Batesville, In. — St Louis Catholic Church in Batesville will celebrate 150 years of service in the community on September 16.
In 1867, the residents of Batesville pledged money for the construction of the St. Louis Catholic Church, originally named St. Ludwig’s. Reverend John Paul Gillig was appointed as the church’s first pastor in 1868, but the first service was not held until September 18, 1870, with The Very Reverend Otto Jair. All sermons, prayers and announcements were spoken in German until 1887.
In 1892 approximately 160 families donated enough money to finish the church steeple. In the same year the O.L Pulse Company from Greensburg completed the steeple at a cost of $3,447.
As the campus and congregation grew, St. Louis Catholic Church established its place as an institution in the community.
A link to the complete history of the church is here.
Church leaders are looking for donations of pies and other items as well as volunteers to help during the celebration. For mkore information please call 812-933-0708.
