) served as a rectory and church until the first rectory and the first schoolhouse were built. This cottage was the property of William Nieman. According to parish tradition, the first Mass was offered within the present parish boundaries in this same cottage. The parish's first baptism administered by Father Peifer was for Adam Peter Meffert. The first marriage was a mixed marriage between James Webb and Mary Wells. The first funeral was celebrated for 10-day-old Louise Neiman.
The efforts of Father Peifer began to bear fruit. During the closing months of 1897, the first rectory and the first school building were constructed. The Record, dated December 18, 1887, carried the following notice related to the early days of St. Helen Church: "Last September a handsome lot was secured on the other side of the Alm's house to start a very much needed church, and Rev. John B. Peifer was appointed pastor. He pushed the work energetically, and two handsome frame buildings are now completed. One of these buildings is 23 x 75 feet, and is intended for a schoolhouse, but at present will be used for a church, and in the spring will be used for a church and school combined. The other building consisting of six rooms is the pastoral residence. The amiable Father Peifer needs all the assistance he can get, and really, it will be a fine excursion for the people of Louisville."
On January 9, 1898 the first schoolhouse was blessed by Rev. Michael Bouchet, the Vicar General of the Diocese. Mass was offered by Father Peifer. Fathers Zabler and Heising were the deacon and sub-deacon of the Mass. Father Zabler, pastor of St. Martin's Church, preached the sermon. The newly organized choir sang the Mass. The Record of January 15, 1898 noted that "in spite of the bad weather, the church was jammed, which must have been a source of pleasure to the pastor, but at the same time a sign of new trouble in the near future; for it shows clearly that the neat building, which was intended for a schoolhouse, is entirely too small, and that he would have to begin work again in the spring for the erection of a more spacious building."
This schoolhouse stood on the site of the present school. Folding doors separated the sanctuary from the body of the building. When classes were in session, the folding doors were closed, and the body of the building used as a church. this arrangement served for church and school until November 1898, when the first brick church was dedicated.
The cornerstone of the first brick church was laid Sunday afternoon, July 10, 1898. The Record of July 9th gave the following account of this event: "The members of the congregation of St. Helen Church have arranged an excursion to take their city friends to the laying of the cornerstone, to take place next Sunday, July 10th. A special train will leave Louisville from the depot, 7th and River, at 2:30 p.m., and will return at 6:00 p.m. Round trip tickets will cost 25 cents. Refreshments will be served on the church grounds." The cornerstone bore the simple inscription: "Erected 1898." The church was blessed November 6, 1898. On November 5, 1898 The Record gave the following notice of the coming event: "The new St. Helen church is now completed and will be solemnly blessed on Sunday morning, November 6th at 10 o'clock. We congratulate the members of the new parish for their zeal and energy. They have completed one of the finest brick churches around Louisville."
On November 12th The Record thus described the dedication ceremony: "Last Sunday (November 6th) the Rt. Rev. Bishop (McClosky) blessed St. Helen Church.... The church, beautiful with its immaculate whiteness, may be taken as a model for many churches in the diocese. The cheapness of the structure puts it within reach of nearly every congregation of the Diocese and its beauty can hardly be surpassed. We understand that it cost only $6,000.00."
The church building (before the construction of the towers) measured 47 by 105 feet, and had a seating capacity of 400. C.A.. Curtin was the architect. Al Struck was the contractor, and the late Edward P. Lynch of the parish was one of the principal mechanics.
Elsie Dorn was the first school teacher. She died at the close of the school year in May 1898. Miss Dorn was succeeded by Clara Hulskamp, who taught for three succeeding years. Miss Hulskamp had a state certificate for teaching in the public schools. She taught alone her first year. During her second and third year she was assisted by Tillie Gerst and Mayme Hinkel.
The first altar boys were taught the Latin responses of the Mass by Miss Katie Elsen, Father Peifer's housekeeper. Before the days of automobiles, when travel was done by carriage or horseback, a 'stable boy' was needed to take care of Father Peifer's horse. George Nieman was given the honor of being the 'stable boy.' During the year 1898 several of the parish societies were established. Among them were the St. Helen Ladies Society for married women, the St. Joseph's Men society for married men, and the St. Cecilia Young Ladies Society for the unmarried women. The St. Joseph's Orphan Society, the St. Helen Poor Soul Society, the St. Aloysius Young Men's Society, the Guardian Angel Society for the children, the St. Vincent de Paul Society and the Holy Name Society were organized at later dates.
In 1902 the Ursuline Sisters replaced the lay teachers. The first Sisters were Sister Matthew and Sister DeChantel. Sister Matthew taught at St. Helen for the next 22 years. For the first 10 years the sisters resided at St. Anthony's Convent, Twenty-Second and Market Streets, then and the Ursuline Convent, Shelby and Chestnut Streets. They traveled daily to St. Helen, at first on the Illinois Central R.R., and later on the Interurban street car line. This arrangement continued until 1912. On September 20, 1912 a cottage located at 4014 Dixie Highway was purchased and furnished for a Sister's home. Many are the stories relating to the difficulties and sacrifices encountered in the Sister's travels to and from St. Helen school. The success of the school is a living monument to the zeal of the Sisters who sacrificed so generously of themselves over the years.
In 1902, three marble altars were erected in the church. These altars were blessed on November 9th of this year by Fathers L. Bax, F Zabler and E. Bachmann
On February 9, 1908 a three-manual pipe organ was dedicated to divine service by Father Peifer. At that time this organ was considered to be one of the finest in the area.
In 1911 the interior of the church was frescoed, the windows were replaced by stained glass windows, and electric lights were installed. The Stations of the Cross were erected in 1911. The Record of June 8, 191 1 contains the following regarding the Stations: "Handsome St Helen Church has been further enriched with a set of Stations of the Cross - fourteen oil paintings - imported from Munich, and true copies of Martin Fuerstein's "Via Crucis: in St. Ann's Church in that great European city of the arts. The statues will be solemnly blessed and erected in St. Helen this Trinity Sunday afternoon, June 11th at 4:30 by Rev. Ignatius Wilkins, O.F.M. of St. Boniface's. The sermon will be preached by Father Wilkins, and the fine church choir and superb organ will render Rossini's 'Stabat Mater.'
On January 20, 1917 the tile floor in the sanctuary was completed. Many donations were made to the parish, such as the altar of the Sorrowful Mother, electric candelabras, candlesticks, the large cross, the sanctuary lamp, the pulpit and several statues.
On June 29, 1917 Rev. John B. Peifer celebrated the Twenty-Fifth anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood.
In the year 1923 the old frame schoolhouse was moved back some 150 feet from the highway and was converted into the second Sisters' home. The cottage across the highway which had served as a Sisters’ home since 1912 was sold. On the site of the frame schoolhouse the present brick school was started. Fred Erhart was the architect and H.H. Schnieders & Sons were the builders. The cost of the building was about $35,000. The structure was blessed by Bishop Floersh on September 9, 1923. Father Schuhmann preached the sermon. A large number of priests and friends of the parish were present.
In 1935, the two towers were added to the church. The towers were patterned after the Cathedral of Trier, Germany, Father Peifer's home city. This addition increased the seating capacity of the church to 600. Carl Epping was the architect and Hays and Nicoulin were the builders. The cost of this addition was approximately $25,000.
The original cornerstone was moved to the northwest corner of the new structure, and the new cornerstone was placed above the old one. The cornerstone bore the inscription "St. Helen Church Enlarged 1935." This addition to the church was completed and dedicated to divine service on Sunday morning, October 15, 1935. Father Peifer was the celebrant at the Solemn High Mass. Fathers Ruff and Timoney were the deacon and subdeacon, and Father Cotton was the master of ceremonies. Bishop Floersh was present in the sanctuary, and Rev.E.E. Willett and Rev.D.A. Driscoll were chaplains to the Bishop. The sermon was preached by Rev. Aloysius Meyering. Bishop Reverman, a lifelong friend of Father Peifer, sent a telegram of congratulations which was read by Father Meyering.
There were two bells in the south tower. One of the bells was a small one and was originally installed in 1898 in the first church tower. At that time the school children were given the privilege of pulling it up to its place. The other bell was a much larger and was installed in 1935 when the two towers were completed. This bell was donated by Frank Hausman. It bore the strangely worded inscription, "Helenae Sanctae Franciscus Precans" - "Francis (Frank) praying to St. Helen."
In 1946 the entire church was tuck pointed and in 1947 the interior was redecorated.
Rev. John Baptist Peifer, the Man
Father John B. Peifer was born on February 29, 1864 in Bitburg, Germany, near Trier. He studied for the priesthood in Germany, finishing in Belgium at the University of Louvain. He was ordained on June 29, 1892. With little money and few possessions, Father Peifer came to Louisville in 1895 at the age of 31. He was made assistant to Father Heising at St. Vincent de Paul. After a short tenure there he was given the pastorate of All Saints Church at Taylorsville, Kentucky, where he remained until he came to Shively. Arriving in the area he found nothing but a crossroads where St. Helen was to be.
He threw tremendous energy and a large ambition into the development of a new community. He was described as a short, chubby man with a round elf-like face that peered out from behind small horn-rimmed glasses. A thick German accent under laid his English, but there was no misunderstanding his outspoken personality - if toes had to be stepped on, then he stepped on toes to get his work done.
The Kentucky Gazette, March 22, 1940, stated that Father Peifer, in company with other civic-minded people, conceived the idea of interurban streetcar service, and in this way caused the great upswing and migration of the city folk to the rural section of our county. The Gazette also told of Father's service to the unfortunates in the Home for the Aged and Infirm, the Eruptive Hospital, and Waverly Hills Sanitarium. During the epidemic of spinal meningitis and smallpox which scourged the city and the county in the years 1911-12, at the risk of his own safety, Father Peifer entered the Eruptive Hospital (on the south end of the property of the Home for the Aged and Infirm) and administered the last rites of the church. He gave spiritual comfort to everyone regardless of faith.
In the spring of 1938, Father Peifer, because of declining health and the infirmities of age, resigned the parish. "After the day comes the night," he said, "and at night people retire. I have had my day, 41 years, at St. Helen. My day is done. Night is here. I now retire."
On the morning of August 15, 1938, after saying two Masses and preaching his farewell sermon, the venerable pastor with his cousin, Margaret Elsen, left St. Helen bound for New York City. The last thing he did before leaving St. Helen was to visit the church and breathe a prayer. On leaving the church he never looked back, but straightway went to a waiting auto which took him and Miss Margaret to Union Station. A few days after his departure from Louisville he sailed for his native town, Bitburg, Germany near Trier. Although he was never to return to America he chose to retain his citizenship. His intention was to spend his declining years in a small house which stood on a tract of woodland near Bitburg. This land was his personal property. It seems that he lived in this place during the summer, and during the cold months he made his home in an apartment adjoining a Sisters' Convent in Bitburg. Father Peifer's continued interest and concern for St. Helen and its parishioners is evidenced by his correspondence with Father Newman. Father Peifer died on March 4, 1940, reportedly, of a heart ailment after an illness of a few days. He passed away peaceably without apparent pain and was spared the hardships of World War II.
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The Rev. Joseph A. Newman Years - 1938 to 1957
A quotation taken from Father Newman's sermon delivered on the occasion of the Golden Jubilee of the parish describes his arrival at St. Helen. "On the day that the venerable pastor (Father Peifer) left St. Helen and the Diocese, there was one at the station to bid him farewell, who some 40 years before, as a little boy had waved to him 'goodbye' when he left the mission of Taylorsville to establish this parish. From him, this lad had received his first catechetical instruction, had knelt at his feet for his first confession. And it was this pastor who had fostered in the youth his vocation to the holy priesthood. How fitting it was that this same spiritual son should succeed him in the pastorate of St. Helen."
Father Peifer was succeeded by Rev. Joseph A. Newman on August 31, 1938. Father Newman was born in Taylorsville, Kentucky on March 20, 1889, the oldest of five children. He received his early education at Taylorsville, studied one year at Preston Park Seminary, Newburg Road, Louisville; three years at St. Bernard College in Alabama, and two years at St. Meinrad seminary in Indiana. Because of poor health he was advised to go west, and he transferred to St. Thomas Seminary, Denver, Colorado, where he completed a four-year course of study in three years.
He worked summers on ranches and building homes. He was still undecided what his lifework was to be. Two great interests to him were newspaper writing and architecture. He came to Louisville in 1909 without having been ordained. For a while he worked at building houses to pay the debts incurred during his education.
Once he made up his mind to give his life to God he never looked back or regretted it. He was ordained by Bishop O'Donoghue in St. Mary Magdalen's chapel on July 16, 1916.
As his first assignment, Father Newman was appointed pastor of St. Ambrose Church in Union County where he remained for two years. In November 1918 he was appointed pastor of St. Leo the Great Church in Highland Park, Louisville, where he served until September 1, 1938 when he was appointed pastor of St. Helen Church.
When Father Newman took Father Peifer's place he proved himself to be the same type of eager community worker. He did not let denominational lines deter his interest in helping people. It was a familiar sight to see Father Newman painting the window frames, repairing the roof of the church, or tuck pointing the masonry.
His interest in the people of this community led him to join many groups whose aim was to improve the Shively area. He was one of the organizers of the Shively Library. He was active in the incorporation of this community, helped lay out the city street system, and was instrumental in purchasing the land for Shively Park. A favorite saying of Father Newman was "It is better to wear out than to rust out."
In 1931 he took up the study of sign language and devoted a great deal of his time to the pastoral care of Catholic deaf community. Father Newman had a deep interest in teaching religion to both young and old. This prompted him to publish a series of three Catechisms which were used in many schools in the Diocese.
Father Newman kept close to the newest developments in the liturgy and was an ardent advocate of ritual in the vernacular. In 1948 he began the practice of having a parishioner at the 5:15 a.m. Mass read every word of the Mass in English except the Canon.
Father Newman introduced many new activities in the community for the teenagers his "Buzz Club" was well-known throughout the city of Louisville.
Under Father Newman's supervision the church was redecorated two times and many improvements were made within, including the installation of kneeling pads and the enlargement of the communion rail. The exterior of the church and the school were repainted.
A three-day celebration of Father Newman's Silver Jubilee was held June 15-17, 1941. The people of St. Helen were assisted in the festivities by members of the two former parishes Father served as pastor. Father Newman was made a monsignor in 1949. Although this is a great honor for a priest, he quickly let it be known that he still preferred to be called 'Father.'
In 1942 a 67-foot addition was made to the rear of the school. This addition contained a school cafeteria and kitchen with modern equipment, meeting room, school toilets, storeroom and boiler room. The heating plant served both school and church. Thomas J. Nolan was the architect and Al J. Schneider was the builder. The cost of this addition was approximately $23,000.
St. Helen's Golden Jubilee celebration was held in October 1947. Clergy Day was held on Thursday, October 2 with a solemn High Mass at which over 50 priests were in attendance. After the Mass the ladies of the parish served a dinner to the visiting clergy. At 8 p.m. there was a Rosary, Benediction, and Blessing of the Relic of St. Helen. Children's Day was held on Friday, October 3. The High Mass at 8 a.m. was offered for Father Peifer. The PTA. served breakfast for the children. A number of former teachers at St. Helen's School were present. Saturday at 7 a.m. a Requiem High Mass was offered for all of the deceased of the parish. Parish Day was observed on Sunday, October 5. The 7:15 a.m. Mass was offered for parish vocations to religious life. The evening program in the Parish Hall consisted of representative speakers from each organization, music and refreshments.
Construction of a new Sisters' home was completed in February 1949 and to this day the building still serves as the parish convent.
In 1950 the construction of another addition to the school was necessitated by an increasing enrollment. The cornerstone was laid on August 12, 1951. The completed brick addition to St. Helen's School was blessed by the Most Rev. John A. Floersh, Archbishop of Louisville, on September 30, 1951, at 4 p.m. This addition enlarged the former school by eight classrooms. Included in the first level was a cafeteria, kitchen, clinic and storerooms. The new structure joined the present school on the west. The same architect and builder were employed and the cost was approximately $120,000.
The Shively Newsweek reported the death of Father Newman: "The Right Rev. Joseph A. Newman, who has spearheaded many civic projects in Shively and the Louisville area in addition to his duties as a priest, died at 4:30 p.m. last Sunday (March 31, 1957) in his room at St. Helen's Catholic Church Rectory where he had been pastor for the past 19 years. He was 68. Death of the tall, thin, white-haired priest was attributed to a heart attack. Earlier Sunday, Father Newman conducted Mass and services as St. Helen's as usual."
To those who knew Father Newman it was fitting that his last sermon was on vocations. It was Father Timmel's sad duty to assist in arranging for the funeral services of his first pastor. Father Timmel had been with Father Newman for only one year.
The church was too small to hold the large gathering of parishioners and friends, priests and laity, who came to take part in their final tribute to Father Newman. The Office of the Dead was said at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, April 3 at the church, and a Solemn Pontifical Mass at 10:30 a.m. Burial was in Calvary Cemetery.
The Newman Memorial Library, a stately building standing in Shively Park, was erected to Father Newman's memory by the Shively community.
(The following was taken from the Msgr. Newman Council #4665 Knights of Columbus website)
Rev. Joseph Newman, the Man
Joseph A. Newman was born in Taylorsville, Kentucky, March 20, 1889. He was the oldest of five children. His mother died when he was ten years old and he did not receive any formal education until he was ready for the eighth grade. His father had tutored the children at home after work. The Sisters of Charity at Nazareth Academy near Bardstown, Kentucky, gave him private lessons and the Academy's Chaplain, Father Davis gave him a three year course in Latin in one year.
He then attended the old Preparatory Seminary at Preston Park, the present site of Bellarmine College. He then went to St. Meinrad's Seminary in Indiana for two months and to St. Bernard's in Alabama, where he completed the third and forth years of high school and the first year of college.
Joseph Newman returned to St. Meinrad's and studied Philosophy for two years. He transferred to St. Thomas Seminary in Denver Colo., after he began to lose weight and tire easily. With the history of tuberculosis in his family he was advised to go west for his health. While there he completed a four year course of study in three years. Throughout his life this was typical - he was always able to cut corners and take the "fancywork" out of everything he did and still do a good job.
He was still undecided as to what his life's work was to be. He had a desire for architecture and for newspaper writing. In the spring of 1909 he returned to Louisville without having received the Orders of Priesthood. He went to work building houses in order to give himself "time to this thing through" and to pay off his education debt.
(some text missing here) and was ordained to the Priesthood at St. Mary Magdalen's Chapel July 16, 1916 by Bishop O'Donoghue.
His first assignment was as Pastor of St. Ambrose Church in Henshaw, KY., two weeks after his ordination. In reference to his assignment, he said "I was as green as grass and not yet dry behind the ears, but I wasn't afraid of work, so they put up with me for two years."
In 1918 he was sent to St. Leo's Church in Louisville. He remained there for twenty years. While there he started St. Rita's Church in Okolona which he took care of for six years as a mission.
In 1938 he was sent as Pastor to St. Helen's Church in Shively, KY. His accomplishments in and for the parish and Community are numerous. He was active in the incorporation of this community, helped lay out the city street system and negotiated the purchase of land for Shively Park which he served as Chairman of the Board. A shelter house in the park area was named in his honor and in recognition of his work in raising funds for the project.
In 1949 Father Newman was made a Monsignor, but let it be known that he preferred to be called "Father". He had hundreds of converts to the Catholic religion who would testify to the effective and unique way he had of explaining his faith to them. He modestly once said that he had averaged about a dozen converts a year since he had been ordained.
In his "spare time" Father Newman did quite a bit of writing. He composed a Book of Devotions that was used in many Churches in Louisville, two catechisms and at the time of his death he was compiling a commentary of pictures and information gathered on his two trips to the Holy Land.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(The rest of this history has been on my PC for several years. I assume that it came from the St. Helen's web site but cannot verify this.)
The Rev. Bernard A. Spoelker Years - 1957 to 1978
Following the death of Father Newman, Father Bernard A. Spoelker was named pastor of St. Helen Church. The appointment by Archbishop Floersh became effective on April 12, 1957.
Father Spoelker's accomplishments at St. Helen were numerous. Within the first month that he was at St. Helen he called for volunteers from among the parishioners to paint the inside of the church in time for the school's graduation ceremony, Eighty-five volunteers arrived and within five and one-half hours the church's interior was transformed with two coats of fresh paint. This was typical of everything that Father Spoelker was to do. The new church, rectory, parish hall and school additions were constructed under Father's faithful leadership.
St. Helen School's book rental and health room programs originated under Father Spoelker. Father was able to maintain a tuition-free school for grade school parishioners.
Prior to Father Newman's death consideration had been given to enlarging the old church which was inadequate in size to care for the ever-growing congregation. It was Father Newman's thought to extend the side walls to increase the seating capacity.
A later meeting between Father Spoelker and the trustees resulted in the abandonment of the plan, with the hope that a new and larger church could be built. This plan eventually resulted in the construction of the new St. Helen Church. In December 1961, it was announced to the news media that construction of a new church at St. Helen was to begin in 1962. The ground was broken on December 31, 1961 with the blessing of the cornerstone taking place on Sunday, June 17, 1962. The first Mass was celebrated on Sunday, November 18, 1962. The ceremony of the blessing of the church was held on the feast of Christ the King, Sunday, October 27, 1963 at 11:40 in the morning, followed by a Solemn High Mass at noon.
The new St. Helen church was a modified contemporary church designed in cruciform. The exterior stone trimmed red brick was chosen to complement the grade school building and convent. The main distinguishing features of the new church construction was the ceiling-to-floor mosaic of St. Helen done by the Emil Frei studio of St. Louis, Mo., which stood as the back wall of the sanctuary behind the main altar. Another unique feature of the church was the stained glass windows in the nave with the north wall windows depicting Old Testament symbols while the south side contained New Testament symbols. Finally, the transept areas contained four large square windows featuring the first four Joyful Mysteries of the rosary with the fifth Mystery, "Finding Christ in the Temple" being understood upon entering the church.
In 1963 following completion of the new church, the first brick church was razed and a new rectory built behind the new church. The rectory was also razed, and the area where the old church and rectory had formerly stood was beautifully landscaped.
Also in 1963 construction was begun on the Parish Hall, with the major part of the labor donated.
Commemorating the Seventy-Fifth Anniversary the founding of St. Helen parish, a concelebrated Mass was said at 4 p.m. on Sunday, October 29, 1972. Principal concelebrant was Bishop Charles Maloney. Invited to concelebrate were all priests who had at any time served at St. Helen. The deacon of the Mass was the Rev. Mr. Robert Abel and the sermon was delivered by Rev. Gerald Timmel. Dinner for the guest (clergy and sisters) followed the Mass at 5:45 p.m. parish program and social hour was held at 8 p.m.
On June 10, 1978 Father Spoelker celebrated the Forty-Fifth anniversary of his Ordination with a Mass of Thanksgiving, his last as pastor. During Father's last year, he made his usual January trip to Florida to vacation with his longtime friend and mentor Monsignor Francis J. Timoney (Father Tim). During his absence from the parish the parish council decided to take up a collection to present Father with a new Mercury. The gesture so touched Father that he often had to compose himself when recounting the event to his many friends and associates.
Father Spoelker returned to a small apartment in the Hikes Point area of Louisville and continued to help where needed saying Mass daily at St. Pius X and replacing priests who were ill or on vacation. He suffered a stroke during the night of April 8, 1980. He entered Georgetown Manor Nursing Home where he remained until his death on April 15, 1982 at the age of seventy-three. The Mass of resurrection was celebrated at St. Helen on Monday, April 19, 1982 with the burial at St Michael Cemetery.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Rev. Gerald L. Timmel Years - 1979 to 1988
On February 24, 1979 Rev. Gerald L. Timmel returned to St. Helen as Pastor. As a newly ordained priest he came to St. Helen Church in June of 1956 to begin his ministry as associate pastor to Monsignor Joseph A. Newman. The following year in March, Father Newman died suddenly leaving Father Timmel with the sad task of arranging his pastor's funeral. Father Timmel's short time with Father Newman had its effect. Following in his example, Father continued his work as moderator of the Louisville Catholic Deaf Society. For the next 10 years Father Timmel worked closely with Father Spoelker. In June of 1967, Father Timmel left St. Helen to work as an associate at St. Pius X and then in 1970 on to St. Mildred in Somerset to begin a "shared ministry" in the Southern Kentucky Missions consisting of a parish that covered 2,000 square miles and five counties.
Father Timmel was anxious on his return to find parish needs and to increase lay involvement in St. Helen parish. During the first few months with the parish council's help he developed a questionnaire on the talents of the people and where they felt they would like to become involved. During the summer months of 1979, neighborhood get-togethers were held to give the parishioners an opportunity to express their opinions and to ask questions. These meetings gave birth to a survey of parish identified needs that was mailed to each parishioner requesting that they prioritize their importance. The data gathered produced new service organizations such as the Senior Citizens, Newsletter, Divorced Group, Nursery and the preschool CCD programs. Various community affiliated organizations were invited use the parish facilities. Father Timmel was the first to see the need for a parish Business Manager and hired Larry Love to fill this important position.
During Father Timmel's years he was instrumental in getting some significant community projects and achievements done. Among the more significant was a Southwest Peace Memorial, the Shively Arts Festival and Panther Prance, a food closet established in conjunction with Shively Area Ministries, and the placement of Archdiocesan offices at Flaget Center. Within the parish, he encouraged prayer groups with the school, computerization of parish records, a consolidated banking account with other parishes, Prayer days for staff parish council and faculty, the Renew process and continual encouragement of parishioners and committee members to take advantage of the many educational programs offered by the archdiocese.
The largest undertaking of Father Timmel's pastorate was the renovation of the church. When he was assigned to the church by Archbishop MacDonough, it was with the specific understanding that he would bring the interior of the church within Vatican II liturgical guidelines. In May of 1982, an over four-year process of consultation, designing, and financing resulted in the renovation of the church. Father Timmel and the six-member Update Committee saw their work come to fruition at noon on August 24, 1986 with the re-dedication of the church during a nearly three-hour service by Archbishop Thomas C. Kelly OP. A gala parish celebration took place after the liturgy in the school auditorium.
Completing his assigned task, Father enjoyed the fruits of his labor for almost two years before leaving in June of 1988 for a Sabbatical year of personal reflection, education and rest.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Father Peifer was succeeded by Rev. Joseph A. Newman on August 31, 1938. Father Newman was born in Taylorsville, Kentucky on March 20, 1889, the oldest of five children. He received his early education at Taylorsville, studied one year at Preston Park Seminary, Newburg Road, Louisville; three years at St. Bernard College in Alabama, and two years at St. Meinrad seminary in Indiana. Because of poor health he was advised to go west, and he transferred to St. Thomas Seminary, Denver, Colorado, where he completed a four-year course of study in three years.
He worked summers on ranches and building homes. He was still undecided what his lifework was to be. Two great interests to him were newspaper writing and architecture. He came to Louisville in 1909 without having been ordained. For a while he worked at building houses to pay the debts incurred during his education.
Once he made up his mind to give his life to God he never looked back or regretted it. He was ordained by Bishop O'Donoghue in St. Mary Magdalen's chapel on July 16, 1916.
As his first assignment, Father Newman was appointed pastor of St. Ambrose Church in Union County where he remained for two years. In November 1918 he was appointed pastor of St. Leo the Great Church in Highland Park, Louisville, where he served until September 1, 1938 when he was appointed pastor of St. Helen Church.
When Father Newman took Father Peifer's place he proved himself to be the same type of eager community worker. He did not let denominational lines deter his interest in helping people. It was a familiar sight to see Father Newman painting the window frames, repairing the roof of the church, or tuck pointing the masonry.
His interest in the people of this community led him to join many groups whose aim was to improve the Shively area. He was one of the organizers of the Shively Library. He was active in the incorporation of this community, helped lay out the city street system, and was instrumental in purchasing the land for Shively Park. A favorite saying of Father Newman was "It is better to wear out than to rust out."
In 1931 he took up the study of sign language and devoted a great deal of his time to the pastoral care of Catholic deaf community. Father Newman had a deep interest in teaching religion to both young and old. This prompted him to publish a series of three Catechisms which were used in many schools in the Diocese.
Father Newman kept close to the newest developments in the liturgy and was an ardent advocate of ritual in the vernacular. In 1948 he began the practice of having a parishioner at the 5:15 a.m. Mass read every word of the Mass in English except the Canon.
Father Newman introduced many new activities in the community for the teenagers his "Buzz Club" was well-known throughout the city of Louisville.
Under Father Newman's supervision the church was redecorated two times and many improvements were made within, including the installation of kneeling pads and the enlargement of the communion rail. The exterior of the church and the school were repainted.
A three-day celebration of Father Newman's Silver Jubilee was held June 15-17, 1941. The people of St. Helen were assisted in the festivities by members of the two former parishes Father served as pastor. Father Newman was made a monsignor in 1949. Although this is a great honor for a priest, he quickly let it be known that he still preferred to be called 'Father.'
In 1942 a 67-foot addition was made to the rear of the school. This addition contained a school cafeteria and kitchen with modern equipment, meeting room, school toilets, storeroom and boiler room. The heating plant served both school and church. Thomas J. Nolan was the architect and Al J. Schneider was the builder. The cost of this addition was approximately $23,000.
St. Helen's Golden Jubilee celebration was held in October 1947. Clergy Day was held on Thursday, October 2 with a solemn High Mass at which over 50 priests were in attendance. After the Mass the ladies of the parish served a dinner to the visiting clergy. At 8 p.m. there was a Rosary, Benediction, and Blessing of the Relic of St. Helen. Children's Day was held on Friday, October 3. The High Mass at 8 a.m. was offered for Father Peifer. The PTA. served breakfast for the children. A number of former teachers at St. Helen's School were present. Saturday at 7 a.m. a Requiem High Mass was offered for all of the deceased of the parish. Parish Day was observed on Sunday, October 5. The 7:15 a.m. Mass was offered for parish vocations to religious life. The evening program in the Parish Hall consisted of representative speakers from each organization, music and refreshments.
Construction of a new Sisters' home was completed in February 1949 and to this day the building still serves as the parish convent.
In 1950 the construction of another addition to the school was necessitated by an increasing enrollment. The cornerstone was laid on August 12, 1951. The completed brick addition to St. Helen's School was blessed by the Most Rev. John A. Floersh, Archbishop of Louisville, on September 30, 1951, at 4 p.m. This addition enlarged the former school by eight classrooms. Included in the first level was a cafeteria, kitchen, clinic and storerooms. The new structure joined the present school on the west. The same architect and builder were employed and the cost was approximately $120,000.
The Shively Newsweek reported the death of Father Newman: "The Right Rev. Joseph A. Newman, who has spearheaded many civic projects in Shively and the Louisville area in addition to his duties as a priest, died at 4:30 p.m. last Sunday (March 31, 1957) in his room at St. Helen's Catholic Church Rectory where he had been pastor for the past 19 years. He was 68. Death of the tall, thin, white-haired priest was attributed to a heart attack. Earlier Sunday, Father Newman conducted Mass and services as St. Helen's as usual."
To those who knew Father Newman it was fitting that his last sermon was on vocations. It was Father Timmel's sad duty to assist in arranging for the funeral services of his first pastor. Father Timmel had been with Father Newman for only one year.
The church was too small to hold the large gathering of parishioners and friends, priests and laity, who came to take part in their final tribute to Father Newman. The Office of the Dead was said at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, April 3 at the church, and a Solemn Pontifical Mass at 10:30 a.m. Burial was in Calvary Cemetery.
The Newman Memorial Library, a stately building standing in Shively Park, was erected to Father Newman's memory by the Shively community.
(The following was taken from the Msgr. Newman Council #4665 Knights of Columbus website)
Rev. Joseph Newman, the Man
Joseph A. Newman was born in Taylorsville, Kentucky, March 20, 1889. He was the oldest of five children. His mother died when he was ten years old and he did not receive any formal education until he was ready for the eighth grade. His father had tutored the children at home after work. The Sisters of Charity at Nazareth Academy near Bardstown, Kentucky, gave him private lessons and the Academy's Chaplain, Father Davis gave him a three year course in Latin in one year.
He then attended the old Preparatory Seminary at Preston Park, the present site of Bellarmine College. He then went to St. Meinrad's Seminary in Indiana for two months and to St. Bernard's in Alabama, where he completed the third and forth years of high school and the first year of college.
Joseph Newman returned to St. Meinrad's and studied Philosophy for two years. He transferred to St. Thomas Seminary in Denver Colo., after he began to lose weight and tire easily. With the history of tuberculosis in his family he was advised to go west for his health. While there he completed a four year course of study in three years. Throughout his life this was typical - he was always able to cut corners and take the "fancywork" out of everything he did and still do a good job.
He was still undecided as to what his life's work was to be. He had a desire for architecture and for newspaper writing. In the spring of 1909 he returned to Louisville without having received the Orders of Priesthood. He went to work building houses in order to give himself "time to this thing through" and to pay off his education debt.
(some text missing here) and was ordained to the Priesthood at St. Mary Magdalen's Chapel July 16, 1916 by Bishop O'Donoghue.
His first assignment was as Pastor of St. Ambrose Church in Henshaw, KY., two weeks after his ordination. In reference to his assignment, he said "I was as green as grass and not yet dry behind the ears, but I wasn't afraid of work, so they put up with me for two years."
In 1918 he was sent to St. Leo's Church in Louisville. He remained there for twenty years. While there he started St. Rita's Church in Okolona which he took care of for six years as a mission.
In 1938 he was sent as Pastor to St. Helen's Church in Shively, KY. His accomplishments in and for the parish and Community are numerous. He was active in the incorporation of this community, helped lay out the city street system and negotiated the purchase of land for Shively Park which he served as Chairman of the Board. A shelter house in the park area was named in his honor and in recognition of his work in raising funds for the project.
In 1949 Father Newman was made a Monsignor, but let it be known that he preferred to be called "Father". He had hundreds of converts to the Catholic religion who would testify to the effective and unique way he had of explaining his faith to them. He modestly once said that he had averaged about a dozen converts a year since he had been ordained.
In his "spare time" Father Newman did quite a bit of writing. He composed a Book of Devotions that was used in many Churches in Louisville, two catechisms and at the time of his death he was compiling a commentary of pictures and information gathered on his two trips to the Holy Land.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(The rest of this history has been on my PC for several years. I assume that it came from the St. Helen's web site but cannot verify this.)
The Rev. Bernard A. Spoelker Years - 1957 to 1978
Following the death of Father Newman, Father Bernard A. Spoelker was named pastor of St. Helen Church. The appointment by Archbishop Floersh became effective on April 12, 1957.
Father Spoelker's accomplishments at St. Helen were numerous. Within the first month that he was at St. Helen he called for volunteers from among the parishioners to paint the inside of the church in time for the school's graduation ceremony, Eighty-five volunteers arrived and within five and one-half hours the church's interior was transformed with two coats of fresh paint. This was typical of everything that Father Spoelker was to do. The new church, rectory, parish hall and school additions were constructed under Father's faithful leadership.
St. Helen School's book rental and health room programs originated under Father Spoelker. Father was able to maintain a tuition-free school for grade school parishioners.
Prior to Father Newman's death consideration had been given to enlarging the old church which was inadequate in size to care for the ever-growing congregation. It was Father Newman's thought to extend the side walls to increase the seating capacity.
A later meeting between Father Spoelker and the trustees resulted in the abandonment of the plan, with the hope that a new and larger church could be built. This plan eventually resulted in the construction of the new St. Helen Church. In December 1961, it was announced to the news media that construction of a new church at St. Helen was to begin in 1962. The ground was broken on December 31, 1961 with the blessing of the cornerstone taking place on Sunday, June 17, 1962. The first Mass was celebrated on Sunday, November 18, 1962. The ceremony of the blessing of the church was held on the feast of Christ the King, Sunday, October 27, 1963 at 11:40 in the morning, followed by a Solemn High Mass at noon.
The new St. Helen church was a modified contemporary church designed in cruciform. The exterior stone trimmed red brick was chosen to complement the grade school building and convent. The main distinguishing features of the new church construction was the ceiling-to-floor mosaic of St. Helen done by the Emil Frei studio of St. Louis, Mo., which stood as the back wall of the sanctuary behind the main altar. Another unique feature of the church was the stained glass windows in the nave with the north wall windows depicting Old Testament symbols while the south side contained New Testament symbols. Finally, the transept areas contained four large square windows featuring the first four Joyful Mysteries of the rosary with the fifth Mystery, "Finding Christ in the Temple" being understood upon entering the church.
In 1963 following completion of the new church, the first brick church was razed and a new rectory built behind the new church. The rectory was also razed, and the area where the old church and rectory had formerly stood was beautifully landscaped.
Also in 1963 construction was begun on the Parish Hall, with the major part of the labor donated.
Commemorating the Seventy-Fifth Anniversary the founding of St. Helen parish, a concelebrated Mass was said at 4 p.m. on Sunday, October 29, 1972. Principal concelebrant was Bishop Charles Maloney. Invited to concelebrate were all priests who had at any time served at St. Helen. The deacon of the Mass was the Rev. Mr. Robert Abel and the sermon was delivered by Rev. Gerald Timmel. Dinner for the guest (clergy and sisters) followed the Mass at 5:45 p.m. parish program and social hour was held at 8 p.m.
On June 10, 1978 Father Spoelker celebrated the Forty-Fifth anniversary of his Ordination with a Mass of Thanksgiving, his last as pastor. During Father's last year, he made his usual January trip to Florida to vacation with his longtime friend and mentor Monsignor Francis J. Timoney (Father Tim). During his absence from the parish the parish council decided to take up a collection to present Father with a new Mercury. The gesture so touched Father that he often had to compose himself when recounting the event to his many friends and associates.
Father Spoelker returned to a small apartment in the Hikes Point area of Louisville and continued to help where needed saying Mass daily at St. Pius X and replacing priests who were ill or on vacation. He suffered a stroke during the night of April 8, 1980. He entered Georgetown Manor Nursing Home where he remained until his death on April 15, 1982 at the age of seventy-three. The Mass of resurrection was celebrated at St. Helen on Monday, April 19, 1982 with the burial at St Michael Cemetery.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Rev. Gerald L. Timmel Years - 1979 to 1988
On February 24, 1979 Rev. Gerald L. Timmel returned to St. Helen as Pastor. As a newly ordained priest he came to St. Helen Church in June of 1956 to begin his ministry as associate pastor to Monsignor Joseph A. Newman. The following year in March, Father Newman died suddenly leaving Father Timmel with the sad task of arranging his pastor's funeral. Father Timmel's short time with Father Newman had its effect. Following in his example, Father continued his work as moderator of the Louisville Catholic Deaf Society. For the next 10 years Father Timmel worked closely with Father Spoelker. In June of 1967, Father Timmel left St. Helen to work as an associate at St. Pius X and then in 1970 on to St. Mildred in Somerset to begin a "shared ministry" in the Southern Kentucky Missions consisting of a parish that covered 2,000 square miles and five counties.
Father Timmel was anxious on his return to find parish needs and to increase lay involvement in St. Helen parish. During the first few months with the parish council's help he developed a questionnaire on the talents of the people and where they felt they would like to become involved. During the summer months of 1979, neighborhood get-togethers were held to give the parishioners an opportunity to express their opinions and to ask questions. These meetings gave birth to a survey of parish identified needs that was mailed to each parishioner requesting that they prioritize their importance. The data gathered produced new service organizations such as the Senior Citizens, Newsletter, Divorced Group, Nursery and the preschool CCD programs. Various community affiliated organizations were invited use the parish facilities. Father Timmel was the first to see the need for a parish Business Manager and hired Larry Love to fill this important position.
During Father Timmel's years he was instrumental in getting some significant community projects and achievements done. Among the more significant was a Southwest Peace Memorial, the Shively Arts Festival and Panther Prance, a food closet established in conjunction with Shively Area Ministries, and the placement of Archdiocesan offices at Flaget Center. Within the parish, he encouraged prayer groups with the school, computerization of parish records, a consolidated banking account with other parishes, Prayer days for staff parish council and faculty, the Renew process and continual encouragement of parishioners and committee members to take advantage of the many educational programs offered by the archdiocese.
The largest undertaking of Father Timmel's pastorate was the renovation of the church. When he was assigned to the church by Archbishop MacDonough, it was with the specific understanding that he would bring the interior of the church within Vatican II liturgical guidelines. In May of 1982, an over four-year process of consultation, designing, and financing resulted in the renovation of the church. Father Timmel and the six-member Update Committee saw their work come to fruition at noon on August 24, 1986 with the re-dedication of the church during a nearly three-hour service by Archbishop Thomas C. Kelly OP. A gala parish celebration took place after the liturgy in the school auditorium.
Completing his assigned task, Father enjoyed the fruits of his labor for almost two years before leaving in June of 1988 for a Sabbatical year of personal reflection, education and rest.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Rev. David Stoltz Years, 1988 to 1993
Arriving in June of 1988 from an assignment as pastor of Holy Spirit in Jamestown and Good Shepherd Columbia, Kentucky, the Rev. David E. Stoltz was installed as the parish's fifth pastor by Archbishop Kelly on July 30, 1988. Upon arriving at St. Helen it came readily apparent that Father Dave (his name preference) was deeply interested in the liturgy of the church and its liturgical settings. Consequently, he spent and enjoyed many hours in church helping with decorations, planning liturgies and attending choir practice. It fell to Father Dave to complete the church renovation, by landscaping the front lawn and finishing the negotiations with the State Right of Way Division selling the corner of the front lawn thereby making the area much safer for parishioners and the general public trying to cross Crums Lane or Dixie Highway on foot. The crowning touch to the front lawn was the Helen Monument designed by Madonna Ebrenz ( Wilson), a St. Helen graduate made from materials left from the church renovation. This marble monument stands as a tribute to the pastor who executed its design and erection. The monument was dedicated the feast of St. Helen in 1993.
Father Dave made a lasting impression on the parish during his limited time as pastor. He supported a scaled down renovation of Spoelker Hall turning the facility into a bright, functional and more adaptable building for parish needs. He was instrumental in starting the Stewardship process which each year gives parishioners a chance to commit in gratitude a portion of their God-given time and talent and treasure to the work of the church. The Bereavement Committee began its very compassionate work in 1993 thanks to Father Dave's caring leadership. The transition from Ursulines to Benedictine Sisters living in the convent took place during his time. Along with the coming of the Benedictines, Sr. Susan Hooks OSB became the parish's second Business Manager.
What was not commonly known about Father Dave was his health. He was a severe diabetic. He spent many of his days off and vacations doing carpentry at and building on a cabin he, along with others, owned at Hurricane Hills near Boston, Ky. On October 21, 1993 Father Dave met his sudden and unexpected death in the cabin that gave him such great pleasure. Father Charles Bindner gently led the shocked community during a time of great grief. Archbishop Kelly celebrated the Mass of the Resurrection for Father Dave on October 25, 1993. The homily at the Mass was delivered by Father Joseph Stoltz, Father Dave's younger brother. Father Dave was buried in Calvary Cemetery.
Arriving in June of 1988 from an assignment as pastor of Holy Spirit in Jamestown and Good Shepherd Columbia, Kentucky, the Rev. David E. Stoltz was installed as the parish's fifth pastor by Archbishop Kelly on July 30, 1988. Upon arriving at St. Helen it came readily apparent that Father Dave (his name preference) was deeply interested in the liturgy of the church and its liturgical settings. Consequently, he spent and enjoyed many hours in church helping with decorations, planning liturgies and attending choir practice. It fell to Father Dave to complete the church renovation, by landscaping the front lawn and finishing the negotiations with the State Right of Way Division selling the corner of the front lawn thereby making the area much safer for parishioners and the general public trying to cross Crums Lane or Dixie Highway on foot. The crowning touch to the front lawn was the Helen Monument designed by Madonna Ebrenz ( Wilson), a St. Helen graduate made from materials left from the church renovation. This marble monument stands as a tribute to the pastor who executed its design and erection. The monument was dedicated the feast of St. Helen in 1993.
Father Dave made a lasting impression on the parish during his limited time as pastor. He supported a scaled down renovation of Spoelker Hall turning the facility into a bright, functional and more adaptable building for parish needs. He was instrumental in starting the Stewardship process which each year gives parishioners a chance to commit in gratitude a portion of their God-given time and talent and treasure to the work of the church. The Bereavement Committee began its very compassionate work in 1993 thanks to Father Dave's caring leadership. The transition from Ursulines to Benedictine Sisters living in the convent took place during his time. Along with the coming of the Benedictines, Sr. Susan Hooks OSB became the parish's second Business Manager.
What was not commonly known about Father Dave was his health. He was a severe diabetic. He spent many of his days off and vacations doing carpentry at and building on a cabin he, along with others, owned at Hurricane Hills near Boston, Ky. On October 21, 1993 Father Dave met his sudden and unexpected death in the cabin that gave him such great pleasure. Father Charles Bindner gently led the shocked community during a time of great grief. Archbishop Kelly celebrated the Mass of the Resurrection for Father Dave on October 25, 1993. The homily at the Mass was delivered by Father Joseph Stoltz, Father Dave's younger brother. Father Dave was buried in Calvary Cemetery.
The Rev. Thomas Gentile Years, 1994 ----
On January 26, 1994, Father Tom (his name preference) arrived on the week after the second largest snow storm in the history of Jefferson County. Father Tom was the second former associate to return to the parish as pastor, having spent two years as a part-time associate with Father Timmel from June 1982 to June 1984. On his return to St. Helen, Father Tom was given a warm welcome by a parish still deeply involved in grieving their former pastor. After spending six months reviewing the needs of the area and the parish, Father Tom discovered a new direction for the parish in its next hundred years of service to the area. While still doing all the previous ministries the church is looking to the needs of the future: providing day-care for children, and probably a more pressing need, of providing day-care for senior citizens. With the parish council's blessing, an architect was hired to help put form to a building that will address the area's future needs.
Father Tom, while serving as Chair of the Archdiocesan Council for Stewardship and Development has continued the parish's work in the are of Stewardship. Under the same impetus, the parish has again taken a leadership role in Region V of the Archdiocese by successfully meeting Catholic Service Appeal goals and exceeding the parish goal by almost twenty percent in the first ever Archdiocesan effort to establish an Endowment for the future of catholic education (The Endowment for Excellence). He has also worked with the school board and parish council to find new ways to bring financial stability and quality to the parish school. With the help of Sr. Susan Hooks, the parish has re-instituted the parish newsletter. A parish van has been purchased to provide transportation to church for those who otherwise would not be able to come.
Following the tradition of his predecessors, Father Tom has an outside interest that gives him rest. Father Newman had his hammer and paint brush that was often applied to parish buildings. Father Spoelker also enjoyed physical endeavors. Father Timmel had his garden and camp in Indiana. Father Dave enjoyed his hours at Hurricane Hills. Father Tom appeared with his race car that keeps him sane and happy.
On January 26, 1994, Father Tom (his name preference) arrived on the week after the second largest snow storm in the history of Jefferson County. Father Tom was the second former associate to return to the parish as pastor, having spent two years as a part-time associate with Father Timmel from June 1982 to June 1984. On his return to St. Helen, Father Tom was given a warm welcome by a parish still deeply involved in grieving their former pastor. After spending six months reviewing the needs of the area and the parish, Father Tom discovered a new direction for the parish in its next hundred years of service to the area. While still doing all the previous ministries the church is looking to the needs of the future: providing day-care for children, and probably a more pressing need, of providing day-care for senior citizens. With the parish council's blessing, an architect was hired to help put form to a building that will address the area's future needs.
Father Tom, while serving as Chair of the Archdiocesan Council for Stewardship and Development has continued the parish's work in the are of Stewardship. Under the same impetus, the parish has again taken a leadership role in Region V of the Archdiocese by successfully meeting Catholic Service Appeal goals and exceeding the parish goal by almost twenty percent in the first ever Archdiocesan effort to establish an Endowment for the future of catholic education (The Endowment for Excellence). He has also worked with the school board and parish council to find new ways to bring financial stability and quality to the parish school. With the help of Sr. Susan Hooks, the parish has re-instituted the parish newsletter. A parish van has been purchased to provide transportation to church for those who otherwise would not be able to come.
Following the tradition of his predecessors, Father Tom has an outside interest that gives him rest. Father Newman had his hammer and paint brush that was often applied to parish buildings. Father Spoelker also enjoyed physical endeavors. Father Timmel had his garden and camp in Indiana. Father Dave enjoyed his hours at Hurricane Hills. Father Tom appeared with his race car that keeps him sane and happy.
In 2004, St. Helen School joined with St. Lawrence School and St. Denis School to form Notre Dame Academy located at St. Lawrence. St. Helen’s parish merged with Saint Denis, Saint Basil and Saint Matthias to form Mary Queen of Peace. St. Helen's school was demolished in 2014.
A history of Shively