St. Anthony Church, located in Axtel, Kentucky was named after St. Anthony the Abbot. He was a model of humility, charity, prayerfulness and many more virtues. He is the patron saint of gravediggers and is known as the father of Monasticism. His feast day is January 17.

From 1800 until 1937, St. Anthony Church was under the direction of the Diocese of Louisville. In 1937 it was transferred to the Diocese of Owensboro. 

St. Anthony’s first church building dates back to 1814 and was built on the land where the old cemetery now is. Due to parish growth, a second church was built in 1864. The third church was built in 1894. This church burned in 1914, so the fourth one was built in 1915. The church lasted until 1972, when it was torn down due to its dilapidated condition. 

The present church, the fifth church, was built in 1972. This church was renovated in 1998 under the direction of Father Bruce Fogle. Insulation was added to the walls and ceiling and the windows were replaced with insulated glass. Stained glass windows were added and the altars were extensively renovated in stained oak. Stained oak doors replaced the old metal doors and two new vestibules were added. The original brick walls were insulated and drywall was added. New Carpeting was installed.

The first school at St. Anthony was built in 1939. The school building was replaced in 1952 and still stands today. 

St. Anthony’s church has had approximately 50 priests, starting with Fr. Charles Nerinchx, who built the first church, and including Fr. Bruce Fogle who renovated the present church.