Near Springfield in Washington County, nestled down Loretto road stands a gleaming gothic church and a field of the entombed on the neighboring hill. I’ve been taking photos of this church from time to time but none of them do the scene justice.  But on a beautiful day in April 2011, for a change took the camera with me while delivering feed.  This one was a keeper!

Founding of the Priory (1806):

      The history of Saint Rose Priory begins in 1806 when Father Edward Dominic Fenwick, O.P., along with three other Dominican friars—Father Thomas Wilson, O.P., Father Robert Angier, O.P., and Brother Samuel Wilson, O.P.—arrived in Kentucky from Maryland. They sought to establish a Dominican presence to minister to the growing Catholic population in the western frontier. Kentucky, at that time, had attracted many Catholic settlers, particularly from Maryland, due to the availability of land and religious freedom.

Construction and Early Years:

   In 1806, Father Edward Dominic Fenwick, O.P., and a small group of Dominican friars arrived in Kentucky, sent by the Dominican province in Maryland to establish a new mission. Their journey was part of a larger wave of European religious and missionary expansion to the United States, as Catholicism sought to establish a more permanent presence in the newly formed country. Father Fenwick and his fellow Dominicans came from Maryland, where they had been part of the Catholic establishment in that region, but their mission was part of a broader initiative by the Dominican Order to expand westward. The Dominicans had already made a significant impact in Maryland, and their leadership recognized the need for further outreach to the rapidly growing frontier areas. The Dominicans’ arrival in Kentucky was not by chance. The region had been attracting Catholic families from the East Coast, especially from Maryland, Virginia, and Pennsylvania, many of whom were seeking opportunities in the fertile lands of the Bluegrass region. These settlers, primarily of Irish and German descent, were eager for the Catholic faith and a church that could serve their spiritual needs. Father Fenwick and his companions recognized that Kentucky, as a key settlement area in the West, needed a permanent religious institution to nurture the growing Catholic population. To finance the establishment of a priory and church in this new land, Father Fenwick turned to a personal inheritance. In order to gather the necessary funds, he had to sell a piece of family land that had been passed down to him, a legacy from his ancestors. This inheritance was part of the land owned by his family in the eastern United States, which he sold in order to secure the financial resources to establish a mission in Kentucky. This sale of land was not only a financial transaction but also a symbolic act of dedication to his religious calling, as Fenwick chose to use his inheritance to support the work of the Dominican Order in the American frontier. The sale of this land, though significant, was not an isolated act. It was part of a larger trend among Catholic religious orders during this period, where personal sacrifices and the sale of family estates were often necessary to fund missionary work. In this case, Father Fenwick’s sacrifice ensured that the Dominicans could secure the land near Springfield, Kentucky, where they would build a priory and church that would serve as the foundation for Catholic life in the region. The Dominican friars purchased a tract of land that was ideally situated near the main settlement. This land became the site of their priory and the church dedicated to the patronage of Saint Rose of Lima, the first saint of the Americas. Saint Rose, a Peruvian nun who lived in the late 16th century, was known for her deep spirituality, missionary work, and commitment to helping the poor. She was canonized in 1671, and her devotion was widely respected by Catholics in the Americas, making her a fitting patron for this fledgling church community.

Educational Endeavors

Recognizing the need for education, the Dominicans established the first Catholic college west of the Allegheny Mountains—Saint Thomas College—in 1808, initially located at the priory. The college aimed to educate young men for the priesthood and lay leadership. Although the college faced challenges, including financial difficulties and the departure of some faculty, it laid the groundwork for future Catholic educational institutions in the region.

Expansion of the Dominican Mission

Saint Rose Priory served as a base for missionary activities throughout Kentucky and neighboring states. The Dominicans traveled extensively, ministering to isolated Catholic communities and establishing new parishes. Father Fenwick, one of the founders, was later appointed the first Bishop of Cincinnati in 1822, extending the influence of the Dominicans beyond Kentucky.

Architectural Significance

The current church building, constructed in 1852, is an example of Gothic Revival architecture. The design features pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and flying buttresses characteristic of the style. The church’s interior includes notable stained glass windows and religious artwork that reflect the Dominican heritage and the devotional life of the parish community.

Dominican Sisters and Further Contributions

In addition to the friars, the Dominican Sisters played a crucial role in education and social services. The sisters established schools for girls and contributed to the spiritual and educational development of the local population. Their presence complemented the work of the friars and expanded the reach of the Dominican mission.

Civil War Era and Later Developments

During the Civil War, the priory and church faced hardships, including shortages of resources and disruptions caused by the conflict. Despite these challenges, the community remained resilient. In the post-war period, the Dominicans continued to focus on education and pastoral care.

Modern Era and Preservation

Over the years, Saint Rose Church and Priory underwent renovations to preserve its historical and architectural integrity. The site has been recognized for its historical significance and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Today, it continues to serve as an active parish, maintaining its legacy as a center of faith and community in Kentucky.