About Us Parish History The need for a spiritual community in Lebanon, Tennessee, was first recognized in 1947, as Catholics began to come together from surrounding communities.  Father George Rohling, who was pastor in Gallatin at the time, was assigned to serve Lebanon as a mission. The first masses were celebrated in Seagraves Funeral Home on East Main Street.  They were later moved to the library at Castle Heights Military Academy.  Many of those attending Mass were cadets from the school.  The impetus for the actual construction of a church occurred when, after first being turned down by Bishop Adrian, Father Rohling discovered that 15 adults had not been confirmed.  He instructed each of them and invited the Bishop to come and confirm them at Sunday Mass.  The library at Castle Heights was filled to overflowing.  After the Mass, the Bishop said, “I believe you do need a church in Lebanon.  Proceed to look for some property.” Members of the community came together and pooled their resources to construct the church building in 1952.  Martin Gaffney donated the bell, which was from an old L & N locomotive.  Numerous others donated services, materials and money.  The Catholic Extension Service, in memory of Mrs. Frances Crowley, gave one of the largest gifts - $5,000.  The church was named in honor of her and the first U.S. citizen to be canonized as a Saint of the Church, Mother Frances Xavier Cabrini. The first Mass in the new church was celebrated on December 14, 1952.  Bishop William L. Adrian celebrated the formal blessing of the edifice dedication Mass on April 17, 1953.  The rectory was purchased from Dallas Floyd in 1964.  On March 12, 1967, the Chancery established the parish boundaries to include all of Wilson, Trousdale, Smith and Macon counties.  Father Edgar M. Kelly was appointed as the first resident pastor. Mission Statement St. Frances Cabrini parish, a faith community, endeavors to follow Jesus Christ in the Catholic Church.  We are committed to provide a community of spiritual nourishment through understanding, support, sharing and reaching out according to the gospel ideals and values as is carried on in the traditions of the Church. Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini Maria Francesca Cabrini was born July 15, 1850, in the town of San Angelo, south of Milan in Italy. She was the youngest of thirteen children. She helped her parents work the family farm, but from an early age she was drawn to a missionary life and service to God.