St. Martin
Catholic Church
History of St. Martin Catholic Church – Rome, Kentucky
The history of St. Martin Catholic Church in Rome, Kentucky, begins with the gifting of the original two acres of land on April 20, 1872, believed to have been a generous donation from local families. A year later, in 1873, Fr. Ivo Schacht, pastor of St. Stephen in Owensboro, organized the Catholic families of Rome into a new parish. The first church was constructed that same year, and Mass was offered weekly on Tuesdays. In its early years, the parish was served by priests from St. Stephen in Owensboro, St. Peter in Stanley, and St. Raphael.
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St. Martin received its first resident pastor in November 1891, when Rev. John Riley was appointed. He was followed by Rev. Louis Herberth in July 1896. Parishioner generosity continued to shape the church, and between 1908 and 1910, the beautiful stained-glass windows—still cherished today—were donated.
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Catholic education became a central part of parish life. On August 30, 1912, an additional acre of land was donated, and the first school was constructed: a long frame building with two classrooms. A two-story home for the Ursuline Sisters from Louisville was also built at this time. Additional land was donated again on June 30, 1919, and by 1920, a new four-room school—costing $20,742—was completed. At this point, the Ursuline Sisters of Mount St. Joseph took charge of the school, which served parish needs until 1954.
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With the parish and school continuing to grow, a major building program was launched under Fr. Joseph Saffer. Plans were made for a new church, school, convent, and rectory. Through the tremendous generosity of parishioners, the new church was completed in 1957, and Bishop Francis R. Cotton dedicated it on December 17, 1957, with the first Mass celebrated the same day.
Monsignor Gilbert Henninger became pastor in 1962 and guided major expansion over the next twenty years. A new rectory was built in 1964, followed by the addition of six classrooms, a library, and restrooms to the school in 1966—all under his direction.
In 1982, Fr. Victor C. Boarman was appointed pastor. He organized the Parish Council, initiated greater parishioner involvement, and brought lectors and Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist into service, strengthening the liturgical life of the parish. After fifty years of devoted priestly service, Fr. Boarman retired in June 1989.
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Over the years, St. Martin Parish has continued to grow through the dedication of its people. Parishioners actively serve in numerous ministries, including parish council, liturgy, catechesis, and community outreach. Their commitment to faith and service continues to shape the vibrant parish community that began here more than a century and a half ago.
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(Historical sources include “Freely You Have Received, Freely Give: 75 Years of the Diocese of Owensboro.”)
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Former St. Martin Church
Former St. Martin School
Rev. William Borntraeger
Rev. Victor C. Boarman
Rev. Pete Hughes
Rev. Louis Herberth
Pastors of St. Martin
1885-1888 Rev. F.J. Croghan
1888-1890 Rev. G.A. Vantroostenberg
1890-1891 Rev. J.J. Abell
1891-1896 Rev. John Riley
1896-1922 Rev. Louis Herberth
1922-1925 Rev. Daniel A. Driscoll
1925-1925 Rev. Paul Barrett
1925-1926 Rev. Thomas Hennessy, C.S.C.
1926-1932 Rev. S.J. Mensa
1932-1932 Rev. Bart J. Beruatto
1932-1934 Rev. G.L. Mensa
1934-1936 Rev. Carlos A. Poole
1936-1937 Rev. C. Rudolph Carrico
1937-1939 Rev. Martin Nahstoll
1939-1948 Rev. William Borntraeger
1948-1962 Rev. Joseph William Saffer
1962-1982 Rev. Monsignor Gilbert Henninger
1982-1989 Rev. Victor C. Boarman
1989-2000 Rev. Joseph Mils
2000-2004 Rev. Leonard Arcilesi
2004-2012 Rev. Pet Hughes
2012-2012 Rev. Maury Riney
2012-2012 Rev. Martin Hayes
2012-2013 Rev. John Ighacho
2013-2023 Rev. Pat Bittel
2023-2025 Rev. Larry McBride
2025- Rev. Daniel Dillard
Rev. Bart J. Beruatto
Rev. Joseph William Saffer
Rev. Leonard Arcilesi
Rev. Joseph Mills
Rev. Daniel A. Driscoli
Rev. Daniel Dillard
Rev. Larry McBride
Rev. Pat Bittel