ST. ANTHONY CATHOLIC CHURCH, serving Evansville since 1888, traces its origins to the visionary and benevolent efforts of German immigrants Anthony Reis and his wife, Magdalena. Their fortune in the tannery business, which began in 1857, paved the way for their significant contribution to history which began in their building of a mansion using the same architect as the Reitz home in the area near the Ohio River.
Three years later, Bishop Francis S. Chatard received a petition from 150 predominantly impoverished German families from Holy Trinity Church. These families expressed their desire to organize a new parish. Consequently, Saint Antonius Kirche, or Saint Anthony Church, was established as the sixth Catholic parish in Evansville.
In 1888, Rev. Joseph Schuck, a 23-year-old native of Germany, assumed the role of the first pastor. He embarked on plans to construct a provisional church on the second floor of the rectory. However, due to his declining health, Father Schuck was compelled to step down as pastor within weeks and was succeeded by Rev. Kasper Seiler.
While the church-school was being constructed, Mrs. Reis offered Father Seiler a temporary room in her home and the use of her attic for church services. On June 13, 1888, the Feast of Saint Anthony, the new parish held its inaugural Mass and continued to conduct services in the attic for the subsequent four months. However, on November 4, 1888, Mass was held for the first time in the newly constructed parish building.
The rapid growth of the parish necessitated the immediate commencement of preparations for the construction of a larger church, distinct from the school. Its design was entrusted to Brother Adrian (born Antonius Wewer, also known as Adrian Wewer), a renowned German-born Franciscan lay brother and architect based out of St. Louis, Missouri, who designed more than 100 Catholic churches and institutional buildings across the United States, including Saint Anthony.
On Pentecost Monday, May 25, 1896, the church was ready for its formal consecration. The ceremony commenced at 7 a.m. and was attended by over 25 priests from Southern Indiana, Illinois, and Kentucky. Members of Evansville’s Catholic parishes gathered at Holy Trinity Church and proceeded to Saint Anthony to participate in the Pontifical High Mass. The 290 families within the newly established parish collectively pledged $17,000 towards the construction of the new church. Additionally, donations from other parishes and pew rent (a payment for the privilege of sitting in the same pew each Sunday) would contribute to the funding of the remaining expenses.
In 1888, the Sisters of St. Francis of Oldenburg, Indiana, were entrusted with the responsibility of conducting school. The Franciscans would remain the sole religious order teaching at Saint Anthony until 1975. By 1927, the school had grown to accommodate approximately 400 pupils. In June 1932, a new school and parish building was constructed and dedicated. Saint Anthony School continued to serve the school community until 1987. Due to declining enrollment, the school consolidated with St. Joseph School, forming Ascension Elementary School which closed a short time later.
Today, the Saint Anthony Church has undergone a remarkable restoration, returning to its former grandeur. The dedicated parishioners continue their mission to serve the less fortunate in Evansville. The former school building has been transformed into the Center for Family Life, a vibrant hub that now houses the church cafeteria, gym, chapel, meeting rooms, and Parish Offices.