History

In 1938, property was purchased for a new Catholic church to relieve the crowded conditions that existed at St. Benedict’s Church. Christ the King Church—or the “Church of Our Lord, Jesus Christ, King” as it was originally named—was then founded on Evansville’s east side.  Father William Lensing was appointed as the first pastor of the new parish. He immediately planned the construction of a white frame church that faced Chandler Avenue. The church welcomed 75 charter families when it opened in 1942.

Father Maurice Egloff was appointed to succeed Father Lensing as pastor in 1945, and shortly thereafter a rectory was built on the northwest corner of Chandler and Dexter Avenues. Over the years, Christ the King provided residency for bishops, monsignors, and numerous pastors and associate pastors.

Soon it became evident that more construction was needed as St. Benedict’s School became overcrowded. Additional land was acquired on which a newer rectory was located, and ground was broken for the new school in 1947. The school opened in the fall of 1949. The initial enrollment was 371 students who were taught primarily by the Sisters of St. Benedict.

By the time the school was completed, the wooden church building could no longer accommodate the needs of the growing parish. In 1950, Bishop Grimmelsman granted permission to build an auditorium-style church. The church adjoined the east end of the school and was dedicated in May 1952. A convent was later built in 1957 to provide housing for the nuns.

By 1962, the parish again faced the challenge of overcrowded conditions as the school enrollment escalated to 665, and the church could no longer hold the growing congregation. Both problems were alleviated in 1962 when another new parish, the Church of the Nativity or now known as Nativity Church, was built on the southeast side of Evansville.

Additional church renovations were launched in 1975 to accommodate Vatican II guidelines. By 1985, the school was taught solely by lay teachers, and the convent was converted into a Parish Center that provided meeting rooms and a classroom for a new preschool. In 1996, a new gym and computer and science labs were constructed on the southwest corner of the school. A new heating and air conditioning system was installed in 2001.

The “Rebuild, Rejuvenate, Rejoice!” building campaign that began in 2004 included school renovations and an addition to the former Parish Center. The new facility opened in 2005 to accommodate the Parish Office and to provide additional meeting rooms for parish organizations, funeral dinners, and the youth group. The campaign the continued with substantial renovations to the church, including the addition of the narthex, bride's room, music department room, kitchen, and bell tower; handmade altar and lecterns, updated ceiling and lighting; new carpeting and paint; and newly renovated restrooms. Bishop Gettlefinger dedicated the new church in a beautiful ceremony, complete with the blessing of the altar with the Oil of Chrism.

Christ the King Church has shown resiliency over the years by adapting to the changing needs of the parish, school, and neighborhood. With continual planning, CTK will continue to meet our spiritual and educational needs well into the twenty-first century!