Our History
Today with 3,100 parishioners, a dedicated parish staff and a thriving school community led by dedicated educators, St. Martha is committed more than ever to joyfully welcoming all who wish to share the mission of Jesus Christ and to working collaboratively with other parishes in our area serving the needs of the broader community.
As Catholics moved en masse from the West End of Louisville to settle in the Hikes Point area in the middle 1950s, new parishes were formed to meet their spiritual needs. When these parishes became overcrowded, the Archdiocese purchased seventeen acres on Klondike Lane, and St. Martha Parish was formed. Father James J. Dalton was the first pastor appointed by Archbishop Floersh. The first Mass in the new church was celebrated on Thanksgiving 1961 with 424 families on the church roster. The men of the parish constructed the rectory, garage, and sidewalk on the 10 acre site. The convent for the sisters was built in 1965.
The first bulletin reveals that there were 424 families and the collection in January 1962 was $890. The church and school were blessed by the Bishop on Sunday, March 4, 1962.
The school opened in 1961 with 3 sisters and 3 lay teachers on staff and about 200 students. By 1964, 131 students registered for the first grade alone. By 1967 enrollment had increased to 756 with fourteen faculty members. By 1977 two major additions were built to accommodate the growth of the school.
During the late 1960s, the Second Vatican Council had a big impact, both physically and spiritually, on the St. Martha community. The altar was moved, and the pews were rearranged so that parishioners would have greater involvement in the celebration of the Mass. In 1968 the first Parish Council was formed, and lay parishioners were called upon to accept greater responsibility in the administration of parish affairs.
In May 1985 the church interior was totally renovated and Bethany Center, a community center for the entire parish, was dedicated. St. Martha became a stewardship parish in 1990.
The first permanent deacons were ordained in 1993. St. Martha has been blessed with many wonderful deacons serving the parish since that time. Religious formation for adults and children grew under the guidance of dedicated DRE’s, RCIA teams, and volunteers helping with children’s evening religious education and various adult learning opportunities.
Fr. John Deatrick joined the parish as pastor in 1993. Under his guidance, a kindergarten was added to the school and new classrooms were built that included a science and computer lab, followed by updates to the Church and Parish Office. In 2000, the Sister William Carrico Hall expanded the school facilities and the parish office basement was refurbished to accommodate designated adult meeting rooms and youth ministry space. After 11 years as pastor, Fr. Deatrick retired and we welcomed Fr. Don Springman as our new pastor.
As the needs of the parish grew, 2005 saw more updates to the church and school as well as to the athletic facilities. Financial challenges in 2006 were met by moving from a Stewardship model to a tuition based system for the school.
The school now accommodates children from pre-K 3 and 4 yr. old programs through 8th grade with numerous academic teams and extracurricular activities and a certified after school and summer day care program.
In 2011, we welcomed Fr. Mark Hamilton as our new pastor, and celebrated our 50th anniversary. In 2015 Fr. Hamilton initiated the latest renovations to the church. Official blessing of the final parts of this project concluded with a blessing by Archbishop Kurtz of the new organ and stations of the cross in 2017.
In June of 2018, Fr. Seejo Thandiackal began as parish administrator, and was installed as Pastor in Spring of 2019. Father Seejo immediately led a successful fundraiser to cover some unexpected repairs and the purchase of a new sign for the front of the property as well as financing ongoing improvements of the physical plant. He continues to recognize the generosity of this community as well as promoting and encouraging all to grow in their faith and outreach to those who are in need.
Under the direction of our many devoted Pastors and Deacons, lay ministers and volunteers, St. Martha has responded over the past 57 years to rapid growth, challenges, and change with enthusiasm, generous stewardship and faithful worship. Today with 3,100 parishioners, a dedicated parish staff and a thriving school community led by dedicated educators, St. Martha’s is committed more than ever to joyfully welcoming all who wish to share the mission of Jesus Christ and to working collaboratively with other parishes in our area serving the needs of the broader community.
Priests who have served at St. Martha: Revs. James Dalton, Robert Osborne, Francis Smith, John Lehmenkuler, John Sohan, Clarence Nord, Robert Gray, John Birk, Kenneth Kamber, Michael Rankin, John Deatrick, Robert Huber, Terry Bradshaw, Harry Gelthaus, Anthony Chandler, Peyton Badgett, Scott Wimsett, Fred Hendrickson, Don Springman, Wayne Murphy, Mark Hamilton, S.T.D., and Seejo Thandiackal, C.M.I.
Parishioners named as Permanent Deacons to St. Martha: John Maher, Dan Bisig, Charlie Brown, Geoff Gnau
Deacons who served on staff: Ray Kramer, Ken Ward, Jim Bennett