The History of St. Lawrence Catholic Church
 Even though St. Lawrence Church wasn’t formally established until 1842, the
roots of our church can be traced back to 1840. During the first few years,
Masses and other services were held in the founding family's homes. Priests from
neighboring parishes would come to Lawrenceburg to perform Mass.
The practice of priests visiting St. Lawrence to say Mass would last
until 1866. In 1842 a plot of land, not too far from our existing church,
was deeded to the Bishop. On this plot of land the first Catholic Church in
Lawrenceburg was built. Construction of our first church was completed in
1847. It was a stone structure measuring 60 feet long by 40 feet wide, and
served the needs of our early parishioners until 1867. Reverend Clement
Scheve became St. Lawrence's first resident pastor in 1866. He immediately
saw the need for a larger church. Father Scheve purchased the land and the
construction on our present day church started. St. Lawrence was completed
in the spring of 1867. The bell from the original church was hung in the
steeple. Later that summer, the original bell was retired because a new bell
weighing 3500 lbs was purchased.
During the 1990s the original bell was found, still in the steeple. It
was restored and now its ring calls our parishioners to church on special
occasions. In February 1882, the first serious flood in 50 years struck the
Lawrenceburg area. The Ohio River floodwaters crested six inches beneath the floor of the church.
Though the inside of the church was spared, there was much property damage.
Waters from the Ohio would reach our church four more times with the Ohio
river cresting inside of the church each time. The floods were in 1883,
1884, 1913, and 1937 with the most serious being the flood of 1937 when the water
crested 26 feet deep inside of church.
With each flood the parishioners pulled together giving of their time,
talents, and treasure to restore St. Lawrence to its original splendor. In
the early part of the 20th century, Father Kreis took the initiative to
build St. Lawrence a modern school. After nine years of fund raising,
planning and construction the school and convent for the Franciscan nun, who
would teach the students, opened in the fall of 1927. Over the years the
school has been added on to several times, most recently being in 2003 with
the addition of four classrooms and the Father Jack Hartzer multi-purpose
room.
To read the Saint Lawrence Centenary from 1842 to 1942 click here
"St Lawrence Centenary 1942".
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