Before the year 1870 the number of  Catholics in the vicinity of Trenton was small, but their deep faith supplied what they lacked in numbers. The nearest Catholic Church was St. Stephen's, Hamilton, eight miles away. But every Sunday morning a farm wagon, upon which some chairs had been placed, was driven into Trenton by Henry Martin. Expecting his arrival the Catholics in the village assembled at the road intersection, now known as State and Miami Streets. Here they climbed on the wagon and were driven to St. Stephen’s for Holy Mass and religious instruction for the children. Neither rain nor snow, neither swollen streams nor muddy roads would halt them in the fulfillment of their Sunday obligations.

Early in the year 1870, a document was drawn up, which today is preserved as a valuable relic in the archives of the parish. It is an old faded brown copy-book in which are recorded in German, the names of the founders and their intention of establishing a parish in Trenton. A translation follows:

"I. On the 29th day of May, 1870, a few Catholic men of Trenton assembled with the purpose of organizing a Catholic Society to collect funds for the support of a pastor and to build a Catholic Church.
2. The society to be known as the 'St. Anthony Building Society.'
3. Dues to be paid monthly. 25 cents.
4. Meetings to be held monthly after divine services
5. Mr. M. H. Bauer was elected President, and Mr. Adam Westrick, Secretary. The following were received as members. Initial payment 50 cents."

This society flourished during those early years. Plans for the church were drawn up and construction began almost immediately. By March, 1871, plans for the corner stone laying were completed. We quote from "The Catholic Telegraph" Register, Thursday, March 30, 1871:

"Trenton, Butler Co. Last Sunday, after sermon by the Archbishop in St. Stephen's Church, Hamilton, now undergoing important improvements, a train of eight cars, well filled, left Hamilton for Trenton to witness the ceremony of blessing the corner stone of the Church of the Holy Name. It will be built on an eminence overlooking the town and valley, size 6O x 3O. The Archbishop and Rev. Brother William, O.S.F., preached to a large listening audience. Rev. Brother Lucas and Rev. Messrs. Boulger, Hone, and Daly participated in the ceremonies. There was a drizzling rain all day, but it did not prevent the work on hand. The St. Stephen's choir sang beautifully during the proceedings.”

The construction of the church was quickly completed and its interior furnishings were donated by individuals and the St. Anthony Building Society. The first priest to serve the parish was Father Lucas Gottbehede, O.F.M.

He was stationed at St. Stephen's Hamilton.  During his pastorate (1871-1873) the infant parish flourished. Eight infants were baptized, one marriage was celebrated, and three parishioners received Christian burial. In 1873 Father Bonaventure Hammer, O.F.M., took over the care of souls in the Trenton area.

In 1874 Father Hammer was succeeded by Father Jerome Kilgenstein, O.F.M., under whose guidance the St. Elizabeth Ladies Society was organized. This society continues today to carry out faithfully the obligations imposed upon its members by the constitution written in 1874. Down through the years the Franciscan Father continued to bring the consolations of the Catholic Faith to the people of Trenton. There were some years, when because of the fewness of priests, it was impossible to provide Mass every Sunday. But in spite of these handicaps the children were baptized, instructed, confirmed, and brought up as good practical Catholics.
 

As time went on Archbishop John T. McNicholas, the Franciscan Fathers, and the people of Trenton, realized more and more the need of a resident pastor for Holy Name Church. In January 1944, the Archbishop appointed Father William T. Hilvert, a diocesan priest, as pastor, with St. Lawrence Mission, New Miami, attached. Until a residence could be provided it was necessary for Father Hilvert to live at Mercy Hospital, Hamilton. In October of the same year, the residence of Mrs. Anna Mandzak, 312 North Miami Street was purchased and converted into a rectory. In November, 1945, Father Urban R. Koenig, succeeded Father Hilvert and is the present pastor (1946)..

Holy Name Church, dedicated January 22, 1961 (photo courtesy of Trenton Historical Society)

As we look ahead from this Diamond Jubilee day, we hope and pray that God's blessing will continue to pour forth upon Holy Name Parish; that it will prosper and flourish and bring the Kingdom of God to many more souls.

 © 2000 by the Butler County Historical Society