USA > Ohio > Cuyahoga County > Cleveland > A history of Catholicity in northern Ohio and in the diocese of Cleveland from 1749 to December 31, 1900, Volume I, pt1 > Part 36
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The new parish used St. John's Church, and had separate services in it, until 1876. They then took possession of their own church, which was brought almost to completion during that year. In spite of the separation above mentioned, St. John's Church again became too small to accommodate its rapidly increasing member- ship; hence it was enlarged in 1880. At that time the parish num- bered 130 families. Father Jung's pastorate ended in October, 1891, when ill health forced him to resign his charge. He returned to his native Switzerland and died there two months later, Decem- ber 30, 1891. His death was mourned by his people and by all who knew him, as that of a good and faithful priest. His successor is the present pastor, the Rev. Joseph P. Gloden, who took charge of St. John's on November 1, 1891. He at once set to work to pay off the parish debt. It was cancelled in 1892. He then started a subscription for a much needed larger and better church, the old structure having again become too small ; it was also in poor condi- tion; in fact, unsafe. A building fund was commenced in 1892, and within two years had grown to generous proportions. In the fall of 1894 the foundation for the new church (55 x 135 feet ; transept, 65 feet) was commenced on the lots that served as a site for the parish hall, which had been removed in the spring of that year. On May 25, 1895, Bishop Horstmann laid the cornerstone, and the following day he also blessed two large bells intended for the new church, both of which, as well as the fine tower clock, were special donations. On this occasion the parish also celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of its establishment, and the twenty-fifth of Father Gloden's ordination to the priesthood. The double festivity marked a memorable epoch in the history of the parish.
During the summer of 1895 the new church was enclosed, and its beautiful interior was brought to completion by August of the following year. Its fine array of artistic statuary and all its other furnishings were donated-some by individual members of the congregation and some by the parish societies. Father Gloden donated the splendid set of Stations. They cost over $1,000, and are works of art. On September 13, 1896, the beautiful new brick church, of Roman architecture, was dedicated by Bishop Horst- mann. It was a day of supreme joy for the zealous pastor and his devoted people, who now had a church worthy to be ranked with
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the best equipped in the diocese of Cleveland. Its total cost was about $25,000. A debt of $8,000 was due on the church, the day it was dedicated, but in December, 1900, it had been reduced to $4,400; this comparatively small balance Father Gloden confi- dently hopes will be cancelled within the next two years.
As above stated the parish school was established about the year 1854 by the Sanguinist Fathers, then in charge of St. John's. It has been supported without interruption since that time. It was taught by lay teachers until 1870, when it was entrusted to the Sisters of St. Agnes, of Fond-du-Lac, Wis. They have conducted it ever since with results gratifying to the various pastors and beneficial to their pupils. At present three of the Sisters have charge of the school, which has an enrollment of 150 pupils. The parish numbers 145 families according to the last diocesan census, and is in excellent condition, financially and spiritually.
DEFIANCE, DEFIANCE COUNTY. OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL HELP CHURCH.
The original members of the congregation of Our Lady of Perpetual Help belonged to St. John's. The formal organization of the new parish, composed of the English-speaking members of St. John's, including also many German-Americans, took place during the pastorate of the Rev. C. Viere on January 1, 1873. The separation was the result of a vote, whether to replace St. John's by a church large enough to accommodate all the members, or to divide its membership and establish an exclusively English-speak- ing congregation. The latter proposition prevailed, and received Bishop Gilmour's approval. At the same time the new parish was voted the sum of $5,000 and given the right to have its own ser- vices in St. John's for three years, until the completion of its church, as stated in the preceding sketch. A large lot, 228 x 356 feet, located at the corner of Jefferson and Arabella streets, was secured for a church site, in April, 1873, the purchase price being $3,800. As no pastor could then be appointed for the new parish, owing to a lack of priests, a building committee attended to all the details of providing plans for the new church, excavating for foun- dation, raising funds, etc. Finally, in March, 1875, Bishop Gil-
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mour sent the Rev. Peter P. Mazuret, as the first resident pastor of the congregation of Our Lady of Perpetual Help. Under his direction the work on the new church was continued. The corner- stone was laid in June, 1875, and services were held for the first time in the new but interiorly unfinished church, in January, 1876. Father Mazuret was succeeded by the Rev. Michael P. Kin- kead on January 4, 1877. He had the interior brought to completion within the following two years. On Sunday, Novem- ber, 20, 1878, Bishop Gilmour dedicated the new church. It is of Gothic architecture, and its size is 55 x 130 feet. It cost over $30,000, and is an ornament to the city of Defiance and the diocese of Cleveland. It has rich stained glass windows, and its furnishings are among the best. In 1892 Father Kinkead had the graceful spire erected at a cost of nearly $3,000, and a $2,000 pipe organ placed in the church. In 1897 he provided three new altars for the church, had it beautifully frescoed and decorated, and fitted out with a steam heating apparatus -- all at a cost of about $5,500. The interior is very neat, attractive and devotional.
The parish school was organized in 1886. The brick school building and a residence for the Sisters were erected during that year, both costing about $8,000. The school has been in charge of three Dominican Sisters since its establishment. Although the church debt is considerable, it is being steadily reduced. The parish numbers about 180 families. The Rev. F. B. Doherty is the present pastor. He succeeded Father Kinkead in August, 1899.
DELAWARE BEND, DEFIANCE COUNTY. ST. STEPHEN'S CHURCH.
The Rev. Amadeus Rappe was the first priest who visited the few 'Catholic families living at or near Delaware Bend, in 1846. He repeated his visits from Toledo several times during that year and said Mass in private houses. In 1847 the Rev. Louis De Goes- briand, also of Toledo, took charge, and after him, from 1848 to 1850, the Sanguinist Fathers, residing at Glandorf. Between 1850 and 1888 Delaware Bend was attended from Defiance (1850-73), and Antwerp (1873-88), first as a Station and later as a Mission. In 1856 Father Westerholt had a log chapel built. It
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served its sacred purpose until 1880. The Rev. F. Rupert, resident pastor of Antwerp, attended Delaware Bend from July, 1879, to April, 1881. Early in the spring of 1880 he bought an acre of ground and soon after began the erection of the present frame church (38 x 70 feet) ; it cost about $3,800. The members of the mission, mostly farmers, furnished and hauled the greater part of the lumber without charge, thus greatly reducing the cost of the building. The neat edifice, handsomely furnished, was dedicated by Father Rupert, as the Bishop's delegate, on November 28, 1880. When he left Delaware Bend, in April, 1881, the debt had been reduced to $400. In August, 1888, the Rev. Lawrence Heiland was appointed the first resident pastor, with charge of several mis- sions. In the following year he had the present neat frame pastoral residence built, at a cost of $1,300. In 1890 he also opened a parochial school in a one-story frame building, which had been donated by a parishioner in 1889. Owing, however, to lack of means and small attendance, the school was closed in 1891 and has not been reopened since. The present cemetery is Father Heiland's donation; the deed was given in 1900, He was suc- ceeded, in June, 1900, by the Rev. H. E. Boesken. He, however. remained only about one month, when he was transferred to Loudonville, and succeeded by the present pastor, the Rev. Nicholas Espen. At once a number of improvements were made by him in and about the church, which has now a neat and tidy appearance.
DELPHOS, ALLEN COUNTY. ST. JOHN THE EVANGELIST'S CHURCH.
The large and flourishing parish of St. John's and the enter- prising town of Delphos, located on the border line of Allen and Van Wert counties, owe their origin to a Catholic priest-the Rev. John Otto Bredeick. In October. 1844, he came from his native Westphalia to that part of Ohio when it was a dense forest. cover- ing a very large area of land, then known as "Ten-Mile Woods." His brother Frederick had preceded him in 1836, for the purpose of founding a Catholic German colony in Northern Ohio, but did not purchase land in that locality until 1844. He secured a ninety- two-acre tract of government land. immediately east of the Miami
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ST. JOHN'S CHURCH, DELPHOS.
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and Erie Canal, which is the dividing line between Allen and Van Wert counties. The canal was opened to traffic in 1845, at which time the town of Delphos was also platted. Until 1851 the different portions of Delphos were known as Section Ten. Howard, East Bredeick and West Bredeick. In February, 1851, the town was incorporated by act of Legislature, and at the suggestion of Father Bredeick it was given the name of Delphos.
In October, 1842, the first colony of Catholic settlers came from Germany to the Ten-Mile Woods, under the leadership of Theodore Wrocklage, who had returned to Europe from Ohio for the purpose of inducing his countrymen to seek their fortune in the new world. The colony, composed of 42 persons, was met at Defiance and brought to the present site of Delphos by Frederick Bredeick. The hardships these sturdy pioneers had to endure on their long and tedious journey, by water, wagon, and afoot, were eclipsed soon after by the privations they had to suffer in the wilderness of Northwestern Ohio. Two years later, in October,. 1844, they were rejoiced to have in the midst of them, both as pastor and counselor, the Rev. J. O. Bredeick, who brought with him a number of sturdy Catholics from Osnabrueck, Germany, to add to the strength of the little colony, some of whose members had been his parishioners in their native village. Father Bredeick brought with him also considerable means from his patrimony, and with it bought another tract of government land adjacent to that which had been secured for him by his brother Frederick, a short time previous. Part of this land Father Bredeick had platted into lots and streets, that now form the best and most valuable portion of the present town of Delphos. In 1845 he also set aside as a gift for the use of the Catholics of "Section Ten" (Delphos) a large tract, comprising many choice lots, as a site for the future church, school and pastoral residence. Even now the church property of Delphos is not equalled in size and location by any other in the diocese of Cleveland. Father Bredeick, shortly after his arrival, had a log house (18 x 24 feet) erected at his own expense, to serve as a chapel for his faithful colony. It soon proved too small for their accommodation, and hence was enlarged in 1846 by a frame addition, 27 feet wide and 37 feet long. The addition was intended only as a makeshift, as Father Bredeick saw the necessity of at
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once providing larger and much better church facilities. Part of the addition was used as a school, and served as such for some years.
In the latter part of 1846 Father Bredeick began the erection of a new church. It was built of hewn timbers; its size was 60 x 107 feet. Considering the poverty of his people (only one family was possessed of means) it was a grave undertaking for the good pastor, who gave most liberally out of his own purse to meet the cost of the church. But all the parishioners contributed, either of their limited means, or gave generously of their time in the way of labor, teaming, etc. The cutting and hauling of the heavy tim- bers took almost two years, as the work had to be done when labor and teams could be had. After this the framing of the timbers and the erection also took considerable time. But the result was a firmly built church of hewn logs, the interstices being filled with mortar, and the whole exterior covered with shingles. Solidity, rather than architectural beauty, was its chief mark. The large and clumsy-looking structure was used for the first time on All Saints' Day, 1853, when to the great joy of his faithful flock, now numbering 85 families, Father Bredeick offered up the Holy Sacri- fice within the unfinished enclosure. The people of Delphos, at that time, had no idea of the science needed in the construction of a building of this kind, and therefore employed no architect. They calculated strength and durability by bulk; hence the more timber they used, and the more massive the structure, the stronger and more durable it seemed to them. It is remarkable, that, wanting as the builders were in the most elementary knowledge of the art of construction, they should have been able to stay the huge pile so firmly that it remained intact for nearly thirty years, and finally had to be taken down. No practical builder directed the work, as no one was then to be had in or near Delphos. The task was en- trusted to J. M. Heitz, a cabinet maker, who never, before or after,
. built a house, or even a stable. In 1855 the exterior of the church was completed. It was painted white, which gave the shingle- covered sides a unique appearance. Between 1856 and 1857 the main altar and most of the pews were made and placed in position.
Father Bredeick labored incessantly for the welfare of his parish which had doubled in size within less than ten years, in spite
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of the ravages of the cholera epidemic of 1854 and 1855, which claimed many victims. The hardships of pioneer life, and the countless difficulties that beset him in his varied pastoral duties, gradually undermined his health. Though his indomitable spirit was ever ready to cope with difficulties, his physical strength was by no means equal to the task, and gradually it gave way to the inevitable. Before the interior of the church was completed the stamp of death was imprinted on his brow. In April, 1858, Father Bredeick became seriously ill after preaching his first sermon from the new pulpit. He rallied somewhat, but was never again able to fully discharge his pastoral duties. The Rev. Francis Westerholt, at the time pastor of St. John's, Defiance, was therefore appointed in July, 1858, to assist him. About six weeks later, August 19, Father Bredeick passed to his eternal reward, sincerely mourned by his parishioners and by his fellow citizens, the former losing in his death a devoted pastor and the latter a public benefactor. For a more detailed account of this worthy priest's life the reader is referred to his biographical sketch in the second volume of this work.
Father Westerholt was now given full charge of the parish, and well did he acquit himself of the responsibility. He soon gained the confidence and affection of his people, and with their generous co-operation continued the work of his predecessor. His first efforts were directed towards finishing the interior of the church. He had two side altars placed in the sanctuary, secured a $1,000 pipe organ and added a number of pews to those already in place. In 1862, the spire, 150 feet in height, was built, and shortly after two bells-the larger weighing 1,800 pounds-were placed in position. The steadily increasing membership of the congrega- tion required more church accommodations, hence an additional gallery was built in 1865. In the following year the parish, com- posed in large part of farmers, was dismembered by the formation of a second, whose place of worship was located at Landeck, five miles from Delphos. About this time three Sisters of St. Francis, of La Crosse, Wis., took charge of the girls' department in the parish school. In accordance with one of Father Bredeick's be- quests they were given possession of the property which had been used as a pastoral residence. Thus Father Westerholt was obliged
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to build another residence for himself, which he did in 1867. It is a commodious two-story brick building, cost $6,500, and still serves its purpose well.
In January, 1868, Father Westerholt was called by Bishop Rappe to take charge of St. Peter's parish. Cleveland, and was also appointed one of his Vicars General. Although a distinct pro- motion for the pastor, his people deeply regretted to part with him. By his energy, force of character and honesty of purpose he had won their confidence and respect, and the separation was pain- ful to them. His successor is the present worthy incumbent, the Rev. Aloysius I. Hoeffel, who received his appointment at the same time Father Westerholt received his for Cleveland. At this time about 250 families made up the parish.
Father Hoeffel found it necessary to provide more adequate school facilities at once. He raised the needed funds by voluntary subscription, and after exchanging a portion of the Father Bredeick estate for two lots south of the church, he erected on these the present school building in 1869 and 1870. It is three stories high and contains four large school rooms. The third story, for- merly a parish hall, has been changed recently into society rooms, which are used by the Young Men's Sodality.
No sooner had the new school building been occupied than it became necessary also to build a new residence for the Sisters. The house, a brick structure, was built in 1872, and paid for in part out of the estate of Father Bredeick and in part out of the parish treasury. Scarcely had the above mentioned buildings been com- pleted when they were threatened with destruction. In May, 1873, a great conflagration consumed nearly one-half of the town of Delphos, the flames carrying devastation with them in every direc- tion. Thrice the church began to burn and the fire was as often extinguished. Once also the school caught fire and very narrowly escaped the fate of so many other buildings in the town. It was then that the pioneer log chapel, the frame school and Sisters' house-the one occupied by them at the time-were destroyed. In September, 1874, the Sisters of St. Francis were succeeded by the Sisters of Notre Dame as teachers in the parish school, and have remained in charge of the girls' department ever since.
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In 1875 the present organ was bought for $2,800. By this time the log church, begun by Father Bredeick and brought to completion by his successors, had become not only antiquated but also much too small to accommodate the steadily increasing con- gregation. When Father Hoeffel first proposed to his flock the subject of building another church, adequate to their wants and in keeping with their means, he met with considerable opposition, quite a number of the opponents insisting on a division of the parish and a second church, to be built in the western portion of the town. After considerable delay and discussion the first propo- sition finally prevailed-to build a brick church on the site of the old one, large enough to accommodate all. The building project took form in 1878, when plans for the present edifice were adopted. The execution of the design was committed, in Septem- ber, 1878, to Francis Heitz, a practical builder, the son of John H. Heitz, mentioned before in this sketch as having built the first church for St. John's parish. The various contracts were sublet to responsible parties, and all gave perfect satisfaction. The old church was torn down to make way for the new, and a frame building, 56 x 110 feet, was erected to serve as a temporary place of worship till the completion of the new church. The building was used for the first time on Palm Sunday, 1879. On June 15 of the same year the cornerstone of the new church was laid by Bishop Gilmour. Work was then pushed without inter- mission for one year and eight months, under the watchful eye of Father Hoeffel and the superintendent, Mr. F. Heitz, and brought to completion in the fall of 1880. The splendid edifice was dedi- cated by Bishop Gilmour on Sunday, January 16, 1881. Although the ceremony took place on a midwinter day, it made the partici- pants-pastor and people-aglow with keenest joy. It was "the day the Lord had made" for their special happiness, for it brought to a successful close the grand work which had taxed the prudence and care of those directly connected with it, and which tested the generosity of all. St. John's could now point with just pride and satisfaction to a church that was without question at that time the largest and finest in the diocese of Cleveland, a distinction it held for fully ten years.
St. John's Church has a seating capacity of 1,800, and stands on a plot of ground 280 feet square. It is 193 feet long. 100 feet
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across the transept and 78 feet wide in the nave; its architecture is Romanesque. It is built of brick, with a generous amount of artistic stone trimming. The cruciform broken lines, the numerous graceful turrets and the general harmony of the details give grace and unity to the imposing edifice. It is surmounted by a beautiful spire, which, with the resplendent cross, reaches a height of 222 feet. The tower clock cost $2,000. The contracts were let at a time when building materials, etc., were the lowest, yet the build- ing cost $60,000, exclusive of gratuitous labor and material, which at a fair estimate would bring the cost of the church-not taking into account the altars, pews, etc.,-up to $100,000.
The interior of the church is grand. The groined ceiling, 58 feet from the floor at the highest point, is divided into arches, which are supported by ten fluted and foliated columns. The sanctuary is octagonal in form, and richly adorned with beautiful altars, paintings and statuary, the last being special gifts from parishioners. The canopy over the main altar adds much to its beauty, as does also the splendid oil painting of the Last Supper, on the front of the altar table. The canopy and carved communion railing together cost over $2,000. The church itself is also fres- coed and ornamented in excellent taste. The artistic stained glass windows and Stations are all gifts from members of the parish.
After the completion of the church Father Hoeffel turned his attention to the wants of the parish school. The steady increase of school enrollment forced the erection of another building. Work was therefore begun on it in 1887, in spite of strong opposition regarding the question of site, and finished by September of the following year. The well arranged brick building cost about $12,000. Six Sisters of Notre Dame, besides four lay teachers, have charge of the schools. The latter are paid out of the District School or public fund.
On January 3, 1889, St. John's parish was made a rectorate, with Father Hoeffel as its first irremovable rector-a well merited distinction. On September 12, 1894, the parish celebrated with great eclat the 50th anniversary of its foundation by Father Bredeick. On this occasion Father Hoeffel informed his congrega- tion that he donated three bells in memory of the three pastors of Delphos, and paid for the recasting of a fourth bell, in order to
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bring its tone into harmony with the chime of five bells now be- longing to the church. Fifty years before, the Catholic pioneers of Delphos had but a small log chapel in the almost unbroken forest, with poverty and privation for their lot; now the remaining few, and their successors, can boast of a magnificently equipped church and other parish buildings, second to none in the diocese; a flourishing parish, and an enterprising, well-to-do growing com- munity. What a change brought about in half a century !
The following priests were attached to St. John's parish as curates: The Revs. Elias Maesfrancx. 1867-68; P. O'Mara, 1886- 88; A. Heuchemer, 1891-92; M. Philippart, August, 1892, to December, 1899; Joseph B. Alten, December, 1899, to June, 1900; and since July, 1900, the Rev. Frederick A. Houck. The parish now numbers about 500 families.
DESHLER, HENRY COUNTY.
IMMACULATE CONCEPTION MISSION CHURCH.
Deshler was first attended from Providence, Wood County, as a Station in 1871 by the Rev. Henry D. Best, who said Mass in private houses for the few Catholics then living in the village. In 1875 he donated two lots, and on one of them built a small frame church. It was then thought that, with a church located at Deshler, Catholics would be induced to settle there. But the con- trary proved to be the case, as the few Catholics who then lived there, and whose main support depended on a local barrel factory, were obliged to seek a livelihood elsewhere, owing to a collapse of that concern in 1877. For some years the prospects for Catholicity in Deshler looked gloomy indeed, the mission having lost about one-half its Catholic population. This was at the time the Rev. H. Kolopp, resident pastor of Providence, had charge of the Mission (April, 1877, to August, 1883). Deshler was then assigned to Custar as a Mission and so remained until January, 1893. Since that time it has been attended from North Baltimore. In 1896 the Rev. Joseph B. Alten took up a subscription for a new church and site. The latter (three lots) was secured in June, 1897. In September of the same year the Rev. John P. Haupert took charge of the Mission and during the fall of 1898 built the present brick
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