St. Bernard's Catholic Church (inside photograph) in September of 1957

Inside of St. Bernard's (2nd) Church in September 1957

The original St. Bernard's Church was built on the northeast corner of Walnut Street and North Street. Father Edward O. Flaherty was the first resident pastor. Later, Edward P. Walters purchased ground from the Elston family for a cemetery (Calvary). Father Walters also initiated the purchase of land at the southeast corner of Pike and Washington to build a new church. On 17 September 1876 the Gothic style church was dedicated. A rectory was also built south of the church, and St. Charles Academy was built on East Pike Street under the Sisters of the Holy Cross. This building changed through the years due to two sections of the tower being removed. Henry F. Ward came to Crawfordsville in 1956, and the third Catholic Church (current building on East Main Street) was erected.

*This is the first inside photograph of the second church the library has ever seen.  If you have others please consider sharing with us by stopping by the second floor or calling  362-2242 x 117.