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, pt2 > Part 13
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521
IN THE DIOCESE OF CLEVELAND.
MILLER CITY, PUTNAM COUNTY.
ST. NICHOLAS' CHURCH.
Miller City, a Station on the "Nickel Plate" Railway, is situ- ated about 8 miles west of Leipsic. In 1886 the Rev. Joseph Rosenberg, then pastor of New Cleveland, organized the pres- ent flourishing parish. The first church, a frame building, 35 by 70 feet, was begun by Father Rosenberg, in 1887, and completed in the following year, under the direction of his successor, the Rev. J. Eyler; it cost about $2,000. Mr. Nicholas Noirot, a generous member of the Mission, presented two lots, fronting on Main-Cross Street, for the church site. Besides donating nearly $400 to the Mission of Miller City, St. John's parish, of Glandorf, also gave the pews, formerly used in their church. Mgr. F. M. Boff, V. G., dedicated the church of Miller City, on August 26. 1888, placing it under the patronage of St. Nicholas.
Miller City was attended as a Mission, from New Cleveland until January, 1891, and then from Leipsic until the appointment of the first resident pastor, in July, 1899-the Rev. Charles Wag- ner, who has since then been in charge.
During the time the Rev. J. Bertemes attended Miller City from Leipsic (1889-99), he visited it every Sunday and Holyday. In 1889 he purchased two acres of land for a cemetery, which was blessed on June 11, 1893. He also bought three lots, on Novem- ber 30, 1896, as a site for a future school and pastoral residence.
Father Wagner built the present pastoral residence, a small frame building, in the fall of 1899, and has occupied it since November of that year.
On September 4, 1898, the church was struck by lightning and greatly damaged. This required considerable repairing which was paid for by the companies which had insured the church.
The cornerstone for a brick church, 54 by 124 feet, to replace the present structure, was blessed by Bishop Horstmann on October 28, 1900. It will be of Gothic architecture and its cost is estimated at $23,000. Father Wagner hopes to have it com- pleted and nearly paid for by May, 1902. The parish numbers about 70 families, mostly German farmers.
522
'A HISTORY OF CATHOLICITY
MILLERSVILLE, SANDUSKY COUNTY.
ST. MARY'S CHURCH.
Twenty-five German families, who had been identified for many years with St. Joseph's parish, at Fremont, eight miles dis- tant from Millersville (formerly known as Greensburg), were authorized by Bishop Rappe, in 1857, to form a separate parish. On October 17, 1857, Mr. M. Jung donated a two-acre tract of land for their prospective church and school. They built a plain stone church, 36 x 50 feet, during the following year, at a cost of about $1,800. From 1859 until July, 1863, the Mission of Greensburg (Millersville) was attended from Fremont, viz., from St. Ann's church, in 1859, and then from St. Joseph's. The Rev. Louis Hoffer, assistant at St. Ann's, was the first priest to visit the Mission; he attended it from April to September, 1859. The first pastoral residence, a frame structure, was built under the direction of the Rev. S. Bauer, soon after the church was built. In July, 1863, the Rev. F. Ankly was appointed the first resident pastor of Greensburg. His successors were the Rev. H. Behrens, (November, 1865, to June, 1866); and F. H. Volm, (June, 1866, to March, 1867).
About 1874 a railroad (now a branch of the Pennsylvania system) was built through the hamlet of Greensburg, from Mans- field to Toledo. The name of Greensburg was then changed to Millersville, that being the name of the nearest station.
.After the departure of Father Volm, Millersville was without a pastor for about six months. The Rev. C. Barbier was the next resident pastor, but his stay was of short duration-less than six months, in 1868, when St. Mary's church, Millersville, again be- came vacant for some months. It was next attended from Fos- toria, as a Mission, by the Rev. M. Pütz, from April, 1869, until the appointment of the Rev. J. B. Jung, in August, 1870, as resi- dent pastor. He remained in charge until March, 1871. The following priests have filled the same position at Millersville, since the departure of Father Jung: The Revs. T. Litterst, from March, 1871, to April, 1873; J. Sproll, to April, 1877 ; J. Blaser, to
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IN THE DIOCESE OF CLEVELAND.
January, 1888; and the present pastor. the Rev. M. Dechant, since January, 1888.
During the short pastorate of Father Jung a frame school was built, but was not opened for use until September, 1873, when it was put in charge of a lay teacher. In September, 1877, Father Blaser transferred the school to the Sisters of Notre Dame, from Cleveland, and they continued in charge until 1890, when, owing to the small attendance, they resigned it. Since then a lay teacher has conducted the school.
In 1882 Father Blaser enlarged the church considerably, its present dimensions being : length, including the sanctuary, 95 feet. width, 35 feet. At a cost of about $5,000 he also made other important improvements, which included a spire, new roof, stained glass windows, pews, etc. The renovated and beautified church was rededicated by Bishop Gilmour, on May 6, 1884. Father Dechant secured the present beautiful high altar and a furnace, both costing nearly $1,900.
Father Blaser also built, in 1878, the present fine pastoral residence, a frame structure, at a cost of about $3,000. The former residence is now occupied by the teachers in charge of the parish school.
The parish numbers about 65 families; it is composed almost exclusively of farmers, and is without debt.
MINERAL RIDGE, TRUMBULL COUNTY. ST. MARY'S MISSION CHURCH.
The Rev. William O'Connor, pastor of St. Columba's church. Youngstown, was the first priest to minister to the spiritual wants of the few Catholic families at Mineral Ridge.
Mineral Ridge was attended as a Station, from the following places: Youngstown (1858-65); Niles (1865-70); as a Mission from Brier Hill, (1870-79); Niles 1879-80); Salem, (1880-86) ; again from Niles, (1886-92); and from Girard, since May, 1892.
In 1870 the Rev. Patrick McCaffrey, of Brier Hill, made an attempt to build a church at Mineral Ridge, but failed because of ill health, and for want of means; he had already selected a lot and secured some of the lumber. His successor, the Rev.
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A HISTORY OF CATHOLICITY
F. J. Henry, also of Brier Hill, bought a half-acre lot in August, 1872, and in the fall of that year built the present church. It is a frame structure, 30 by 50 feet, and with its furnishings cost about $3,000.
In 1899 the church was tastefully frescoed, stained glass windows replaced the old plain glass, Stations of the Cross and artistic statuary were bought-with the result that the interior of the church has been made quite attractive. The Mission is without debt, and numbers about 30 families. The Rev. James J. Stewart has been attending Mineral Ridge since May, 1892.
MONROEVILLE, HURON COUNTY. ST. JOSEPH'S CHURCH.
To the Rev. F. X. Obermüller is due the organization of St. Joseph's parish, at Monroeville. In September, 1861, he visited the Catholics of that place for the first time. He was then resident pastor of St. Peter's church, Norwalk. Prior to 1861 Monroeville was attended from Peru as a Station. Father Ober- müller engaged Mr. J. Carabin's Hall, and fitted it up as a temporary place of worship. It served as such until January, 1863, when he purchased a lot with a Methodist meeting house on it, fronting on Broad street. In a short time he had the build- ing, a plain brick structure, changed into a neat church, amply large for the needs of the new parish. One month later he pur- chased two additional lots, adjoining the first and extending from Broad to Sandusky streets, and bounded on the west by Chapel street. The three lots form the larger part of the present fine property, which is located in one of the most desirable parts of Monroeville.
In July, 1863, Father Obermüller was succeeded by the Rev. Anthony J. Abel, who was appointed the first resident pastor of Monroeville. Father Abel bought a frame house, had it moved on one of the parish lots, and fitted up as his residence. In August, 1863, he bought four acres of land for a cemetery.
Father Abel was succeeded in October, 1864, by the Rev. J. Martin Pütz. The congregation steadily increased so that within less than ten years after the appointment of Father Pütz, it had
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ST. JOSEPH'S CHURCH, PASTORAL RESIDENCE AND SCHOOL, MONROEVILLE.
525
IN THE DIOCESE OF CLEVELAND.
more than doubled in size, and consequently outgrown its church. The proposition, to build a larger and better equipped church, was cordially approved by the people of St. Joseph's parish, a prompt and liberal subscription giving tangible proof of their wish. Father Pütz therefore had plans drawn for a brick church, 54 feet in width, 125 feet in length, and of composite Roman and Gothic architec- ture; its cost was estimated at $28,000. The cornerstone was blessed by Bishop Gilmour, October 12, 1873, The church was dedicated to St. Joseph, on May 14, 1876, by Bishop Dwenger, of Fort Wayne, Bishop Gilmour being then ill and in Europe. At the time of its dedication the church was one of the finest and best appointed in that section of the diocese, and even now holds a prominent place. During the time the church was building the effects of the financial panic of 1873 were keenly felt in Monroe- ville. As a result many Catholics moved away, in the hope of bettering their condition elsewhere. In consequence the parish was reduced from 150 families, in 1873, to about 95 families in 1876; and these had to face a debt of nearly $7,000 when the church was finished. By degrees however better times returned and by degrees also the debt was cancelled.
The parish school was organized by Father Obermüller in 1862. Owing to lack of means it had a fitful existence, but since 1870 it has continued without interruption. In 1870 Father Pütz bought an abandoned public school building, which he changed to serve as a parochial school. It was thus used until 1877, when the old church was remodeled for school purposes, and is still in use as such. The Sisters of Notre Dame, from Cleveland, have had charge of the school since September, 1899. Prior to that time it was conducted by lay teachers, till 1889; by the Sisters of St. Francis, Tiffin, till June, 1896; and by the Sanguinist Sisters, from Thompson, until June, 1899.
In May, 1885, the present pastor, the Rev. Nicholas Schmitz, succeeded Father Pütz. After cancelling the debt, which had been reduced by Father Pütz to $1,100, Father Schmitz made a number of notable improvements in and about the church property. These included a steam heating apparatus for the church (1892), and a large pipe organ (1893). Two beautiful side altars have graced the sanctuary since 1895.
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A HISTORY OF CATHOLICITY
In June of the same year Father Schmitz bought five acres of land in a beautiful location, just outside the corporate limits of Monroeville, for a cemetery-to replace the old burying ground which had become objectionable, owing to the distance and loca- tion. The new cemetery has been platted and put in excellent condition.
St. Joseph's parish numbers at present about 80 families.
MUD CREEK, DEFIANCE COUNTY. IMMACULATE CONCEPTION MISSION CHURCH.
Mud Creek Settlement derives its odd name from the streamlet passing near by, and is about eight miles north of Defiance. The Mission was established in 1866, by the Rev. A. I. Hoeffel, then pastor of St. John's church, Defiance. A tract of land, comprising nearly nine acres, was bought for $350, in 1866, although the deed for it was not given until December, 1872. The frame farm house on the land was changed into a chapel, and served as such until 1876, when the Rev. Joseph Blaser built the present frame church (30 by 50 feet), at a cost of about $2,000. The Mission, though small numerically, has always shown a gener- ous spirit. It is composed of German farmers and now numbers about 30 families. Since its organization, in 1866, Mud Creek has been attended as follows: From St. John's, Defiance, until 1873 ; from North Ridge, until 1878, and from Delaware Bend, since August, 1878.
NAPOLEON, HENRY COUNTY. ST. AUGUSTINE'S CHURCH.
Napoleon, the county seat of Henry county, had been attended as a Station as far back as 1845, by the Revs. Amadeus Rappe and Louis De Goesbriand, at that time residing in Toledo .* Later on, beginning about 1852, the respective pastors of St. John's, Defiance, visited Napoleon, at long intervals at first, and then regularly every month, until 1861. It was not until 1856, however, shortly after Bishop Rappe's first episcopal visit to Napoleon, that the erection of a church was seriously considered
*The Catholic Telegraph, Dec. 11, 1815; "Church in Northern Ohio," p. 299.
527
IN THE DIOCESE OF CLEVELAND.
by the few Catholics of the place, who were very poor and num- bered then but eight families. Augustine Pilliod, a native of France and a fervent Catholic, who later in life became quite prominent and a man of means, settled at Napoleon in 1853. He and James Brennan started a subscription, in 1856, for the pur- chase of a lot and the erection of a church. A small lot was then bought on South Main street, but was not deeded to the Bishop until May, 1865. The church, a frame structure, 25 x 40 feet, was built in the fall of 1856, but owing to lack of means its interior was not finished until 1858. As Mr. Pilliod was the most gen- erous contributor he was given the privilege of naming the church. His choice was the name of his patron, St. Augustine.
Napoleon continued to be attended from Defiance, until 1861, when it was assigned to Providence. The Rev. J. M. Pütz was appointed first resident pastor of Napoleon, in June, 1864. He had attended Napoleon from Providence since 1863. His successor was the Rev. J. P. Carroll (October, 1864, to October, 1868). He built the spire, and an addition of 24 feet to the church to accommodate the increasing membership of the parish. In April, 1868, Father Carroll bought a lot on East Main street, and on it erected a frame school, 26 x 36 feet. The parochial school was opened in September of the same year. The first teacher was Father Carroll's sister, Miss Ellen Carroll, now an Ursuline nun. The school was taught by lay teachers until 1878, when it was placed in charge of the Notre Dame Sisters, of Cleve- land, under whose care it has continued ever since.
Father Carroll was succeeded in November, 1868, by the Rev. Nicholas A. Moes. He remained however only until Septem- ber, 1870, when he was appointed rector of the Diocesan Sem- inary, which important and responsible position he has filled since then. His successor at Napoleon, appointed in October, 1870, was the present pastor, the Rev. Michael Pütz, who paid off the balance of the parish debt, incurred during the administration of Father Carroll; it then amounted to about $1,100.
As the pastor and people were dissatisfied with the location of the church, Father Putz succeeded in purchasing for the sum of $4,000 the present property, which has a frontage of 165 feet on Monroe street, and the same on Clinton street, and is located
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A HISTORY OF CATHOLICITY
in the central portion of the town. The property was paid for within three years after its purchase.
In 1878 the present school, a frame two-story structure, was built, to replace the old one which had become too small; it cost about $2,000. At the same time a neat frame house was also built as a residence for the Sisters. It was enlarged in 1892.
The next important work which Father Pütz and his people undertook was the erection of a larger and better church, to meet the wants of a growing congregation. The question was seri- ously discussed for the first time, in January, 1880. At a meet- ing of the congregation, then held, it was determined, by an almost unanimous vote, to build a brick church, to cost about $15,000. A subscription was raised for that purpose, and before a few months had passed it reached the generous sum of $11,250. Thus encouraged, Father Pütz and his building committee engaged a competent architect to draw plans for the new church, which were approved by Bishop Gilmour. In the spring of 1881 the foundation was begun, and on the 19th of June following the same Prelate laid the cornerstone. The church was enclosed by December, 1881. In the following spring work on the interior was commenced and brought to completion by February, 1883. The church was dedicated by Bishop Gilmour, on Sunday, June 17, 1883, just two years after he laid the cornerstone.
The church is a beautiful brick structure, of Gothic archi- tecture. Its dimensions are: Length, 117 feet; width, 50 feet : height of the graceful spire, 176 feet. Including pews, organ, stained glass windows, etc., it cost nearly $22,000, of which sum but $275 remained as a debt on the day the church was dedi- cated-a record that reflects most creditably on the pastor and his generous people. Altars, Stations and furnace were put in the church a few years later at a cost of $6,000.
The parish now owns all the necessary buildings excepting a pastoral residence, which is the property of the pastor.
The parochial cemetery is located in the suburbs of Napoleon and comprises one and one-half acres.
At present the parish numbers 85 families of which about two-thirds are of German, and the remainder of Irish birth or descent.
529
IN THE DIOCESE OF CLEVELAND.
NAVARRE, STARK COUNTY.
ST. CLEMENT'S CHURCH.
Catholicity in the village of Navarre (known as Bethlehem prior to 1885) dates back to about the year 1832. For at least eight years the Catholic population there did not exceed 20 fam- ilies. They were attended from St. John's, Canton, until 1841, when the pastor of Doylestown was given charge of Bethlehem for about one year. It was again attended from St. John's, from 1842 to 1845, when it became a Mission of St. Peter's church, Canton, and so continued until 1851.
Mass was said at Bethlehem for the first time, in 1832, in the house of Anthony Winterhalter, by the Rev. J. M. Henni, pastor of St. John's, Canton. In the following year two lots were secured and the log house which stood on one of them was transformed into a chapel, to serve as a temporary place of wor- ship. The lots form part of the present church property, and were deeded to Bishop Purcell on June 24, 1839. In 1844, under the direction of the Rev. J. H. Luhr, a brick church, 42 by 65 feet, was erected on one of the lots, and the log chapel was changed into a school. In 1851 Bethlehem was made a Mission of St. Mary's, Massillon, whence it was attended until December, 1858. when for the third time it was assigned to Canton, with the Rev. J. B. Uhlmann, of St. Peter's, in charge. In April, 1859, the Rev. Gabriel M. Lochert was appointed the first resident pastor of Bethlehem, but being in poor health death ended his pastorate on July 13 following. Again Bethlehem became a Mission of St. Mary's, Massillon, and so remained from July, 1859, till April, 1862, when the Rev. Otto H. Borgess was made resident pastor. His stay was short-until February, 1863. From that time till June, 1867, Bethlehem was again attended from Massillon, viz., from St. Mary's, until December, 1864, and then from St. Joseph's. The Rev. Michael Dechant was appointed resident pastor, in June, 1867, since which time Bethlehem ceased to be a Mission. Following is a list of priests who had pastoral charge of Bethlehem (Navarre) after the departure of Father Dechant. in August, 1871: The Revs. Jacob Heidegger, to December, 1873: John A. Michenfelder, to July, 1876; Francis Metternich.
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A HISTORY OF CATHOLICITY"
to January, 1893; Nicholas Kirch, from January to June, 1893; Wimar Müller, to June, 1898; Michael Becker, to March, 1900; and since then the Rev. John H. Hennes.
In 1851, under the direction of the Rev. L. Molon, the present church, a plain brick structure, 40 by 100 feet, was built, to replace the one built a few years before, which had become much too small, so rapidly did the parish grow. During the pastorate of Father Metternich, in the spring and summer of 1881, the church was entirely remodeled. The walls were raised 10 feet, stained glass windows replaced the old ones, a spire was built, the ceiling was raised and groined, and new altars and pews were bought. These improvements cost about $2,000, and made the church practically a new structure. It was re-dedicated three years later, by Bishop Gilmour, on the Feast of Corpus Christi, June 12, 1884. In 1883 Father Metternich also built the present very neat and commodious pastoral residence; it is a frame structure and cost about $4,000. By removing the old pastoral residence and set- ting back the new one, two sides of a square have been formed with a street through the center, the church and pastoral residence fronting each other. The parish property is in the most eligible position in the town.
A frame school was built in 1872, on a lot bought for the purpose in March of that year. It has always been in charge of lay teachers. A second school was opened in 1877.
The cemetery, a tract of about 5 acres, was bought, platted and beautified in 1891; it was blessed by Mgr. T. P. Thorpe, on May 29, 1892.
The parish, now numbering about 100 families, is composed almost entirely of miners who find employment in the neighbor- ing coal banks.
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SACRED HEART OF JESUS' CHURCH, NEW BAVARIA.
1
IN THE DIOCESE OF CLEVELAND.
531
NEW BAVARIA, HENRY COUNTY. SACRED HEART OF JESUS' CHURCH.
Until about 15 years ago the hamlet of New Bavaria was known as Poplar Ridge. The Rev. Amadeus Rappe was the first priest to visit the Catholics of this locality. His first visit was in 1843, and from that time until the spring of 1847 he came about four times a year. The Rev. . Louis. De Goesbriand, Father Rappe's assistant, then took charge of Poplar Ridge, as one of his many Stations. In September, 1847, he bought the present church grounds which comprise two acres, one of which is the cemetery. Father De Goesbriand said Mass in the log house of one of the families at Poplar Ridge (as did Father Rappe also) until the purchase of the above mentioned property. He then built a log chapel, of most primitive design, on the acre of ground near the cemetery.
Poplar Ridge continued as a Mission of St. Francis de Sales' church, Toledo, until 1850. It was then attended from St. John's, Defiance, until the appointment of the Rev. A. Magenhann as first resident pastor, in July, 1861. He remained about one year, when Poplar Ridge was again attended from St. John's, Defiance, until 1863. The Rev. Charles Barbier was the next resident pastor, from 1863 to 1865. He began the erection of a frame church, 48 by 84 feet, in 1865, but owing to a spirit of discord in the parish he was unable to finish the structure, and asked to be removed. - His successor, the Rev. Joseph Reinhardt, finding the same spirit still active, had not the courage nor the means to finish the church, and quite disheartened left Poplar Ridge in May, 1867, less than two years after his appointment as pastor. His successor was the Rev. Nicholas Moes, whose prudence and patience soon wrought a change for the better in the parish. He also finished the church and left it free from incumbrance. His pastorate, which ended in February, 1873, was eminently success- ful. The Rev. Nicholas Flammang was the next to take charge of the parish, but his stay was very short-from February to July, 1873. For nearly five months Poplar Ridge was again attended from Defiance, when the Rev. Charles Wardy became the resi- dent pastor. The following priests filled the same position, after
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A HISTORY OF CATHOLICITY
Father Wardy's removal, in 1875: The Revs. A. Mertes, until March, 1879; J. A. Michenfelder, from May, 1879, to May, 1888; G. A. Verlet, till his death, August 3, 1889; W. A. Harks, till June, 1900; and since then the present pastor, the Rev. L. Heiland.
On February 22, 1886, the church and pastoral residence, both frame structures, were destroyed by fire. The loss was practically complete, the insurance being very little. Pending the erection of a permanent church, a temporary frame structure, 26 by 50 feet, was erected. A brick pastoral residence was also built at once; it cost about $1,500. Father Michenfelder, then in charge of the parish, raised a subscription of $17,000, in 1886, for a brick church, 54 feet wide, 125 feet long and 72 feet in the transept.
Bishop Gilmour blessed the cornerstone on Sunday, June 12, 1887, and on January 18, of the following year, he dedicated the very neat edifice. It cost $18,000 and was nearly paid for when dedicated. The church has stained glass windows, fine altars and pews, and three bells. Owing to defective construc- tion it was found necessary, in 1892, to strengthen the walls, roof and ceiling, by means of pillars. During the same year Father Harks bought the present beautiful set of Stations at a cost of $800.
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