St. Thomas Catholic Church, U.S. Route 31 East, Bardstown

Source document Quoted word for word from HABS KY,90-BARTO.V,2-. Not written, edited or summarised by this site.

It was designed by I;jaxirniIIan Godefroy, famous Baltimore architect and was built on land do- nated by the prominent Howard family. RABT I.,. . HISTORICAL INFQRIiATIQy. A. Physical History 1. Original and subsequent owners: The land for the church wss donated by Thomas Howard to Bishop Flaget; the church was named for the donor's patron saint. It then belonged to the Diocese of Bordstov/n; was used as a seminary chapel for St. Mary's Seminary, and as a temporary cathedral before the erection of St. Joseph's in Bardstov/n, (Rev. C. C. BoldricI:). When the Diocece was superseded by the Archdiocese of Louisville, title passed to the Archdiocese, "where it remains. J. II. Schauinger, Cathedrals In the Wilderness (Bruce Publishing Company, "~ 2.

Date of erection: The cornerstone was laid on August 23y IS13 the church was finally consecrated by the Bishop on August 15. (Records In possession of Rev. C. C. Boldrio?-:, 501 Cherrywood Road, Louisville, Kentucy). 3. Architect: Maximilian Godefroy of Baltimore. St. Ihomas' is very similar to Godefroy1s original design for St. Mary's In Baltimore, (Prof. R. Alexander, Pennsylvania State College, in a letter to C. C. Boldricj). 4. Builder, suppliers, etc.; The builder was l.i". Rogers, a master carpenter, who later built 5k. Joseph's Cathedral in Bardstovm. The bricks were made on the site by seminar- ians, while the other materials stone, wood, etc. were promised and supplied by parishoners. (Rev. C. 0. 3oldrlc>), * ST. THOMAS CATHOLIC CHURCH HABS No. (Page 2) 5.

/Iterations: There is no record of any alterations prior to In some Interior alterations /L. v/ere made; walls resurfaced (burlap over original plaster; plaster then applied to burlap); new lino- leum floor; repainting. (Father Blanford, pastor of St. Thomas' ). a Likely Sources Not Yet Investigated: Hecords of Bishox> Placet, A. General Statement 1. Architectural character: This is a one-story structure with brick bearing wall. The plan is the basic histor- ical basilica layout. Notable is the lack of excessive Gothic detail, both inside and outside. The boat-shaped vault over 'the nave and sanctuary Is similar to, but plainer than_. that in St. Mary's In Baltimore, The front door Is somewhat typical of well-to-do homes of the period and locality. 2. Condition ox fabric: Good. B.

Technical Description of Exterior 1, Overall dimensions: 50' x 72' 2, Foundations: Rony;h stone 3, ifJall construction: Brick masonry; p.odlfied ^n^lish bond (three stretcher coursesy one header course). Pointed-arch niches flank :aain door. A. Stoops: Concrete stoop at rne.In door; natural stone steps in front of sacristies. 5. Chimneys: Hone 6. Openings: a. Doorways and doors: The i;,ain doorway surrounded bv fi shallow^ pointed-arch recess In the brick has a sowioireular fanlight leaded with clear yfLass of radial design, plain wooden pilasters; pointed arches with transoms into the sacristies: the double front doors and doors into the sac- risties are s:'x--panel. b.

7/indows: Pointed arches with stained ylLess with casement section In nave; stained ^less double hung sash in sacristies} rose window of concentric de- sign on front. ST. THOMAS CATHOLIC CHURCH H.ABS No. EX-1G0 (Page 3) r KV 7. Roof: fa-SARro^ Z- a. Shape, covering: Hip, v/ith semicircular cone over sanctuary apse; sheet metal sheathing, b. Cornice, eaves; V/ood fascia board around eaves, concrete dentils and caps on front v/ail. Technical Description of Interior 1. Floor plans: Nave, four bays long, no narthex, side aisles, apsical sanctuary three steps higher than nave, altar in apse tv/o steps higher (steps have cupid' s bow profile); choir loft in rear bay over entrance; sacristies flank sanctuary in place of traditional transepts, have doors to sanctuary to nave, and to outside.

Round cedar columns distinguishing side aisles fron nave support choir loft and pointed arches, which in turn support vault. 2. Stairways: Stair is partly enclosed; to choir loft: square spindles, no newel post. 3. Flooring: Linoleun over original vrood floor in nave; original vrood floor in sanctuary and sacristies. * A. "/all and ceiling finish: Plaster, original plaster on vault. 5. Doors: The doors between the sacristies and the neve are v/ood six-panel; doors between the sacristies and the sanctuary are t~?o-panel, 6. Trim: ".Yood 7* Hardware; Recent o. Lighting: Electric 9. Furniture: Baptismal font of reeded, urn shape vn.ih decorated lid, carved frop. single log by sernlnaripn named Millet. Original tabernycle and altar also carved by 10. Heating: >!one ST.

THOMAS CATHOLIC CHURCH MBS No. (Page /,) KY D. iite Z 1. General setting orientation: Open farmland. The front fe.ces north-northwest. 2. Surrounding nuildings; Convent} rectoryf school. 3. Walks; Concrete^ blacktop. Prepared by Charles C. Boldrick; .Student Asst. Architect National Service Scotenoe;.'' i960.