Foundations of Faith: Early Churches of Kentucky

January 30, 2025

As a new year begins, the Kentucky Faith Trail invites you to explore the rich history of faith that has shaped communities and inspired generations. From humble log meeting houses to awe-inspiring cathedrals, Kentucky’s early churches tell the story of perseverance, devotion, and pioneering spirit.


Faith on the Frontier

Kentucky’s faith history began with its earliest settlers, who carried their beliefs across the Southern wilderness to establish communities of worship. Daniel Boone’s declaration that “Heaven must be a Kentucky kind of place” in 1769 set the stage for pioneers to build not only new homes but also sanctuaries of faith.

The Old Mud Meeting House in Harrodsburg was constructed in 1800 and embodies this pioneer spirit as one of Kentucky’s earliest churches. Built by Dutch Reformed settlers using native clay, straw, and logs, its simple yet sturdy design reflects the settlers’ dedication to creating a spiritual refuge in the frontier.

Architectural Marvels of the 19th Century

While some early churches were modest, others became architectural masterpieces. The Basilica of St. Joseph Proto-Cathedral in Bardstown, completed in 1819, was the first Catholic cathedral built west of the Allegheny Mountains. Its intricate design features hand-carved altars, gilded statues, and vibrant murals displaying both the faith and artistry of their creators.



In Covington, the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption stands as a Gothic Revival wonder. Its stunning stained-glass windows – including one of the world’s largest, the Great North Transept Window – depict Biblical scenes in breathtaking detail, inspiring awe in all who visit.

Preserving Kentucky’s Faith Heritage

Today, these historic churches serve as reminders of Kentucky’s spiritual foundation. Sites like the Old Mulkey Meetinghouse connect visitors to the Revolutionary War and pioneer culture. The South Union Shaker Village offers visitors a glimpse into the unique religious visions and faith traditions that shaped the region.

Start Your Journey

This year, embark on a meaningful journey along the Kentucky Faith Trail. Explore historic meeting houses and villages, admire the artistry of the Cathedrals, and connect with the stories of those who built these sacred spaces.



Visit the Kentucky Faith Trail to learn more about these incredible sites and plan your trip. Let this be a year of inspiration and discovery as you connect with Kentucky’s enduring legacy of faith.

 

Discover Kentucky’s early churches today!
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Two Hundred Years of Kentucky History: The Revival of 1800 and South Union Shaker Village

May 14, 2025
Kentucky boasts a rich and unique faith history, and past communities of faith reveal the state’s legacy even into the present day. One such group is the Kentucky Shakers, a regional religious community that could once be found across the United States, and another is the revivalists of the Second Great Awakening. These faithfuls set the tone for hundreds of years in Kentucky and continue to inspire a legacy of unity and harmony among visitors exploring faith today. South Union Shaker Village Shaker communities believed in simplification. Their progressive theological practices emphasized communal living, pacifism, gender equality, withdrawal from worldly things, and sustainable living. In Kentucky, it was no different! The South Union Shaker Village was a 6,000-acre farm in southern Kentucky where the South Union Shaker community lived from 1807 to its closure in 1922. The massive complex — which became known as the village of South Union — contained over two hundred buildings, including dormitories, shops, barns, and stables. It even has a mill complex that was unrivaled in the area at the time. Shakers were known throughout America to craft spectacular material goods, like furniture. You can see such furniture, textiles, tools, and other household items at South Union thanks to efforts in the 1960s to preserve Shaker culture through the Shaker Museum at South Union, found in the 1824 Centre House on the property. Today, you can visit some of the original Shaker architecture on 500 acres of the original village. While only nine of the 200+ remain, these buildings offer a fantastic glimpse into the past and daily lives of the Shakers at South Union. Learn more about the community in the museum — part of the South Union Shakertown Historic Trail and included in the US National Register of Historic Places.

Spend Your Summer Adventuring on the Kentucky Faith Trail

April 10, 2025
Summer is the perfect time of year to plan a getaway and have some fun, and we don’t think there’s anything better than spending a few days exploring the Kentucky Faith Trail. There’s so much to see, from quaint revival meeting houses to towering cathedrals. The Kentucky Faith Trail boasts a rich and beautiful history of faith, perseverance, and pioneering spirit that acts as an enduring legacy for generations to come. Here are a few of our top locations that you simply can’t miss. The Ark Encounter Have you ever wondered how big Noah’s Ark was? At the Ark Encounter, you can actually walk on board and explore all three decks of a full-size replica in person! Through this immersive experience, you can learn more about what life would've been like on the Ark and even interact with animals at the zoo. Educational experiences with a biblical lens are available for all ages. When learning is this fun, you’ll want to spend all day at the Ark Encounter. 
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