About Us
St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church | Martinsville, Indiana
Our Clergy
PASTOR
Very Rev. Stephen Giannini
Learn more about Fr. Steve
https://www.archindy.org/staff/priests/giannini-stephen.html
PAROCHIAL VICAR
Rev. Anthony Armbruster
PARISH DEACONS
Deacon Tim Harte
Deacon Dave Urbanowski
call (765) 342-6379
Our Patron Saint
Saint Martin of Tours, born around AD316 at Savaria, Pannonia [now modern-day Hungary], became the third Bishop of Tours and is highly esteemed as a great saint by the Church of France. Actually, many locations across Europe have also been placed under his patronage. St. Martin is the patron of the poor, soldiers, conscientious objectors, tailors, and winemakers.
Martin, the son of pagan parents, was intrigued by Christianity as early as childhood. As an adult, he became a cavalryman in the Roman army. One day, while on horseback, he came across a beggar. Using his sword, Martin cut his cloak in two to give half to the beggar. That night Martin dreamed of Jesus appearing to him wearing the cloak that Martin had given the beggar. This dream convinced him to be baptized, and he was the following Easter.
Martin left the army to become a missionary. He preached against Arianism, a heresy that denied the divinity of Christ. He was later persuaded to become the Bishop of Tours, where he founded the monastery Marmoutier. A great number of miracles have been recorded due to his intercession, while living and after his death. This gentle and humble servant of God is best known for helping those most in need. We celebrate his feast day November 11th and encourage you to continue learning more about Saint Martin of Tours.
Parish History
The first Catholic Church established in Morgan County was St. Columban Catholic Church, founded in 1848 by Irish immigrants. The Old Catholic Cemetery was established the same year, at the site of the first church building (a log church), which was erected under the direction of Rev. Daniel Maloney, who from 1848 – 1855 served the small local group of Catholics in Martinsville from his home parish in Columbus, IN. The parish was originally served by a log church.
The parish’s second church building was built in in 1889 within the city of Martinsville. The new church parish was renamed, St. Martin of Tours. The second building is still in use by another Christian congregation.
The third, and current church complex began with the building of a new church on Harrison Street, in Martinsville. The church was dedicated March 21, 1962. A second Catholic Cemetery was established behind the church that same year. Later, Sexton Hall was built, as well as the Gottemoeller Education Center.