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Bank President A Church Builder

Forney Herald
Friday, 14 April 1939

Until 1891 there was no parish for the people of the Irish Ridge, who were all Catholics. In 1891, a committee from the Ridge composed of J.L. (Joseph Leo) Adams, Tom Layden and Edward Vaughan requested Bishop Thomas F. Brennan that a permanent pastor be sent them. The parish seat was changed from Terrell to the Ridge and a church was built immediately, being dedicated in Dec. 1891 by the Rev. Jas. Martiniere. The Rev. R.F. Neale came from Terrell to serve as the first pastor. In 1901 St. Martin’s Convent and Academy was built, but not open to the people until 1903.

In 1924 the convent and academy were completely destroyed by fire, but immediate plans were made to rebuild; and by 1925 a newer and finer St. Martin’s rose. In 1928 during the pastorate of Father O’Friel, the church was completely destroyed by fire, but was soon replaced. The new building was dedicated on November 11, 1929 by Bishop Joseph P. Lynch of Dallas.

On July 8, 1932 the present pastor, Father Frances J. Brady was appointed pastor of the parish. He has been very zealous in ministering to the needs of his people, and it is largely due to his efforts and friendliness that the church is held in such high esteem by the non-catholics of Kaufman County.