California Churches
Campbell County, Kentucky
Carthage United Methodist Church-This church was started on December 29, 1843 on land that was bought for $1 from Elijah and Catherine Herndon. The trustees were Thomas Tarvin, John C Tarvin, James Herndon and William T Newman. It was the First Mount Gilead Church and served the California residents,
First Twelve Mile Baptist Church-RR #1 Box 131
Flagg Spring Baptist Church-Route 2 Box 339
Saint Peter and Paul Catholic Church-Route 2 Box 134. In 1847 a number of German Catholic families settled in the Gubser's Mill and California area. When they were obliged to attend Mass they either went by boat to Newport or Cincinnati. Mass was said in the house of Joseph Goetz which was located about a mile from the present church. In 1853 a log church was constructed on the present church property. It was known then as Saint Peter Mission. In August 1864 Bishop Carroll appointed John Stephany, a native of Pforty Rheinplaly, Bavaria, a recently ordained priest, as the first resident pastor. Father Stephany began the building of the brick church, which was later brought to completion under the Benedictine Fathers. In 1866 the new brick church was blessed under the patronage of Saints Peter and Paul, by Rev Gabriel Guesta, O.S.B.
In 1874 Rev William Cassander built a rectory. During the pastorate of Rev Joseph Meiwes, a new school was built. Rev Keller laid the cornerstone for a new church August 17, 1898. This brick church, located on the brow of the hill with its cemetery stretching out over the hillside was a landmark of the past in Twelve Mile Valley. It was torn down and a larger concrete structure was built in the 1990s. A new school was built in 1957 and 1991.
In 1948 the Sisters of Divine Providence were
succeeded by the Sisters of St. Benedict in the parish school.