Skip to content

About Us

A Brief History of Saint Stephen Cathedral

  • 1822-1839 –  The mission years.  Mission priests celebrated Mass in the homes of the early settlers in Daviess County.
  • 1839 – The first St. Stephen Church was built at Second and Cedar Streets.  Reverend John C. Wathen was appointed pastor of the new church.
  • 1849 – The Sisters of Charity of Nazareth opened St. Francis Academy, the first school in Daviess County.
  • 1856 – A second and larger Saint Stephen Church was built at Second and Cedar Streets.
  • 1924-1926 – The third Saint Stephen Church was built at 610 Locust Street. The artisans who designed the church were foreseeing that one day our church would be called “Cathedral.”
  • 1937 – Pope Pius XI  created the Diocese of Owensboro.
  • 1938 – Pope Pius XI designated Most Reverend Francis R. Cotton  as the first Bishop of the Diocese of Owensboro, and Saint Stephen Church as his Cathedral.
  • 1938 – Reverend Anthony Higdon was the first priest to be ordained from Saint Stephen Cathedral.
  • 1939 – We celebrated 100 years as a parish and the first parish school was opened at 7th and Frederica Streets for grades 1-5.
  • 1948 – Blessed Sacrament Chapel established as a mission church.
  • 1951 – Owensboro Catholic High School opened.
  • 1962 – A new Saint Stephen Cathedral parish school opened at 600 Locust Street.
  • 1986 – Saint Stephen Cathedral Preschool was established.
  • 1989 – Owensboro parochial schools consolidated; St. Angela Merici became the designated school for our parish children.
  • 1989 – We celebrated 150 years as a parish!
  • 2004 – Saint Stephen Cathedral parish held its first annual Parish Picnic.  The first Capital Campaign “Preservation for the Next Generation” was opened to renew and refurbish the parish facilities.
  • 2010 – Pope Benedict XVI designated Most Reverend William F. Medley as the 4th Bishop of the Diocese of Owensboro.
  • 2011 – Work continues on plans for the interior renovation of the Cathedral.
  • 2012 – The newly renovated Cathedral was re-opened and the new altar dedicated on November 18, 2012.

  • 2018 – The “Keeping Safe & Secure” Capital Campaign was begun to replace the front porch and steps as well as to improve campus security.
  • 2024 – Blessed Sacrament Chapel completed extensive renovations of the church interior.
  • 2026 – We gave thanks to God as we celebrated 100 years of praying, worshiping, and gathering as a parish family in our present church building. In addition, the “Renewal and Expansion: Building a Brighter Future” Capital Campaign was begun. A multi-year campaign that will involve church repairs (windows & organ), rectory renovations, office building construction and parking lot expansion.  
    Saint Stephen Cathedral 100 Years Logo

Today, Saint Stephen Cathedral is a vibrant parish serving the spiritual needs of its families with Most Reverend William F. Medley as Bishop and Reverend John M. Thomas as pastor.

We are a blessed parish indeed!

1