Early French missionaries and settlers came to this area in the late 18th century and rooted the Catholic faith in the lives of the people on the banks of the Wabash River. In 1818-1819, the first log chapel was established and built. In 1836, Father John Courbe became the first resident pastor. In 1838, Bishop Brute dedicated the second church. In 1842, the Sisters of Providence opened the first Catholic school. In 1887, a frame church was constructed. In 1916, the present brick church was erected in Italian Renaissance architecture.