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 15
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The parish at present has about 30 families.
NORTH CREEK, PUTNAM COUNTY. ST. JOSEPH'S MISSION CHURCH.
The Catholic families in and near the hamlet of North Creek, which is situated in the northern part of Putnam county, were identified with the parish of New Bavaria, eight miles distant, until January, 1889. They were desirous for some years previous of having a church of their own, as they found it difficult to attend Mass at New Bavaria, both on account of the long distance to be traversed, and the bad roads from fall until spring. Bishop Gil- mour acceded to their wish in April, 1887, Mr. Ferdinand Ball having donated, a few weeks previous, three acres of land as a site for the proposed church and a cemetery. The church, a frame structure, 35 by 50 feet, was built in 1887, on the land donated, and its cost was $1,200. The congregation of Glandorf donated the pews, and that of Fort Jennings the pretty altar and a supply of vestments. For lack of priests, however, Bishop Gilmour was unable to appoint one to take charge of the Mission. Hence, for more than a year after the church was finished it was not used for its sacred purpose, and the people who had made such sacrifices for the erection of their pretty little church were obliged to continue their affiliation with the parish of New Bavaria. Finally, in January, 1889, the resident pastor of
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Holgate, was directed to attend the Mission, which he did till the following March. when he was transferred to Toledo. The Mission was then without attendance until June, of the same year, when it was again attached to Holgate, from which place it has since been attended monthly.
Owing to lack of means, and the small number of children living near the church, there is no parochial school at North Creek.
The Mission numbers now about 35 families.
NORTH LAWRENCE, STARK COUNTY. ST. PATRICK'S MISSION CHURCH.
North Lawrence is a village, located in the coal-mining dis- trict, in the northern part of Stark county. Before 1889 the Catholics of the village attended Mass at Canal Fulton, four miles distant. As none could boast the ownership of a conveyance, all had to walk the distance. Finding this very inconvenient, espe- cially for the children, in bad weather and often over worse roads. they petitioned Bishop Gilmour for permission to secure a church for themselves. When assured that they were able to raise the necessary means he readily granted their petition, and directed the Rev. E. J. Vattmann, pastor of Canal Fulton, to put it into effect. This he did by purchasing for $805, on August 2, 1889, the vacant frame public school of the village, and the three lots (200 by 150 feet) on which it stood. The school was remodeled for church purposes and was dedicated to St. Patrick on Sunday, October 27, of the same year, by the Rev. T. P. Thorpe, as Bishop Gil- mour's delegate. A church fair, held during the same month. netted sufficient funds to pay for the property and remodeling the building.
The Mission was attended from Canal Fulton until January. 1891. It was then attached to West Brookfield, whence it was attended until March, 1899. It was again made a monthly Mis- sion of Canal Fulton in May, 1899, and since has so continued.
In 1892 the Mission numbered about thirty families, all depending on work in the coal mines for their support. In 1894
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the great national strike of the coal miners, brought about by starvation wages, most seriously affected the North Lawrence mines, reducing many of the miners to abject poverty. Those who could left for coal regions where there was promise of at least living wages. This resulted in considerably reducing the number of families and making the existence of the Mission a serious struggle. But happily a better though far from satisfac- tory condition of things has prevailed since the meinorable strike.
On Sundays, when there is no divine service, the people assemble in the church at an appointed hour for private devotions. The children are taught Christian doctrine every week. As the Mission is unable to support a parish school the children attend the public school of the village. North Lawrence being without a Catholic cemetery, the interments are made at Canal Fulton, where the funeral services also take place.
The Mission now numbers about 25 families.
NORTH RIDGE, DEFIANCE COUNTY.
ST. MICHAEL'S CHURCH.
North Ridge is a small settlement composed of Catholic German and Bohemian farmers, and is located about 9 miles north- east of Defiance. Prior to 1871 they were attended successively from St. John's church at Defiance, Napoleon, Providence, again from Defiance, and from Antwerp. The Rev. A. Herbstritt, C. PP. S., was the first priest to visit them from Defiance, about 1855.
In the fall of 1861, whilst the Rev. A. I. Hoeffel, of Defiance, had charge, the first church, a frame structure, 30 by 50 feet, was built on a one-acre parcel of land, donated to the Mission by Michael Lutz.
The Rev. A. Eilert was appointed first resident pastor of North Ridge, October, 1873; he had attended it as a Mission, since October, 1871. Besides procuring a bell and two side altars he also built a frame parochial residence. In December, 1873, the Rev. Joseph Blaser succeeded Father Eilert. Towards the close of Father Blaser's pastorate there was some opposition
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IN THE DIOCESE OF CLEVELAND.
to him on the part of a few factious members of the congregation, who tried to usurp his rights in managing the affairs of the parish. But in this they signally failed, as by far the larger number stood by the pastor. However, for the sake of peace, he resigned his charge in April, 1877. Since that time the following priests were resident pastors of North Ridge: The Revs. J. Sproll, from April to August, 1877; T. P. McCarthy, 1877-78; J. Christophory, 1878-81; J. H. Mühlenbeck, 1881-86; G. C. Schoenemann, 1886- 90; (attended from Holgate between February and June, 1890); W. S. Kress, June-August, 1890; (vacant from September, 1890, to March, 1891); J. W. Bell, 1891-93; and the present incumbent, the Rev. J. B. Heiland, since January, 1893.
In the fall of 1877 Father McCarthy organized a parochial school, using for that purpose the church gallery. For lack of means to secure better accommodations the school was soon dis- continued. Father Mühlenbeck built the present school house in 1882, and placed it in charge of a lay teacher. It was closed in 1890, but reopened in 1893 by the present pastor.
Father Mühlenbeck enlarged the church by an addition of 28 feet. He also enlarged and practically rebuilt the pastoral residence. The latter was burnt to the ground January 4, 1886. On a lot donated by Mr. M. Lutz, Father Schoenemann built the present frame residence during the summer and fall of the same year; it cost about $2,100.
As the old church property proved undesirable, Father Heil- and bought a six-acre tract of land in April, 1897, as a site for a much needed new church, as also for a pastoral residence, school and cemetery. The part used for the cemetery covers nearly two acres and is well laid out, and neatly ornamented with shrubs, etc.
Preparations are now being made for the erection of a fine brick church, which Father Heiland expects to build within the next two years.
The parish now numbers about 65 families.
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A HISTORY OF CATHOLICITY
NORTH RIDGEVILLE, LORAIN COUNTY.
ST. PETER'S CHURCH.
St. Peter's congregation, at North Ridgeville, was organized in 1875. Its original members numbered about 40 families, and had been identified with French Creek, or Avon. They petitioned for a separation from the parent parishes because of the too great distance they were obliged to travel in order to hear Mass. The Very Rev. Administrator Boff, then in charge of the diocese. owing to Bishop Gilmour's illness and absence, granted the request. In April, 1875, they bought, in the village of North Ridgeville, a lot on which stood a frame house. This was used later on as the pastoral residence. The price paid for the prop- erty was $1,500. A subscription for a church was raised during the following summer, under the direction of the Rev. J. Heideg- ger, pastor of Avon. The church, a frame structure, 35 by 60 feet, was built on the same lot above mentioned. It cost about $3,000 and was dedicated to St. Peter in the fall of 1875 by the Very Rev. F. M. Boff.
The Mission of North Ridgeville was attended from Avon until June, 1879, when the Rev. V. Haussner was appointed the first resident pastor. Owing to ill health he was obliged to resign in December, 1880. North Ridgeville was then again attended from Avon, until the appointment of the Rev. H. D. Best, in November, 1881. He remained in charge till February, 1887. Again the pastor of Avon (at this time the Rev. N. Pfeil) was directed to attend North Ridgeville as a Mission, until March. 1891, when the Rev. S. Rebholz was appointed resident pastor. Father Rebholz's pastorate ended in April, 1893, when for the third time North Ridgeville became a Mission of Avon, from April to November, 1893, with the Rev. N. Pfeil in charge. The next resident pastor was the Rev. N. Kirch, from November, 1893, to July, 1900, when the present incumbent, the Rev. M. Becker, succeeded him.
The parish school, with 55 pupils enrolled, was organized by Father Best, in 1886, and placed in charge of a lay teacher. In June, 1887, Father Pfeil bought a lot, 112 by 190 feet, near the church, and had the two-story frame house on it converted into
ST. MARY'S CHURCH, NORWALK.
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a commodious school; the property cost $900. In September. 1891, the Sisters of St. Francis, of Tiffin, were placed in charge of the school, and remained until June, 1893. In the following September they were succeeded by a lay teacher, who taught for one year. In September, 1895, two Dominican Sisters were engaged, but they remained only until the following June. Since then the parish school has again been taught by a lay teacher.
In the summer of 1889, Father Pfeil had the church consid- erably enlarged, supplied with new pews, and its interior thor- oughly and tastily renovated, all at a cost of nearly $1.800. The present dimensions of the church are: Length, 100 feet; width, 35 feet.
The parish is composed mostly of German farmers, and now numbers about 90 families.
NORWALK, HURON COUNTY. ST. MARY'S CHURCH.
On October 12, 1853. the Rev. Nicholas Roupp, then pastor of St. Peter's church, Norwalk, bought for the sum of $200 a tract of land, 4 by 16 rods, at the northeast corner of Milan and St. Mary's streets, for the use of the English speaking Catholics of Norwalk. As at that time they numbered less than thirty families they were financially and numerically unable to build a church for themselves, but continued their affiliation with St. Peter's parish. In the summer of 1856, the Rev. Narcissus Ponchell, Father Roupp's successor, felt that the time had come when a second, and exclusively English, parish should be organ- ized in Norwalk, as St. Peter's church, being in the suburbs, was too inconveniently located for the Catholics living in the town. Bishop Rappe sanctioned Father Ponchell's views and authorized him to form a new parish, as proposed. He raised a subscription for a brick church, to be erected on the property bought by Father Roupp. The church (40 by 60 feet) was com- menced in the summer of 1857, but owing to lack of means the building was not brought under roof until the following year. Although still unfinished interiorly, Mass was celebrated in it for the first time by Father Ponchell on Easter Sunday, 1859.
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Before the completion of the church Father Ponchell was called to his eternal reward, on September 15, 1860. His death was a severe blow to St. Peter's parish, as well as to the Mission he had organized. His loss was deeply mourned by all the citizens of Norwalk, irrespective of race or creed, as that of a zealous and devoted minister of God, a broad-minded and public spirited citizen.
From September to December, 1860, the Rev. E. M. O'Cal- laghan attended the Mission of St. Mary's, Norwalk, from Cleve- land. The Rev. John Quinn was then appointed first resident pastor. He remained in charge from December, 1860, until April. 1864. He finished the church during the spring and summer of 1861. With temporary altars, pews, etc .. it cost about $12,000. Bishop Rappe dedicated it to St. Mary some time during the same year, but there is no record of the date of dedication. In March, 1862, Father Quinn bought three and one-half acres of land near the outskirts of Norwalk for a parish cemetery; it was blessed by Bishop Rappe in the summer of that year. In October. 1863, he also bought two lots opposite the church property, as the site for a pastoral residence. The house then serving that pur- pose was a small frame building on Milan street, some distance from the church. Father Thorpe finished and paid for the resi- dence begun by his predecessor. When completed and furnished it cost about $3,000. It is a two story brick building and is still used for its original purpose. During the Rev. T. P. Thorpe's pastorate, which began in April, 1864, new altars were placed in the church, and a brick school was built, in 1865. The parish school was opened in September of the same year. He raised all the money for the buildings commenced, improved or finished by him, and at the time of his departure from Norwalk. in March, 1868, there was a balance of about $1,000 in the parish treasury for the proposed and needed enlargement of the church.
The next pastor in charge was the Rev. Thomas F. Halley. who received his appointment in March, 1868. As the congre- gation increased, and a majority of the people settled in the west- ern portion of the town, it was deemed expedient to change the location of the church and school. With this object in view Father Halley bought three lots, at the northwest corner of League and State streets, in March, 1875; the price paid for them
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was $3,800. Their location was not only most desirable but also convenient, because practically in the center of the parish. In 1878 Father Halley built the present school on these lots. It is a two-story brick structure, 40 by 60 feet, and cost nearly $4,000. The school was in charge of lay teachers until 1886, when the Sisters of St. Joseph were engaged; they have taught it ever since.
Death ended Father Halley's pastorate on January 4, 1885. His successor, the Rev. Charles V. Chevraux, was appointed a few days later. At that time the parish, which began with 30 families in 1857, numbered about 130 families and was free of debt.
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St. Mary's church having now become much too small, and no longer centrally located, Father Chevraux and his generous people therefore determined to build in a more desirable quarter a church which would be an ornament not only to the beautiful city of Norwalk, but to the diocese as well. In the early spring of 1889 plans for the proposed church were drawn by Architect Ginther and approved by Bishop Gilmour. Ground was broken for the foundation on May 29, and the cornerstone was blessed and laid by the same Prelate on Sunday, September 29, 1889. Towards fall of the following year the church was enclosed. The graceful spire was slated in the summer of 1891 and the stone steps in front of the church were built in 1892. In the spring of 1893 the fine large bell, bought during the pastorate of Father Halley, was placed in the tower. During the summer of the same year the church was plastered, frescoed and furnished with beautiful stained glass memorial windows-all in excellent taste. The windows were donated by individual members of the parish. and by societies.
The church and furnishings, exclusive of organ and Stations. cost about $35,000, although it could not be duplicated today for less than $50,000, owing to the fact that at the time it was erected building materials were much below normal prices. The beautiful Gothic stone structure was dedicated by Bishop Horst- mann, on Sunday, September 2, 1894. Needless to say, it was a day of supreme rejoicing for pastor and people.
Following are the dimensions of the church: Length, 122 feet ; width, 55 feet; height of center ceiling, 47 feet, and it has
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sittings for 700 persons. It is one of the most attractive struc- tures in Norwalk, and for symmetry and architectural effect it is excelled by none in that attractive city.
In November, 1893, Father Chevraux bought two lots next to the new church, for the future pastoral residence; they cost $1,600.
Owing to financial depression that swept the country in 1893, and made its effects strongly felt in Norwalk as well, Father Chev- raux found it very difficult to cope with the debt, contracted in good faith and with bright hopes. Many of his parishioners were forced to seek employment elsewhere, thus largely diminishing the numerical strength of the parish which had to face the debt. Year by year, however, pastor and people worked together to reduce the burden. As St. Ann's parish at Fremont became vacant, Father Chevraux was appointed to take charge of it in September, 1897, the Rev. J. J. Quinn succeeding him at Norwalk. He continued along the same lines as did Father Chevraux, in regard to the reduction of the debt, and succeeded in diminishing it considerably during his successful pastorate, which ended in January, 1900, when his successor, the Rev. F. A. Malloy, the present pastor, was appointed.
Since 1898 the financial condition of Norwalk, and with it also that of St. Mary's, has much improved, so that with the present prospects realized, in a few years the parish will have its beautiful church clear of debt.
The parish at present numbers about 95 families.
NORWALK, HURON COUNTY. 1
ST. PAUL'S CHURCH.
With the intention of organizing a parish more centrally located, about 8 families severed their connection with St. Peter's, Norwalk, early in 1868. On February 9, 1868, they bought two , large lots on Hester street, for $1,300. On one of these they immediately began the erection of a two-story brick building, 44 by 90 feet, to serve for church and school purposes; it cost about $8,000. The building was dedicated to St. Peter, the Apostle, in October, 1868. To distinguish it from the old church of the
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ST. PAUL'S CHURCH, NORWALK.
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same name, common parlance called it "new St. Peter's." The Rev. A. Magenhann, pastor of the parent parish, attended the new church as a Mission, celebrating one Mass in it every Sunday. A parochial school, with an enrollment of about 90 pupils, was opened in the second story of the building immediately after it was dedicated. The Rev. Jacob Kuhn succeeded Father Magen- hann in October, 1869, and attended the Mission from old St. Peter's until August, 1871. He bought the present St. Paul's cemetery, comprising nearly six acres, for $1,100, in November, 1870, although it was not deeded to the Bishop until May 17, 1872. The Rev. M. Dechant, successor to Father Kuhn, was the next priest in charge of the Mission until July, 1872, when he was appointed its first resident pastor.
Although more than $10,000 had been expended for grounds, building and furniture, it was resolved by the pastor and the rapid- ly growing parish of St. Paul's to abandon their parish property and seek a more favorable location. For this purpose Father Dechant bought, on October 22, 1872, the present church site. consisting of two lots, each 66 by 264 feet, at the corner of East Main and Wooster streets, and extending to Monroe street. The purchase price was $7.000. The title was first vested in a lay ''trustee," but was deeded by him to Bishop Gilmour on January 7, 1873. The frame house located on the property was made the pastoral residence in December, 1872. The Rev. A. Eilert succeeded Father Dechant in the pastorate of St. Peter's in December, 1873-re-named St. Paul about that time. In 1876 Father Eilert built the present two-story brick school (42 by 95 feet), fronting on Monroe street. The ground floor served as a temporary place of worship and the second story was fitted up for school purposes. The building and furniture cost about $12.000. The first Mass was celebrated in it on the Sunday before Christ- inas, 1876. About this time also the property on Hester street was sold for $5,000.
The parochial school was opened in the new building, in September, 1878, and placed in charge of the Sisters of Notre Dame; they have taught it ever since. Prior to their arrival from Cleveland, a two-story frame house had been built on Monroe street, near the school, for their residence.
In March, 1885. Father Eilert bought the present pastoral
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residence, an elegant two-story brick building, for $4,300. It stands next to the lots bought by Father Dechant in 1872, and fronts on East Main street. He also greatly improved the ceme- tery at an expense of about $4,000.
Father Eilert's successor was the Rev. J. A. Michenfelder, who received his appointment in May, 1888. It was now decided to build a much needed church, large enough to accommodate the steadily growing congregation, and worthy of its numbers and means. As a preliminary step a subscription was taken up. in 1889, amounting to about $10,000. Several successful parish fairs were also held for that object. The foundation for the church was begun in May, 1890, and the cornerstone was laid by Mgr. F. M. Boff, V. G., on September 14, of the same year. The. church was brought to completion by December, 1892. It was dedicated by Bishop Horstmann on Sunday, January 22, 1893. The beautiful church is a stone structure, 54 by 134 feet. The walls are 35 feet high above the water table, and the stone work of the tower is 90 feet; the height of the spire is 170 feet. At the time Father Michenfelder left St. Paul's, at the end of Jan- uary, 1894, the church with its altars, pews and electric lighting, cost nearly $40,000. The Rev. G. H. Rieken was appointed Father Michenfelder's successor, in February, 1894. During his short pastorate which, at his own request, ceased in October of the same year, he expended about $3,300 to enlarge, remodel and beautify the pastoral residence. He also bought the pulpit and confessionals now in use. The Rev. Frederick Rupert, the present pastor, tock charge of St. Paul's on October 24, 1894. He found a debt of about $16,000, exclusive of unpaid interest. This debt no doubt would have been paid, or at least largely reduced, had
not the financial crisis of 1893 so seriously affected Norwalk, and consequently also St. Paul's parish. The defective workmanship. in the erection of the church also became alarmingly apparent now, and called for immediate attention. With the "hard times" and only 125 families able to contribute, Father Rupert had no easy problem to solve. But by prudence, patience and persever- ance he succeeded in arousing in his parishioners good will and generosity, although the latter had necessarily been taxed to the. utmost during the previous years. Contributions were againt.
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freely made, either by subscriptions or fairs, two of the latter netting each nearly $3.000. Besides putting the church in safe condition, at an expense of about $1,000, the financial obligations of the parish were promptly met. The debt was steadily reduced, peace and harmony united the parish as of old; pastor and flock were of one accord, and that is the record of St. Paul's today. It owns a splendid church property, including a well furnished school and a neatly kept cemetery-all worth at least $60,000, with a debt of less than $2,000 remaining.
NORWALK, HURON COUNTY .* ST. PETER'S MISSION CHURCH.
About 1830, Catholics first settled at Norwalk, the county seat of Huron. They attended divine service at St. Alphonsus' church, Peru, three miles distant, until 1836. The Rev. Peter Czakert, C. SS. R., was at that time stationed at Peru with the Rev. F. X. Tschenhens. Both these Redemptorist Fathers attended many places as Missions and Stations in Huron and neighboring counties. Among these was Norwalk, which place was in charge of Father Czakert, between 1836 and 1838. He said Mass in a log house on East League street, in Norwalk, then but a village. He found quite a number of families, mostly Ger- mans, and all desirous of building a church for themselves. Father Czakert was ready to give his assistance in the matter, and in fact had appointed a committee of twelve men to solicit subscrip- tions and select a site for the intended church. Father Tschenhens however opposed the project, fearing that it might injure the parish in Peru.
In November, 1840, the Rev. Joseph Freigang was appointed resident pastor of Peru. In defiance of Bishop Purcell's positive prohibition he said Mass in Norwalk every alternate Sunday, about 200 people attending regularly. He possessed fine oratori- cal powers and had great influence over his people, and thus succeeded in arousing them to feverish enthusiasm, in favor of building a church. They secured a lot, 8 by 14 rods, on West Main street, near the corporate limits of Norwalk. It is the same
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