09/07/2026
🕊️ In Memoriam — Fr. Laurence Wrenn
It is with sadness that we share the passing of Fr. Laurence Wrenn, the first pastor of Ascension Catholic Church, who died peacefully on August 31, 2026, in Thurles, County Tipperary, Ireland.
Fr. Wrenn holds a special place in the history of Ascension. In 1979, while serving as Associate Pastor of St. Francis of Assisi in St. Albans, Bishop Joseph H. Hodges entrusted him with the additional responsibility of establishing a Catholic mission in Hurricane.
As the Catholic community in the Teays Valley continued to grow, that mission became Ascension Catholic Church. On September 14, 1980, the Hurricane mission was officially elevated to a parish, and Fr. Wrenn became Ascension’s first pastor. On May 28, 1981, the Feast of the Ascension, the first Mass was celebrated at Ascension Parish.
The parish community we know today grew from those early beginnings, and we remain grateful for Fr. Wrenn’s faith, service, and dedication in helping establish a Catholic presence in Hurricane. His ministry will forever be an important part of the history of Ascension Catholic Church.
Please join us in praying for the repose of his soul and for his family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched throughout his priestly ministry.
“Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon him.
May he rest in peace. Amen.” 🙏
* A Memorial Mass for Fr. Wrenn will be celebrated at Ascension in the coming weeks. The date and time will be announced soon.