The Episcopal Church

The history of the Episcopal Church begins with the history of the Church of England, also known as the Anglican Church. The Church of England sought to create a middle way between Roman Catholicism and the principles of the Reformation. This “via media” aimed to retain many traditional aspects of Catholic worship and structure while embracing principles of the Reformation, like the authority of Scripture, the priesthood of all believers, and worship in native languages. Over the centuries, the Anglican Communion has played a significant role in global Christianity. This has included both moments of profound spiritual leadership and moments of controversy and conflict.

When the American colonies gained independence from Britain, the Anglican Church in America needed to establish its own identity. This led to the formation of the Episcopal Church, named after the Greek word “episkopos,” meaning bishop, to emphasize its continuation of the historic episcopate—the leadership of bishops in the church.

In the last century, the Episcopal Church has continued to evolve, following Christ in loving and serving those living on the margins of society. The church has been at the forefront of movements for racial equality, gender equality, and LGBTQ+ rights, including the ordination of women and openly gay clergy. This progressive stance reflects the Episcopal Church’s commitment to justice and inclusion and the belief that the church must respond to the changing needs of society while remaining rooted in the core tenets of the Christian faith.

The Fox House

The Fox/Gibson House is our parish house and the oldest brick structure in Somerset still standing.

The house is listed in the National Register of Historic Places, and the following history is taken from there.

It was built in 1818, just twenty years after the founding of Pulaski County by William Fox, who immigrated to this area from Hanover County, Virginia, in the late 1790's. The house was constructed with locally made brick on a foundation of hand cut limestone, with elaborate masonry columns. The main timbers of the large building are hand-hewn. The house remains the oldest extant brick structure in the city of Somerset. 

Fox did well for himself and became a prominent citizen; he was appointed the first county clerk in 1799 and, in 1801, was one of six commissioners selected by the court to plan the town, "to lay off forty acres of land... granted to the court. ..into convenient lots, streets, etc.; as they think proper " (Tibbals, p. 12). Fox and his fellow commissioners were also to select the locations of the public buildings and superintend their construction, including the county courthouse just down the hill from his own home. In 1800, Fox was also appointed by the General Assembly as one of three trustees of "Summerset Academy," the first educational institution to be established in Somerset (Pulaski County Historical Research. II, p. 127). 

In addition to his official positions, Fox operated a tavern from 1807 to 1815. He was known to have acquired much property in Somerset, including twenty-one lots at his death (Tibbals, p. 38; Pulaski County Historical Research, p. 73). Fox first lived in a log house on Columbia Street when the city was established. He later built a brick house on the site of the old Somerset General Hospital. Around 1818, he built the Gibson Court brick structure, now known as the Fox House. 

The house was likely also used as the clerk's office for a period between 1828 and 1835 before a larger clerk's office to the rear of the present courthouse was completed in 1835. At the time of Fox's death, his "enormous amount of property, slaves, and stock" were divided among his six children (Tibbals, p. 38). William Fox died in 1855 and was interred in the City Cemetery, once a part of his substantial estate. A white stone maker indicates the spot where William Fox rests.

In 1860, the property was sold to a local named James Burdette. The house is perhaps best remembered as the place to which Confederate General Felix Zollicoffer was brought in January 1862 after being mortally wounded during the Battle of Mill Springs. The battle, which resulted in a disastrous defeat for the Confederates, commenced on the cold, rainy Sunday morning of January 19. Zollicoffer lost his sense of direction, rode into enemy lines, and was shot and killed. News of the death of the famous general spread quickly, demoralizing the Confederates just as the battle had begun and just prior to Thomas' massive counterattack (Catton, p. 140). As Zollicoffer lay dead on the battlefield, his clothing was torn by Union soldiers for souvenirs, whereupon General Thomas ordered the body removed to the Union camp and detailed a guard of soldiers to prevent it from being further outraged. The Union troops expected the Confederates to send for the corpse, but when they failed to do so, "it was removed to Somerset, clothed from Colonel Fry's own wardrobe and placed in a wooden coffin" (Myers, p. 126). The body was said to have been taken to the Fox House, where it apparently remained for two to three days. 2 On January 24, General Thomas, "without instruction or solicitation... arranged to have Zollicoffer's body, together with his horse, saddle, pistols, sword and spyglass sent to Nashville" (Myers, p. 127). "Although he was not the first Confederate general killed in action," states one historian, "his death shocked the entire South, and brought forth universal and deserved tribute to his bravery and ability" (Dictionary of American Biography, p. 660). 

In 1865, Burdette sold the house to Robert Gibson (b. 1827), a native of Ireland who came to the United States in 1837 (Deed Book 21, p. 301). He moved to Somerset in 1856 and engaged in the mercantile business (Tibbals, p. 42). Gibson was the first director of the First National Bank, formed in 1871 and presently the oldest continuing bank in operation in Pulaski County (now called First and Farmer's National Bank). The house descended to Gibson's daughter Lucy, whose husband, John M. ("Jack") Richardson, was also a prominent banker in town. It was during the ownership of Mrs. Lucy Richardson that the house was drastically altered and remodeled. Their son, Robert G. Richardson, a local physician, and their daughter, Amelia Richardson Dexheimer, sold the house out of the family in 1944 (Deed Bood 133, p. 507). The property was deeded to the Trustees of the Diocese of Lexington in 1958. It is currently being used as a parish house and a preschool for children.

Catton, Bruce. Terrible Swift Sword. Garden City, New York: Doubleday and Co. , 1963, p. 140.

"Felix Kirk Zollicoffer. " Dictionary of American Biography, Vol X, pp. 659-660.

Myers, Raymond E. The Zollie Tree. Louisville: The Filson Club Press, 1964.

Pulaski County Historical Research, Vol. II, n. p., n. d. 

Pulaski County Will Book 4, p. 440; 9, p. 27; 19, pp. 224,305. 

Pulaski County Deed Book 21, p. 301; 133, p. 507.

Tibbals, Alma Owens. A History of Pulaski County. Bagdad, Kentucky: Grace Owens Moore, 1952.

Saint Patricks Extended History

A Detailed History of Saint Patrick's Recorded by its Members Throughout the Years

The Episcopal Church in the Pulaski County area had its beginning in 1891. On June 1 of that year, the Rev. William Sheppard of Trinity Church, Danville, preached a sermon in Somerset. He found a half dozen Episcopal families here and established a mission. Fr. Sheppard died in 1892 and was succeeded by the Rev. Frank Cooley, who assumed the responsibility of Christ Mission in Somerset.

By 1894, Christ Mission had become an organized mission in the Diocese of Kentucky. The congregation numbered about 22, with 12 being communicants. Fr. Cooley held services twice a month on the second and fourth Thursday nights. These services were held in the Court House or a store room. When Bishop Dudley was here in the summer of 1895, he confirmed two men, and Fr. Cooley writes the Court House was full. Fr. Cooley also writes of a couple who wished to join the mission but had not been baptized. They were accustomed to immersion and Fr. Cooley assured them the Prayer Book provided for that. The tank at the Baptist Church was secured, and the Baptist minister had left a new suit for Fr. Cooley to wear. Fr. Colley writes, "I told the man I would get him under the water if I did not get him out," as he weighed nearly 200 pounds and myself 130.

Afterward, the woman asked Fr. Cooley, "The next time you come down, I want you to baptize my daughters but not that way, your way." In 1895, Christ Mission became a mission in the new Diocese of Lexington.

A lot was purchased, and with the help of $250 from the American Church Building Fund, a church with a seating capacity of 130 was built on South Main Street near the present-day Kenwick Hotel. The first service was held on May 15, 1896, and Bishop Burton also made a visit that spring to preach and celebrate Holy Communion. The mission existed into the 1920s when, possibly due to lack of a resident priest, property and financial difficulties, and the Great Depression, it ceased to exist. At times, the Very Rev. Edgar Newlin from Danville celebrated Holy Communion at the First Presbyterian Church for Episcopalians in this area.

In the 1950s, two Episcopalians in Somerset, Ed and Mary Ann Boss, wanted to reactivate the church and asked Dean Newlin if a mission could be started. A notice was run in the local newspapers asking for Episcopalians to contact Mary Ann. The following individuals and families responded and constitute the founding members: Hugh Fuller, Mrs. Roma Holton, Dr. John and Mrs. Doris Hill, Mr. and Mrs. Bob Irwin, Mr. and Mrs. A. H. Exon, Sally Cain, and Robert Mallory.

Dean Newlin met with this small group on December 5, 1956, for a meeting and prayer at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Boss. At this time, the current mission was started and named St. Patrick's. Dean Newlin named the church after the great Irish archbishop and saint because, as he said, "I don't want the Roman Catholics to gain all the credit for St. Patrick." The Bishop of the Diocese at the time, the Rt. Rev. William Moody, also wanted the name of St. Patrick for the mission in Somerset. He would declare it an organized mission in 1959.

The first regular service of Morning Prayer was held on December 9, 1956, in the Kentucky Utilities Auditorium. There were thirteen people present including the wife and children of John T. Cooper, a seminarian, who conducted the service and was with the mission for 18 months. Alms for that first service was $13.50.

In the spring of 1957, the group moved to the waiting room of the office of Dr. John Hill for services. Dr. Hill was the first to be confirmed in St. Patrick's Mission on April 14, 1957. Hugh Fuller served as the first Bishop's Warden, and Robert Mallory was treasurer until his death. It was noted in the minutes of 1957 that there were four confirmations, one baptism, 24 known adult communicants, 18 baptized children, 14 families, and that Mr. Cooper received $50.00 a month.

In 1958, the members of St. Patrick's began looking for a more permanent home. When the huge old Fox mansion on the corner of Gibson Court and Columbia Street came up for sale, they made a great leap of faith and purchased it for $20,000.00. It is noted that Bishop Moody sent $1,485.65, which was money left from the sale of the Christ Church Mission property.

Portions of the William Fox house date to 1819, making it the oldest remaining house in Somerset. William Fox, an early settler, served as the first Pulaski County Clerk and was the great-great-grandfather of Dr. John Hill. After the Battle of Mill Springs in 1865, the body of Confederate General Felix Zollicoffer was brought to the Fox House where it lay in state. The house also served as a Confederate hospital during the Civil War. It is said the mantel in the upstairs room, which is an original piece, was barely saved from being chopped up by a Union soldier.

Two seminarians served St. Patrick's before David McCord, also a seminarian, his wife Dolly, and their children, Tammy and Donna, came to the church from 1960-1965. Mr. McCord was ordained a priest in December, 1963.

During these early years the members were a close family striving to gain members and enough money to keep the church going. A letter was written to members of the Women's Auxiliary of other Episcopal churches, giving a short history of St. Patrick's and asking for any gift they might wish to send. Some of the gifts received were a brass prayer desk, a brass cross, and money. Also a few letters saying "does your Bishop know you're doing this?".

The parlor of the house was made into a chapel. The altar, with a wood base and marble top, was constructed by Mr. Glen Wade and was consecrated on March 1, 1959, by Bishop Moody. The pews were a gift of Trinity Church, Danville, and the altar cross of black walnut was made by Fred Boss, father of Edward Boss. At that time, Holy Communion was celebrated once a month and morning prayers were performed on the other three Sundays. Shortly after moving into the Fox House, an old pump organ was given to St. Patrick's. A vacuum cleaner motor had been attached to the organ. This motor was mounted in the basement and made loud noises when the motor was turned on. The members rejoiced loudly in song as Millie Dickinson played and Hugh Fuller led the singing and then immediately switched off the organ at the end of each song.

The women of the church were busy having white elephant sales, ice cream socials on the lawn, hat sales, and bazaars to raise money. The men organized a breakfast club in 1961 for fellowship.

It was also in this year that the porch on the parish house was torn down and a new side entrance was added. St. Paula Altar Guild was organized in 1962. It was noted that February 1963 was "the first time the church paid out less than it took in," but a large problem was looming. A new furnace was needed, and this was determined to be one of the main goals for the year. St. Patrick's held its first Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper in February, 1963.

In September 1963, the lot on the corner of Columbia Street and Richardson Drive, where the chapel now stands, came up for sale and Bishop Moody advised the congregation to purchase it. The Bishop's Committee was faced with the problem of needing $3,000 for the lot and $3,000 for a new furnace. In October the Bishop sent $2,900.00 for the purchase of the lot. Several years would pass before enough money could be raised for the new furnace and needed house wiring.

About 1964, Juanita Hopper, a member of St. Patrick's, began teaching some of the ladies of the church to make ceramic articles to sell at the annual bazaar. Soon afterward, the idea of the "Blue Box" was born; the ceramic blue box would take the place of the cardboard blue box the women saved money in for the United Thank Offering. The UTO offering is used worldwide for missions. The words on the box, "For this I am Thankful," were suggested by Roma Holton. The plan was to market the boxes and use the proceeds for the many needs at St. Patrick's. The project was a huge success, with many women donating their time and talent over the years to keep up with the orders and ship the boxes all over the United States. Rebecca Goodwin and Joan Kattwinkel kept the project going until about 1978 when it was decided to hire an outside source to make the boxes. However, the boxes continued to be sold and shipped by St. Patrick's in 1986. Proceeds from the boxes made possible the renovation of the kitchen and bathroom of the parish house, sidewalks in front of the church, the organ in the church, and numerous other smaller needs.

Fr. McCord and family left St. Patrick's in August 1965 for Dallas, Texas. The Bishop sent a seminarian, Richard Halladay, who would also be ordained a priest during his stay from 1965-1968. Richard, his wife, Sally, and three children lived in an apartment in the upstairs of the parish house as the McCords had done before them.

Sue Stein became the organist with Hugh Fuller still leading the singing and turning the switch on the organ. It was at this time, with the chapel bulging at the seams with people, that the members of St. Patrick's began talking about building a new church on the property adjoining the parish house.

Under the guidance of the Bishop's Committee with Jack Hill as Senior Warden and Richard Cooper as Advisor, a blueprint for the church was approved in April 1966, and in August 1966, a bid from Brown Brothers Construction was accepted for $19,445.00. The building was to be 32 feet wide, 60 feet long, and seat about 150 people. Bishop Moody came to St. Patrick's on July 10, 1966 for a ground-breaking ceremony. Bishop Moody said it was a record-breaking day for him as he not only helped with the ground-breaking but also baptized two, confirmed four, preached, officiated at Holy Communion, and presented James Dickinson for the God and Country Award in scouting. The summer of 1966 also produced other important events for St. Patrick's: the Episcopal Young Churchmen was begun and the first Vacation Bible School was held.

There was great excitement as the construction of the new church building began. Many people, both local and from all over the Diocese, donated to purchase pews and other furnishings for the church. The plain rose window was a gift from Christ Church, Lexington. This window was later replaced by the stained glass window of St. Patrick when enough donations made it possible. The wood candlesticks and altar cross were made by Fred Boss, father of Ed Boss. The altar, made by Glen Wade, was moved from the parish house to the church. The organ was given by Ceramics of St. Patrick's and the baptismal font was given in memory of Fred Bruce Hill, brother of Dr. Jack Hill. With much joy and grateful hearts, the members gathered for the first service in the new building on Christmas Eve, 1966, with the Rev. Richard Halladay officiating. Bishop Moody came on May 28, 1967, to officially dedicate the church. In August 1967, the first baptisms in the new church were Donald Ernest Lunsford and Orville John Stein, Jr.

Proceeds from the Harvest Ball in Lexington, Kentucky, in November 1967 made landscaping of the new church with beautiful trees and shrubs possible. The plantings selected would provide materials year round to use in arrangements for the altar. The members of St. Patrick's donated decorations for the ball and handled the arrangements. Also, in 1967, a choir of young people was organized to help lead the worship in song.

Fr. Halladay and family moved on to Trinity Church, Covington in early 1968. The Rev. Arthur Chard and his wife, Judy, came to St. Patrick's in July 1968. Fr. Chard was to be the guiding shepherd for the next 13 years. He would see the membership more than double from the 80 members present when he arrived and the amount pledged almost quadrupled.

A severe blow was dealt to the thriving mission in 1969 when it lost 17 members due to families having to move from Somerset with their jobs. For a couple of years, Sunday School met one Saturday a month. Nevertheless, it was noted in the annual report, "at no other time has St. Patrick's given so much outside itself." The budget finished in the black by $56.00. As St. Patrick's began to reach out, it began to grow. Permission was granted by the Bishop in July, 1970 to allow the MCA to operate a preschool in St. Patrick's parish house.

A major concern at this time was the roof of the parish house. During 1970-71, the roof was completely coated and leaks fixed. Also, during this year, Mr. and Mrs. Richard Cooper gave a new pulpit to the church in memory of Mr. Cooper's mother. Bruce Boss and Dr. Orville Stein began studying for Holy Orders.

A significant event in the life of the vicar and his wife in 1972 was the birth of their son, Patrick David Chard. By the end of 1972, the congregation was booming, with attendance hitting an all-time high. The members were committed to outreach and the number of communicants had increased by 43% over the past two years to 75 and there were 132 baptized members. Total receipts were $18,447.00. There were nine acolytes, including one girl, six lay readers, two organists, and an active altar guild. The women of the church continued to raise money through bazaars, bake sales, and ceramics. They sponsored Bobbie Warren and Michael Combs from Oakwood who gave a spiritual uplift to all each Sunday.

Work began on redecorating the parish house and renovating the bathroom. The EYC, composed of people from eight to eighty, met each Sunday for fun and eats with some of the members making plans to go to church camp. St. Gregory Choir, with 13 members, was reaching out to sing at the nursing homes and presented evensong at St. Mildred's Catholic Church. Cottas and cassocks were purchased. During this year, Fred Boss made a white cross for the outside of the church below the stained glass window. Jim Campbell, Orville Stein, and Fr. Chard became part of the Confraternity of St. Benedict making a retreat to Three Rivers, Michigan.

The preschool was growing, and by 1974, had 23 enrolled. The preschool has not only offered a valuable service through the years but also introduced St. Patrick's to many people of Somerset whose children attend the school. The preschool has had several teachers over the years, two being members of St. Patrick's, Flo Geist and Marty Gurnee.

A group gathered at the Roback home in 1974 to discuss "What St. Patrick's means to you." The comments were taped, and after Martie Conaway had listened to them many times, she designed altar rail needlepoint kneelers for the church. The designs on the kneelers reflect the thoughts of the group meeting that evening. The kneelers were presented and blessed at a special service in 1982. A printed pamphlet was made to explain the designs. The needlepoint was done by Faye Campbell, Martie Conaway, Judy Chard, Ina Claire Kelley, Sue Stein, Jane Floro, Nita Hopper, Pam Jump, and Lori Mills. The pamphlet was created by Rex and Marcy Conley.

Kneelers of Saint Patrick Episcopal Church Pamplet

Bruce Boss, a "son of St. Patrick's" was ordained a deacon on June 1, 1974 in Winchester, Kentucky. It was in this year that daily services began at St. Patrick's and it was noted by the church treasurer that income had almost doubled in the past five years. The vicar spoke to the people to begin thinking about becoming a parish. In 1974, another "son of St. Patrick's" was ordained. Dr. Orville Stein was ordained to the perpetual diaconate on March 15, 1975, at St. Patrick's with the Rev. Jim Mills, cannon evangelist preaching and Bishop Addison Hosea and the Rev. Arthur Chard officiating. In this year, the church received as a gift a large bell from Mary Agnes Barnes of Lexington, the widow of the Rev. John Barnes.

Part of St. Patrick's outreach in 1976-78 was to begin an unorganized mission, Holy Comforter, in Whitley City, Kentucky, and a preaching station, St. Peter's in Monticello. The Reverends Chard, Stein, and Conaway shared in the preaching and teaching for a year or so, and then Dr. Stein continued at Holy Comforter, which thrived for a while until most of the families moved due to their jobs. Bishop Hosea felt it best to end the work there. During this time, St. Jude's halfway house for juveniles in trouble was operated by member Les Roberts with the help of John Polk for a short time. A memorial fund was established in 1976 in memory of Tim and Kit Trunkfield to aid those in need of funds to attend church camp.

The twenty-year reunion of St. Patrick's was observed at a joyous service on December 5, 1976, at which the Rev. Bruce Boss, vicar of St. James Church in Prestonsburg, Kentucky, preached. Special guest at the service was the Very Rev. Edgar Newlin, dean Emeritus of the Diocese of Lexington, who had helped St. Patrick's become a mission in 1956. Other honored guests at the service were some of the founding members of St. Patrick's: Hugh Fuller, Ed and Mary Ann Boss, Jack and Doris Hill, Roma Holton, and Sally Cain. They were presented small wood crosses made from an original beam in the attic of the parish house.

An event in 1977, which was to change the spiritual complexion of the whole Diocese, had its beginning at St. Patrick's. Fr. Timmel, of St. Mildred's Catholic Church in Somerset, asked Fr. Chard to attend a Cursillo Weekend in Louisville. John Polk and Rex Conley went with Fr. Chard to Cursillo. They were so impressed with this "little course in Christianity" (Cursillo) that they proposed to Bishop Hosea to begin Cursillo weekends in the Diocese of Lexington. Several people from St. Patrick's made their Cursillo and then, with the help of a team from the Diocese of Kentucky, conducted the first Cursillo for the Diocese of Lexington in 1979. Two or more Cursillos were held each year through 1986, and a spiritual revival was noted among both the clergy and laity.

Around 1977, the Chard family was budgeted monies to rent a vicarage and moved from the apartment in the parish house. A committee of members worked with the Heritage Commission in Frankfort during 1977-78, with the result being the parish house was officially entered on the National Register in 1978. This year, the women of the church published a cookbook, Our Daily Bread, the proceeds being used for special needs at St. Patrick's. The light above the reserved sacrament in the church was given to the church in 1978 by Orville and Sue Stein in memory of Sue's mother, Emma Conkwright and the altar book was given in memory of Sues aunt, Alma Koons.

The church underwent a significant change in the latter part of 1979. It was felt this was due in most part to some of our members attending Cursillo Weekends, and also the first "Faith Alive" sponsored by the church in which about 65% of the members participated. This spirit of renewal brought forth an increase in attendance, giving, and new members. Membership at St. Patrick's at the end of 1979 was 160 baptized members, and the budget was $42,000. Monthly potlucks with prayer, praise, and sharing were held, and a large Bible study group met on Monday nights. The choir, consisting of 17 members, led the congregation in learning contemporary Christian songs along with hymns for worship, and the Colorado Plan was introduced for Sunday School. Four members of the EYC attended a Christian Awakening that year, and the youth conducted a Feast of Lights Service; Elizabeth Roth started a Jr. Choir of five.

This renewal carried over into 1980 when 71% of the congregation pledged to the Venture in Mission sponsored by the Diocese. Cannon Webb of Danville came to lead a class on Theology as part of the Lay School of Theology. Another great leap of faith was taken in September after Bishop Hosea and Fr. Lewis Tanno met with the Bishop's Committee as St. Patrick's began procedures to seek parish status. That month also saw the establishment of St. Luke's Free Clinic by the Rev. Dr. Orville Stein and Louise Bright with a number of St. Patrick's people serving as volunteers. The purpose of the clinic was to meet the spiritual and physical needs of those unable to pay for services. A St. Damian and St. Cosmas Fund was begun to care for the needy.

The Rev. Chuck Murphy, a well-known leader in spiritual renewal, came to St. Patrick's in November 1981 for a weekend of teaching. His 28-day discipline was followed by many members, resulting in a victory celebration on pledge Sunday and a budget of $42,160. The 1977 loan was paid off, a building fund established, and the income at the end of the year exceeded the budget by several thousand dollars. Lay speakers from the congregation had spoken at both services on three Sundays during the every-member canvass. It was noted the interior of the church was painted during this year, and the men of the church refurbished four rooms on the main floor of the parish house. New carpet was also laid in the parish house.

The ECW continued to sell Avery Jewelry, having acquired a distributorship in 1979. The choir and congregation now had the benefit of four guitarists for a number of services. During 1981, Cannon David Webb from Danville continued the Lay School of Theology. In June a family weekend was held at The Close led by the Rev. Moultrie McIntosh and Sister Lorraine led the children.

It was with much regret that the congregation accepted the resignation of Fr. Chard in June 1981 and wished him, Judy, and Patrick well in S. Charleston, West Virginia.

God's blessings had richly flowed on St. Patrick's during his 13 years of leadership. As was Bishop Hosea's policy, the Deacon, Orville Stein, also resigned, and the congregation showed great affection to both families with glorious farewell parties.

Since St. Patrick's was seeking parish status, the Bishop allowed the Bishop's Committee to proceed in calling a priest. In August, 1981, the Bishop's Committee asked Bishop Hosea to call the Rev. Moultrie McIntosh as Vicar of St. Patrick's. On October 21, 1981, the Bishop came to Somerset for the Celebration of New Ministry of Fr. McIntosh. The residence of Sally Cain on Cherry Street was leased for a vicarage and alter cleaning and painting. The members of St. Patrick's went to Prestonsberg to help move Fr. McIntosh to Somerset. Fr. McIntosh preached at the Community Thanksgiving Service that year and began a radio show called "Light Moments." He asked for committees to be set up with emphasis on evangelism

The EYC had a busy year as several were elected to diocesan offices in the EYC. Lynn Roback, regional advisor, took Pam Jump and Tina Roback to the National Youth Conference in Colorado as representatives of the Diocese of Lexington. Several youth from the church attended a Happening event, a weekend similar to Cursillo.

During Lent of 1982, St. Patrick's was blessed with a number of people from over the Diocese coming to speak. The church treasurer, Mary Ann Boss, reported the offering at Easter was the largest in her memory. The men had a great retreat at The Close, followed by a well-attended family weekend. The Evangel, a monthly St. Patrick newsletter, kept all informed of the many activities going on in the church.

A piano was donated to the church by Stan and Judi Cappon. The church had been using a piano loaned to them by Sheila and Mike Franklin. The piano in the office of the rector was a gift from Rebecca and Hollace Goodwin.

At the 87th Annual Convention of the Diocese of Lexington held October 29-30, 1982, St. Patrick's was admitted into union as a Parish. It was the first mission to become a parish in eleven years with St. Raphael's Church being the last. The Rev. Ronald Summers, rector of St. Raphael's made the motion, and the Rev. Bruce Boss, Vicar of St. Gabriels, Lexington, a native son of St. Patrick's, seconded the motion, which was passed unanimously.

On March 24, 1983, St. Patrick's and St. Mildred's Catholic Church entered into a formal covenant. The service was enriched with the voices of the Christ Church, Lexington Men and Boys Choir, who came to join the celebration. Also in 1983, the Jr. EYC was reactivated.

During the spring of 1984, a chapter of the Daughters of the King was begun. The charter members were Joyce Fehr, Joan Jones, Sheryl Polk, Sue Stein, and Charlene Swan.

St. Patrick's was saddened in September 1984 when Fr. McIntosh resigned to accept a call to St Paul's Episcopal Church in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. With his winning smile and way, taking part in a number of civic activities and patronizing all the restaurants in Somerset, Fr. Mac had made St. Patrick's known in the City of Somerset. Another resignation that year was that of Sue Stein, who had been choir director and organist for twenty years.

From here on, the history becomes less detailed. Are you someone interested in cataloging the last 40 years of the church's history?

In August, 1984, the Rev. William Bivens, his wife Colleen and sons Aaron and Shaun were welcomed to St. Patrick's. Their presence was soon felt as an extensive Sunday School program and many other activities were begun. Fr. Bill was also very involved in community activities and was one of the ministers who started the Pulaski County Ministerial Association. All of the downtown church ministers gathered on a regular basis for fellowship and ministry.

At the time of the 30-year anniversary of Saint Patrick Episcopal Church, there were 170 baptized with 162 communicants of St. Patrick's who paused to reflect on God's bountiful grace and guiding hand over the years.

During 2007-2008, we celebrated 50 years, adding the memorial garden, a sacred place for our community to celebrate life. Rev Dana Hardwick was the rector then. 2010 saw us renovating the Fox House, painting, and refurbishing the downstairs along with the Sunday school room upstairs. Many upstairs rooms were cleaned out after years of neglect, and the entire exterior was painted. The roof and gutters were also attended to.

Rev. Bruce Swinehart left in 2012.

Rev. Marcia Hunter was with us; we refurbished the apartment upstairs while she lived there, with it once again becoming a functional house. Rev Marcia left, and Rev Amanda Musterman came to us. She also lived in the apartment on the 2nd floor of the Fox House.

Rev Chris Brannock and her son, Joseph, moved into the apartment in 2019 and stayed for a year before buying their home close by. Now, in 2022 our apartment is occupied by a tenant/ parishioner. St Patrick's has maintained the preschool facility for over 30 years now in the Fox House.

In 2022, the church completed a renovation of the chapel with new flooring, sound, and electrical.

So, with God's grace and love, the people of St Patrick Episcopal Church continue to add pages to its history.