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 18
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The congregation at Peru is composed entirely of farmers, nearly all natives of the parish, and of German descent; it now numbers about 70 families.
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IMMACULATE CONCEPTION (1st) CHURCH AND PASTORAL RESIDENCE, PORT CLINTON.
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IN THE DIOCESE OF CLEVELAND.
PLYMOUTH, RICHLAND COUNTY. ST. JOSEPH'S MISSION CHURCH.
Plymouth is located on the Baltimore and Ohio railroad, about ten miles northwest of Shelby. It was attended from New Washington as a Station, between 1864 and 1870, the Rev. A. Dambach being the first priest in charge. During that time there were but five Catholic families in the village. From 1870 to 1876 the Rev. J. M. Putz, of Monroeville, attended Plymouth monthly, and said Mass in private houses, chiefly in the residence of G. Mittenbühler. In 1872 Father Pütz built the present frame church (25 by 45 feet), on a lot he bought on Trux street, the deed for which however was not given until April, 1881. Plymouth was next attended from Shelby as a monthly Mission, from 1876 to 1898, and since then from Chicago Junction.
Under the direction of the Rev. J. F. Smith, the pastor of Shelby, the little church, till then unfinished interiorly, was some- what enlarged, entirely renovated and brought to completion, in 1892, and has now an attractive appearance.
The Mission numbers but 10 families and has no prospective growth.
PORT CLINTON, OTTAWA COUNTY. IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CHURCH.
Picturesque Port Clinton, the county seat of Ottawa, received its first contingent of Catholics about the year 1848. They were visited in 1850, for the first time, by the Rev. P. J. Machebeuf, then pastor of Holy Angels' church, Sandusky. He attended them until 1851, when he left the diocese and went to Colorado, where he afterward became Bishop of Denver. From 1851 the few Catholics at and near Port Clinton were visited at irregular intervals by the resident pastor of Holy Angels', Sandusky, and St. Ann's, Fremont, until the Rev. Louis Molon, pastor at Fremont, was commissioned by Bishop Rappe, in June, 1860, to give them regular attendance. This he did until July, 1861, saying Mass in private houses. He bought two lots at the intersection of Fourth and Madison streets and on one of them built the present frame church, 34 by 68 feet. It was dedicated by Bishop
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Rappe to the Blessed Virgin under the title of her Immaculate Conception. In September, 1861, the Rev. G. A. Verlet, then stationed at Sandusky, was given charge also of Port Clinton as a Mission. In March of the following year he was sent to Port Clinton as the first resident pastor, and remained until June, 1865, when he was succeeded by the Rev. C. T. Wardy, whose pastorate ended in July, 1866. The Rev. J. Köhn was the next incumbent, from July, 1866, to March, 1868, when he was transferred to Kelley's Island, but continued to attend Port Clinton, as a Mission, until February, 1869. The Rev. N. Flammang had temporary charge of Port Clinton, from March to September, of the same year. The Rev. G. Rudolph was the next resident pastor, from September, 1869, to March, 1871. Port Clinton was then attended from Elyria by Father Molon, from April, 1871, to June, 1872, when the Rev. W. Müller was appointed resident pastor. It was he that built the original portion of the present parish house, a plain frame structure, which was enlarged and remodeled in 1885. Father Müller left Port Clinton in March, 1875, and since that time the following priests had pastoral charge: The Revs. H. Dörner, March to July, 1880; W. A. Harks, to December, 1885; J. Horstmann, to March, 1892. Port Clinton was then attached to Marblehead as a Mission until January, 1893, when the Rev. A. H. Schreiner was appointed resident pastor. He was succeeded by the present incumbent, the Rev. F. J. Hroch, in October, 1894. Father Schreiner added some necessary repairs to the church and put in new windows. During the pastorate of Father Hroch the parish house was renovated and the church was supplied with needed furnishings. Besides this, a fund was started for the erec- tion of a new church, which is needed very much, as the parish is steadily increasing in numbers and financial strength. Plans were adopted in 1900 for a handsome stone structure, which, according to present indications, will be commenced in 1901 and brought to completion in 1902. The members of the parish have contributed liberally for that purpose and are most desirous of having a new and better house of worship.
It has not been found practicable thus far to establish a school, but that too will follow in the near future.
The congregation is at present composed of about 65 families.
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PROUT'S STATION, ERIE COUNTY.
ST. THOMAS' MISSION CHURCH.
The Mission of St. Thomas, at Prout's Station, was organized in 1860, by the Rev. Louis Molon, pastor of St. Ann's, Fremont. At that time the Mission had but ten families, and it has not grown any since. In September, 1864, Thomas Murphy deeded a farm of 103 acres to Bishop Rappe for the benefit of the Catholics in Oxford township, Erie county, Ohio, in which Prout's Station is located. A stone church, 24 by 40 feet, was built on the farm about 1867 by Mr. Murphy himself. Although regularly used, it was finished interiorly only in 1876, under the direction of the Rev. J. P. Pütz, who then attended the Mission from Milan.
Prout's Station has been attended as a Mission from the fol- lowing places: Fremont, St. Ann's, 1860-61; Elyria, to 1863; Sandusky, Holy Angels', to 1864; Port Clinton, to 1865; Belle- vue, to 1868. Since 1868 it has been attended from Milan. Mass is said monthly on Sundays. At present the little church has all requirements for divine service, and is without debt.
PROVIDENCE, LUCAS COUNTY. ST. PATRICK'S MISSION CHURCH.
This church is situated in the extreme southwest part of Lucas county, about twenty-six miles south of Toledo. Provi- dence, formerly an Indian village, named "Head-of-the-waters" by the Indians who lived there as late as 1820, was located on the west bank of the beautiful Maumee river. In 1854 the hamlet of Providence was destroyed by fire and has never since been rebuilt. But as the church, which was built by Father Rappe in 1845, is situated in Providence township, the location of the church retained the name given it in 1821.
Catholics first settled in Providence about 1842, when the Wabash and Erie Canal was completed, which gave employment to many Irish laborers. During the construction of the canal these Catholic laborers were attended by the priests of St. Mary's, Tiffin, as early as 1832. From 1845 to 1854 the Catholic settlers in that section of Lucas county received spiritual ministration from
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the priests residing at Toledo, Maumee and Defiance. Of these priests the Revs. Amadeus Rappe, L. J. Filiere and N. Ponchell deserve special mention. As above stated, Father Rappe built the first church, which is still in use. It is a brick structure, 30 by 50 feet. It was built on a two-acre tract of land donated by Peter Manor. Prior to 1845 Mass was said in the log cabins located along or near the canal.
In 1854 the Rev. L. J. Filiere was appointed first resident pastor. He was succeeded in 1856 by the Rev. J. Bourjade, who remained in charge until February, 1857. Providence was then again made a Mission, and as such attended from Defiance by the Rev. A. I. Hoeffel and later by the Rev. J. P. Molony. The latter was appointed resident pastor of Providence in August, 1861. His successor was the Rev. J. M. Pütz, from July, 1863, to October, 1864. Providence was then attached to Napoleon as a Mission, and thence attended until September, 1869, when the Rev. D. O'Keefe was sent as resident pastor. His successors were the following priests: The Revs. H. D. Best, May, 1871, to April, 1877; H. Kolopp, to August, 1883; G. Leeming, to February, 1885; P. J. McGrath, to December, 1888; J. J. Hennessy, to February, 1890; and M. Philippart. to June, 1890. Father Philippart was then transferred to Bowling Green, but continued until January, 1892, to attend Providence. It remained a Mission of Bowling Green until January, 1893, when it was attached to Holgate, from which place it has since been attended. The present priest in charge, since 1895, is the Rev. J. A. Tennis- sen, who attends Providence monthly.
During the pastorate of Father Best the congregation was forced into a law suit concerning the title to a portion of the church lot donated by Peter Manor. This, with a second suit arising from the former, was the cause of great trouble and ill feeling in the congregation, the evil effects of which lasted for many years.
The pastoral residence, a frame building, was the homestead of Peter Manor. Father Kolopp had it renovated about 1SS0. It is now occupied by a tenant.
In 1890 the church was put in good repair, a thing it greatly needed. Eight years later the interior was renovated, and three
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altars were bought, all at an expense of about $800. At present the church property is in good condition and free of debt.
The Mission now numbers about 30 families, nearly all of the farming class.
PUT-IN-BAY, OTTAWA COUNTY. . MOTHER OF SORROWS' MISSION CHURCH.
Put-in-Bay is an island in Lake Erie, lying ten miles north- west of Kelley's Island. It derives its name from the fact that Commodore Perry ordered his fleet to put in there, after the battle of Lake Erie (September 10, 1812), which virtually ended the war of 1812 with England. It was then and there he wrote the famous dispatch : "We have met the enemy, and they are ours !"
Put-in-Bay however has very little religious history. Among the early settlers were a few Lutherans and members of other sects, but the majority of the islanders are professed infidels. There are also not a few fallen away Catholics.
The Rev. N. A. Moes, resident pastor of Kelley's Island, was the first priest to look after the few and indifferent Catholics living at Put-in-Bay. This was about the year 1867. He and some of his successors said Mass in the house of Christian Brick. Subse- quently the number of Catholics increased to about eight families. In 1877 the Rev. Francis Metternich built a small frame church, 30 by 40 feet, on a lot donated by Martin Bäsch, in May, 1876. The destruction by fire of the principal hotels in Put-in-Bay, which had become a noted summer resort, put an end to the then promis- ing prospects of the Mission. The church remained unplastered and without altar or pews for some years. However, whilst the Rev. J. B. Mertes had charge of the Mission he enlarged and finished the church, and made it quite attractive, at an outlay of about $500. The Rev. Charles Reichlin bought a bell, built the spire, had the church plastered and its interior decorated. Mr. John Fox, of Middle Bass Island, donated the pews.
Put-in-Bay is attended monthly from Kelley's Island, of which it has been a Mission, since its religious history began. Only ten families are identified with it, but during the summer months the seating capacity of the little church is overtaxed by the Catholic visitors, who generously contribute towards its support.
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A HISTORY OF CATHOLICITY
RANDOLPH, PORTAGE COUNTY. ST. JOSEPH'S CHURCH.
Randolph is one of the oldest Catholic settlements in the diocese and was first visited in 1831, by the Rev. J. M. Henni, resident pastor of St. John's, Canton. His visits extended over a period covering nearly three years-till 1834. He found but six families, mostly from the Province of Alsace. In 1835 they built a log chapel and a school of the same material,1 near the site of the present church. Services were held in the little chapel at irregular intervals, for some years, by Father Henni's successors, the Revs. F. Hoffman and M. Würz, also of Canton. The Rev. J. S. Alemany, O. P., attended Randolph a few times from Canton in 1841. The Rev. J. N. Neumann, C. SS. R., resided at Randolph for a short time, in 1841; he was then on his way to Peru, Huron county. In 1842 the Rev. Basil Schorb, pastor of Doylestown, was given charge of the Mission. In 1844 the Sanguinist Fathers F. S. Brunner, J. Ringele, P. A. Capeder and J. Van den Broek began to attend Randolph in turns, from Peru, until 1846, when the Rev. J. Wittmer, also a Sanguinist, was appointed first resi- dent pastor. He remained less than one year. Randolph was then again made a Mission of Canton, with the Rev. J. H. Luhr in charge from 1847 to 1848. In the latter year the Rev. P. Weber, C. PP. S., was appointed resident pastor, and remained till 1851. Since that time Randolph had as resident pastors the following priests: The Revs. George Stein, 1852-57; J. Hack- spiel, 1857 61; V. Haussner, August, 1861, to July, 1868; A. Herbstritt, to February, 1869; J. Köhn, to March, 1875; N. Kirch, to March, 1885; S. Rebholz, to March, 1891; J. P. Gloden, from March to November, 1891; J. Romer, to February, 1892; and since then, the present pastor, the Rev. J. Thein.
During the pastorate of Father Schorb, the neat frame church, built three years after the log chapel, mentioned above, was burnt to the ground in 1838-shortly after its erection- supposedly by a bigoted incendiary.2 Steps were immediately taken to rebuild it, and in a few months a handsome frame struc- ture, 35 by 50 feet, stood on the site of the former. It was used
(1) The Church in Northern Ohio; 4th ed., p. 271.
(2) The Church in Northern Ohio; 4th ed., p. 291.
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in its unfinished state until about 1845, when Father Van den Broek completed the interior.
The congregation increased rapidly, as the excellent land in the vicinity of the church offered strong inducements to settle on · farms. These were bought chiefly by Catholic Germans, who made the tilling of the land a success and soon reached affluence. In consequence of this increase in numbers Father Hackspiel felt the need of building a much larger church. At that time how- ever (1861) the civil war had just broken out and the majority of the congregation felt it was unwise to build, owing to the unsettled state of affairs which affected the entire country. The project was therefore abandoned for a time, when Father Hauss- ner, who succeeded Father Hackspiel, found the people better disposed to meet the expense of building a church. He began its erection in 1865 and brought it to completion the following year. The third (and present) church is an attractive frame structure, 50 by 100 feet, and with its furnishings cost about $17,000. It was dedicated by Bishop Rappe, on November 25, 1866.
In November, 1876, Father Kirch secured nearly three and one-half acres of land, part of which is an addition to the cemetery, and part is occupied by the school and the teacher's residence. The entire church property, which is well located, covers over five acres.
In 1887 Father Rebholz built the present frame pastoral residence, one of the best appointed in the diocese. It cost about $9,000, which sum includes also the furniture.
Father Thein enlarged and beautified the cemetery, frescoed and thoroughly renovated the church and pastoral residence -- all at a cost of nearly $5,000. The church property is in excellent condition and not burdened by debt. The parish now numbers about 165 families, mostly prosperous farmers.
Of the pioneer members of the congregation the following deserve special mention, because by their generosity to the church, as well as by their influence, they were instrumental in promoting the interests of the congregation and the cause of religion, viz: A. Weber, A. Miller, G. Hornung, J. Weiss, S. Huth and Michael Knapp.
The parochial school dates back to 1832. The first school house was a log cabin, but out of their scanty means the Catholics
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of Randolph, though few in number, cheerfully supported, because they felt its importance as an element in their growth as a congre- gation. The school has been kept up with scarcely any inter- mission since that time. The present frame building was erected during the pastorate of Father Kirch, and cost about $1,400. The school was taught by lay teachers until 1885, when Father Rebholz engaged the Sisters of Notre Dame. from Cleveland. They remained in charge until 1892, when the Dominican Sisters, from Jersey City, N. J., succeeded them. The school attendance having considerably diminished Father Thein replaced the Sisters in September, 1895, by a lay teacher, and this arrangement has since continued.
RAVENNA, PORTAGE COUNTY. IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CHURCH.
In November, 1854, eight Catholic families settled at Ravenna. Prior to that time no Catholics lived at Ravenna. They were attended from St. Vincent's, Akron, until 1855, and by various curates from the Cathedral, at Cleveland, until 1862, when Ravenna was made a Mission of Hudson, with the Rev. P. H. Brown in charge. He and his predecessors, among whom were the Revs. F. McGann, Thomas Walsh, E. M. O'Callaghan and F. Sullivan, said Mass in private houses. Father Brown was appointed first resident pastor of Ravenna in 1862, and remained until July, 1872. Shortly after his arrival at Ravenna he bought the present church site, although the deed was not given until April, 1869. The property is located at the corner of Main and Sycamore streets, in one of the most desirable parts of the pretty town. On August 15, 1862, the cornerstone of the present church, a brick structure, 34 by 80 feet, was blessed and laid by Bishop Rappe. The church, including its furnishings, cost about $8,000. Father Brown also built the present frame pastoral resi- dence. The first school, a brick structure, was built and opened about 1861 and the second, also a frame building, was erected in 1878. The parish school was in charge of lay teachers until September, 1887, when Dominican Sisters, from Jersey City, N. J., of whom there are two now, succeeded them and have taught it ever since.
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Father Brown's successors in the pastorate of Ravenna were the following priests: The Revs. W. J. Gibbons, from July, 1872, to August, 1874; J. P. Carroll, to March, 1876; J. D. Bowles, to April, 1883; J. T. Cahill, to September, 1889; J. J. Farrell, to February, 1900, and J. A. Sidley, the present incumbent, since February, 1900.
In 1888 Father Cahill enlarged the seating capacity of the church by adding a sanctuary and sacristies. Stained glass windows replaced the old ones, and the church was neatly frescoed. These improvements cost about $4,500, which sum was a debt on the parish when Father Farrell took charge. During his pastorate he paid $2,000 of this debt, built the Sisters' residence, and put in good condition the parish cemetery, which was bought in June, 1872. He also tidied up the church property in general. From the very beginning of the parish, down to the present time, most of the members have at all times shown a spirit of generosity, as is evidenced by its fine unincumbered church property. Hence, to avoid odious distinction, it would not be proper to mention names. The membership now includes about seventy families, chiefly dependent on railroad employment. To two non-Catholic citizens the parish owes a debt of gratitude, viz., to Judge Day, formerly of the Supreme Court of Ohio, for assist- ance in procuring the church site, and for liberal subscriptions ; to Josiah Linton, formerly chief engineer of the Cleveland and Pitts- burg railroad, for generous aid whenever called upon by the various pastors.
REED, SENECA COUNTY. ASSUMPTION MISSION CHURCH.
In the spring of 1867 about twenty families, belonging to St. Michael's parish, at Thompson, were authorized by Bishop Rappe to organize as a separate congregation, under the patronage of St. Mary's of the Assumption. Jacob Schmitt, one of the mem- bers, donated four acres as a site for the church, school and cemetery. The property is located nearly four miles north of Thompson.
During the summer and early fall of 1867 the present church was built. It is a frame structure, 35 by 80 feet, and cost about
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$3,600. Bishop Rappe dedicated the church shortly after its com- pletion ; there is however no record of the exact date. In January, 1868, the Mission of Reed was placed in charge of the Sanguinist Fathers, residing at Thompson. The Rev. P. A. Capeder was the first priest to attend Reed-until June, 1869. Since then the following Sanguinist Fathers have had charge of the Mission : The Revs. N. Gales, S. Ganther, R. Schule, B. Zinswyler, P. Rist, M. Kenk, A. Kramer, A. Stiefvater, J. B. Biernbaum, F. Hahn, X. Mielinger. J. L. Böhmer, T. Meyer, and the present attending priest, the Rev. P. Notheis, since March, 1896.
During the pastorate of Father Ganther (1870-72) the present frame school house was built and placed in charge of a lay teacher. Owing however to lack of means the school had to be discon- tinued shortly after its organization, and was not re-opened until 1881. Since then it has been continued without interruption. Two Sanguinist Sisters have had charge of the school since September, 1883. In 1SS0 a frame residence for the teachers was built at a cost of $1,000.
Father Hahn had charge of the Mission from August, 1882, to March, 1889. In 1886 he built a spire and had the church enlarged, re-roofed and painted, at an outlay of about $1,500. In the spring of 1900 the interior was tastily frescoed. The church now presents an attractive appearance.
The Mission is composed entirely of thrifty German farmers and numbers about 45 families.
REPUBLIC, SENECA COUNTY. ST. ALOYSIUS' MISSION CHURCH.
Previous to 1879 the few Catholics residing in or near Republic were identified with the parish of St. Mary, or St. Joseph, Tiffin, or of Thompson. In May, 1879, Republic was made one of the Stations of the resident pastor of Shelby, whence it was attended monthly, or thereabouts, until October, 1894. Mass was said in a public hall, and later in the residence of Mr. P. McClelland, until March, 1887.
In February, 1887, the present church and the two lots on which it stands were bought from the Universalists for the small
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IN THE DIOCESE OF CLEVELAND.
sum of $350. It was a purchase most favorable to the Catholics of the village, and was made by the Rev. A. Huthmacher, then in charge of the Mission. The building was in excellent condition and with necessary remodeling, which cost about $360, made an attractive place of worship. The church was dedicated by Bishop Gilmour on Sunday, March 13, 1887, on which occasion he also delivered a masterly discourse in presence of a large audience, comprising many non-Catholics, who were respectful and atten- tive hearers. He publicly thanked them for the financial aid they had so kindly given to their Catholic fellow-citizens.
The church is a frame building, 40 by 55 feet, and fronts on Madison street, in the center of the village. The two lots have a frontage of 133 feet and a depth of 200 feet. It was owing chiefly to Mr. Frank Collins, a member of the Mission, then comprising only nine families, that the purchase of the property was made possible. He collected nearly all the purchase price from his non- Catholic fellow-townsmen.
Republic was attended from St. Stephen's, Seneca county, for a few months, from October, 1894, to January, 1895, when it had to be abandoned as the very small number of Catholic families did not warrant its further attendance as a Mission. This discontinu- ance lasted for two and a half years. Gradually however the Catholic population regained its former number, about 10 families. Hence, in June, 1898, Republic again received priestly minis- tration and was attached as a Mission to Chicago Junction, whence it has since been attended monthly.
ROACHTON, WOOD COUNTY. ST. MARY'S MISSION CHURCH.
In September, 1850, Anthony Weber donated to Bishop Rappe sixty acres of land in Middleton township, Wood county, for the support of a Mission church to be built eventually in that section. Nothing however was done in the matter until 1856, when the Bishop allowed a few families, German farmers, resid- ing in that township, to build a church for themselves. The small frame structure was destroyed by fire, August 10, 1868. Forty acres of the Weber land were sold in 1871 and the proceeds applied
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towards building the present frame church, 30 by 50 feet, during the same year; it was dedicated by Bishop Gilmour in the fall of 1872. The building cost about $1,500, and is located at Roachton, about three miles south of Perrysburg, from which place it was attended as a monthly Mission, until August, 1878. In that year the Rev. Joseph Sproll was appointed the first resident pastor of Roachton. He resigned his charge in March, 1881. Since then Roachton has again been a Mission of Perrysburg, with monthly services, however, only on week days, since 1890, as most of the families identified themselves with the parish of Perrysburg. Hence the Mission is practically abandoned and gives no promise of future growth. Recently the renovation of the church has been discussed, with the result that nothing can or will be done, as the expense would not warrant the proposed improvement.
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