Jimmy Emerson, DVM on Flickr

St. Francis de Sales. 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.