Foreword to the Centennial History

Nineteen hundred and thirty–nine marks the one hundredth year of the establishment of the congregation of Our Lady of the Port. That the history of the parish might be preserved, this centenary book has been written.

The early history of the Church of Our Lady is unique inasmuch as its founders sat down in writing their work in detail. This account, a treasured volume in the archives of the parish, is given in this book with no attempt at rhetorical effect or display of style, but, on the contrary, there is a close adherence of the quaint language of its writers.

The compilers have built around this structure a short account of the lives of these men and the times in which they lived; they have taken up the history where the Minute Book ends and have endeavored to give a true picture of Our Lady’s in this century that has passed.

It is a generally accepted fact that the early years of life determine a man’s career. Given this ancestry, the record of his youthful training and environment and an account of the traits of character displayed in childhood and adolescence, we know the man. So too, with an organized body such as a congregation or parish, the history of its early years in no small way determines its future. The annals and chronicles of the Church of Our Lady inspire us with courage to imitate the noble examples of those who pass in review.

One hundred years from now, when other compilers write the history of the second century of this parish, may we be worthy to receive the tribute we give to our early founders – “They have done all things well.”

Hymn of Praise

by Fr. Stephen Theodore Badin

Before sons early birth,

The days decline, God’s name be praised;

And reference much bestowed,

Sweet adoration’s voice be raised.

Beyond Creation’s farthest bound’s,

May creatures all,

Sing great Creator’s praise,

And thus intent, his will recall.

© Copyright 2006, Church of Our Lady, Louisville KY.

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