History of Christ the King Parish

...a Story of Growth


In 1938, the Rev. Joseph V. Somes was named pastor of a new parish, to be known as Christ the King, in a newly-developed area west of the intersection of Keystone and Kessler. Boasting 175 registered families, the parish dedicated a new white frame church in 1939 and a new school was under consideration. World War II began and material shortages were critical. But Fr. Somes, himself an architect and contractor, managed to obtain needed materials and, with many parishioners performing construction work, completed the job.

Staffed by the Sisters of St. Benedict, school opened to 144 pupils in September, 1945. Classes were held in the church for one month, the younger pupils sitting on kneelers using pew seats as desks, and older ones at tables. Sister Cleophas Wolf was the first principal, and the first class of five pupils graduated in June, 1946. As enrollment increased, the 7th and 8th grade classrooms were moved into the unused basement, and the cafeteria was opened.

In 1949, the Rev. Henry Trapp was named pastor. A convent had been completed and with 550 registered families in the parish, the school was bulging with 250 pupils. Sister Assunta Highbaugh had become principal and in 1952, the second floor of the school building was finished as six classrooms and an auditorium. Sister Mary George Kissell became principal in 1957. Sister Carmelita DeVoy took charge in 1960, and in 1962 Sister Mary Raymond Obert became principal.

The Rev. Thomas Carey became pastor in 1963, and finding the aging frame church inadequate for the growing parish, instituted a program to raise $400,000 needed to begin construction of a new church. Sister Adrian Dauby becamse principal in 1964, Sister Mary Philip Seib in 1966, Sister Mary Constance Kleeman in 1967, and Sister Dorothy Wargel in 1968.

On November 14, 1968, a fire broke out before dawn in the school supply room. Damage was estimated at $25,000. Arrangements were made in less than a week to send Grades 1 through 4 to Northminster Presbyterian Church, 5th grade to St. Matthew’s, 6th to Immaculate Heart, and 7th and 8th grades to St. Andrew’s. After the Christmas holidays, classes resumed in the school.

In 1969, plans were completed for the new church, which was dedicated January 17, 1971. That same year William Glennon, the junior high science teacher, was named principal. He served until 1977 when Sister Mary Luke succeeded him. Sister Mary Luke was Christ the King’s last principal from a religious order. Catherine Horn was named principal in 1986. She was followed by Deborah Reale in 1989, Carole Williams in 1996, Pam Costello in 2002 and Scott Stewart in 2004.

Rev. Kenny Sweeney succeeded the retiring Fr. Carey in 1980, and immediately was faced with the old problem of parish growth. After much prayer and study, plans were unveiled in 1983 for a new activity center to adjoin the school building. A development campaign began in May, 1983, and construction began a year later.

Prior to 1993, the parish office and the priests’ living quarters were in the same building. That year plans were made to build a parish office adjacent to the church. In November 1993 the parish staff moved into their new offices and the rectory underwent extensive renovation. The priests were delighted to have a home they could now call their own.

In February 1995, Fr. Sweeney retired after serving the Archdiocese of Indianapolis for forty-two years. He was appointed prelate of honor shortly after. Msgr. Sweeney chose to relocate to a warmer climate and moved to Scottsdale, Arizona.

Archbishop Buechlein announced that Msgr. Francis R. Tuohy would become the pastor of Christ the King effective February 15, 1995. Prior to coming to Christ the King he held many positions in the Archdiocese from associate pastor to Vicar General.

In conjunction with the Journey of Hope 2001, the Archdiocese embarked on a capital campaign entitled Legacy of Hope which would benefit both the Archdiocese and the parishes. Every parish in the Archdiocese was given a goal. Any parish could increase its goal if it needed to do so.

Christ the King had dreamed of building a Parish Community Center for many years. The Legacy of Hope Capital Campaign seemed like the perfect opportunity to make that dream come true. Msgr. Tuohy appointed a chairman and a steering committee was formed. The committee worked diligently talking to parish and organization leaders to determine the requirements for this new space and how it would be used. After many months of planning and campaigning the parish realized $1.3 million dollars in pledges and gifts. In the Spring of 2000 ground was broken for the new Parish Community Center. The Center includes a gym, kitchen, meeting room, stage area, storage, and a youth center.

In July of 2004, Msgr. Tuohy retired due to health reasons. At his retirement, the Parish Community Center was renamed Tuohy Hall in his honor. He was succeeded as pastor by Rev. Anthony Volz. Christ the King Parish had been Fr. Volz’s first assignment after he was ordained in 1985.