What we know as St. Francis of Assisi Parish today began with a small group of families in 1976, when they began celebrating Mass in the Glade Security Building with a priest from St. Alphonsus Parish in Crossville. In 1978 the Bishop established St. Francis of Assisi as a mission. A building committee was formed and Fairfield Communities, Inc. donated 3.8 acres for a church. 

As the parish grew, Mass was celebrated in the Baptist Church until the parish center (now Fr. Sheehan Hall) was completed in 1980. This first building was dedicated by the bishop and was used as both a parish center and church until a permanent one could be built. 

St. Francis remained a mission church until 1983. Father George Sheehan was appointed as the first resident pastor, giving the church full parish status. A rectory was built in 1986.
By 1991, the sanctuary was completed. In 1998 a new rectory was built at the bishop’s request. 

Father Sheehan was followed by several dedicated priests: Father Phillip Thoni (1996-1999), Father Greg Boisvert (1999-2002), Father Greg Neuzil (2002-2005), Father Thomas Moser (2005-2008), Father John O’Neill (2008-2010), Monsignor Thoni returned in 2009 as a priest in residence until 2012. Father John Dowling replaced Father O’Neill from 2010-2014. Father Albert Sescon replaced Father Dowling from 2014-2018. Father Michael Woods became pastor in July 2018. 

The journey from that small, dedicated group in 1976 to a parish of 565 households with 949 individual members in 2015 has been a long and beautiful celebration of the faithfulness, generosity, and love that epitomizes St. Francis of Assisi Parish.