The State of Tennessee placed a historical marker recognizing St. Patrick's Church and School on Thursday, August 13.  "In 1849, Father Aloysius Orengo built a small log church near here to serve the Irish immigrants who were sheep herders and furnace workers. Six years later, in 1855 he moved the log church to this site and established Humphreys County’s first school. To raise funds for a bell, Father Orengo sponsored the first Irish Picnic that is now an annual event in McEwen. During the Civil War, bushwhackers raided the church. New church buildings were erected in 1877 and 1925. Congregants and church officials dedicated the current church in 1949."