The Catholics in and around Dover decided in 1981 to ask for a priest to celebrate Mass in Dover. Mrs. Alvin Pulley, a Dover resident, requested a meeting. On Nov. 22, 1981, thirty people representing seventeen families of the Dover area met with Fr. William Bevington and Deacon John Carroll from Immaculate Conception Church, Clarksville. Decisions were quickly made and on Dec. 19, 1981, thirty-five members attended the first Mass which was celebrated at the Dover Community Center. Fr. Bevington officiated with the assistance of Deacon John Carroll.
     Bishop James Niedergeses, bishop of the Nashville diocese, very impressed with the strong faith and determination of the Dover Catholic Community, assigned Fr. Bevington to celebrate Mass on the fourth Saturday of each month. He also assigned Deacon Carroll to hold prayer services and perform pastoral services.
     By November 1982, a building committee was appointed and a back account was opened. Three years later, the old telephone building on Spring St. was purchased. The first Mass was celebrated on Christmas Eve, 1985, in the new St. Francis of Assisi Church. On October 24, 1986, Deacon Carroll was reassigned to the Immaculate Conception Parish.
     The growing Catholic Community was elated when Sister Jean Therese Durbin, S.C. was appointed Coordinator of St. Francis of Assisi, Dover, and St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Tennessee Ridge. Sister Joyce Brehm, S.C., was appointed Associate Parish Coordinator. They served both areas for three years.
     In 1991, Fr. Thomas Mauer, S.D.S. was appointed Administrator of St. Francis of Assisi, and a year later he was assigned pastor. A groundbreaking for the rectory was held on December 27, 1998, and was completed six months later. Fr. Tom was loved and respected by Catholics and non-Catholics in the community. He was an outstanding Dover citizen and a familiar face at local activities including ball games and school programs. The community was devastated when he died from injuries sustained when he was struck by a vehicle.
     Fr. Davis Chackaleckal, M.S.F.S., who had recently arrived from his native India, was assigned to St. Francis of Assisi Parish by Bishop Edward Kmiec to replace Fr. Tom. Fr. Davis gave St. Francis of Assisi five dedicated years of devoted service before being reassigned to St. Catherine Church, Columbia, Tennessee.
     By 2005, the parish family had increased so much that it was evident a larger church was needed. A 6.7-acre site was located on Hwy 79. Mr. & Mrs. Singer purchased the land to secure it until permission was received from the diocese for the parish to buy it.
     St. Francis of Assisi Parish was saddened when Fr. Davis was reassigned in July 2006 but welcomed Fr. David Gaffny as Administrator of the parish. Fr. David took up where Fr. Davis left off. Preliminary architectural drawings of the new facility were presented to and approved by the diocese. Besides the generosity of the local parishioners, significant assistance was also provided by individuals, parishes, and organizations in the Nashville area and elsewhere.
     On July 9, 2008, Bishop David Choby officiated at the groundbreaking ceremony for the new facility. Under the direction of Mr. Jim Darke, parish council president, the first phase of construction was completed. On April 4, 2009, Bishop Choby dedicated the new St. Francis of Assisi facility.