Franklin in Williamson County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)
Original St. Philip Catholic Church
Built In 1871
An Italian priest, Father James L. Orengo, a Dominican, arrived in Franklin in 1871 at a time when the Catholic population had grown considerably due to an influx of Irishmen who had come to work on the railroad and settled in the area. Work on the church coincided with Father Orengo’s arrival. All of the work was done by the parishioners themselves. In fact, bricks for the building were formed and fired in the churchyard. Intending to remain here, Father Orengo purchased property adjacent to the church, but his health began failing and he was called back to Italy. The land was sold to the Sheas, a Catholic family in Franklin.
After Father Orengo’s departure, Father Marron oversaw the final stages of work and was assigned by Bishop Freehan of Nashville as the first pastor of St. Philip. The church was dedicated on November 6, 1871 with a High Mass celebrated by the Bishop.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Churches & Religion. A significant historical month for this entry is November 1866.
Location. 35° 55.548′ N, 86° 52.032′ W. Marker is in Franklin, Tennessee, in Williamson County. Marker is on East Main Street east of 2nd Avenue S, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Franklin TN 37064, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. John H. Eaton (here, next to this marker); St. Philip Catholic Church (a few steps from this marker); Historic Franklin Masonic Hall (within shouting distance of this marker); Masonic Temple (within shouting distance of this marker); Harpeth Square / Harpeth Square and Historic Neighbors (within shouting distance of this marker); Union Headquarters (within shouting distance of this marker); Old Factory Store (within shouting distance of this marker); Ewen Cameron (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Franklin.
Credits. This page was last revised on May 19, 2020. It was originally submitted on October 4, 2013, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. This page has been viewed 442 times since then and 12 times this year. Last updated on May 12, 2015, by J. Makali Bruton of Accra, Ghana. Photos: 1. submitted on May 19, 2020. 2, 3. submitted on October 4, 2013, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. 4, 5. submitted on May 19, 2020. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.