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 19
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ROBERTSVILLE, STARK COUNTY. ST. JOSEPH'S MISSION CHURCH.
Robertsville, Stark county, Ohio, is a little village about eight miles southeast of Louisville. About a dozen Catholic French families settled in and around Robertsville as early as 1840. They attended Mass in Louisville, but occasionally the resident pastors of that place said Mass there in private houses. At the suggestion of the Rev. L. F. D'Arcy, the farmers in that section of Stark county built a small frame church (20 by 40 feet) in the summer of 1857 on a town lot donated for that purpose by Joseph Robard, in March, of the same year. Father D'Arcy contributed of his own means for that object, and at his own expense supported a parish school for at least two years, hoping to induce other Catholic families to settle in and around Roberts- ville. . This expectation was not fulfilled however. The pastors of Louisville who had charge of Robertsville could not afford to give its people a Sunday Mass, except very seldom, though they attended the place monthly on week days. In the course of a few years some of the Catholics living in Robertsville ceased to attend Mass in their little church, preferring to go to Louisville; and others lost the Faith. The Rev. Louis Hoffer, pastor of Louis- ville, attended Robertsville occasionally from 1861, until about
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IN THE DIOCESE OF CLEVELAND.
1880, but realizing then that there was no use in going there any longer, he abandoned the Mission. The church being without care, went to ruin, and the lot was sold.
ROCKPORT, CUYAHOGA COUNTY. ST. MARY'S CHURCH.
In March, 1851, a one-half acre parcel of land was bought for a cemetery by a few Catholic German settlers in Rockport town- ship. It was used as a burying place by the Catholics of that section and for miles around. But not until 1860 was the question discussed, of building a church in that locality, as the number of Catholics was very small. In that year, under the direction of the Rev. A. Krasney (then stationed at St. Peter's, Cleveland, with charge of a number of Missions), a small frame church was built near the site of the present church on a one-acre tract of land bought in 1859.
Father Krasney was succeeded in July, 1863, by the Rev. J. Kuhn, who attended the Mission from Cleveland (Newburg) for two years. The Rev. Michael Müller was appointed first pastor of St. Mary's, Rockport, in July, 1865, and shortly after his arrival he built a small frame house for his residence. Owing to the rapid increase of the congregation the church became too small; hence it was found necessary to build a larger one. Father Müller took up a subscription in 1867 for that purpose and met with a generous response. The church was com- menced in the fall of that year, but before it was quite finished Father Müller was transferred to Ottoville, in March, 1868. It was brought to completion during 1868, and dedicated in the fall of the same year by Bishop Rappe; it has been in use ever since.
The church, an attractive looking brick structure, 40 by 70 feet, is surmounted by a neat spire; the cost was about $5,000, exclusive of the furnishings, and paid for soon after its completion.
Father Müller's successor was the Rev. F. C. Ludwig, who remained until March, 1869. The following priests have had pastoral charge of St. Mary's, Rockport, since then: The Revs. J. B. Heiland, to September, 1872; P. F. Quigley, D. D., to
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A HISTORY OF CATHOLICITY
September, 1873; P. O'Brien, to July, 1875; J. F. Kübler, to February, 1891; M. J. Clear, to February, 1892; and the present incumbent, the Rev. J. Horstmann, since March, 1892.
In 1877 Father Kübler built the present pastoral residence, a neat frame structure, at an outlay of about $1,300. Its cost however was reduced at least one half, as much of the material and labor were donated. Other improvements were added in due course of time. Among these was the purchase of fine altars and Stations. In 1883 the school house (the first church) was moved from its inconvenient location to another site-on a two-acre tract of land which was bought in 1859, adjoining the church and pastoral residence lot. In 1885 extensive repairs were made on the school to which an addition was built to serve as a residence for the Sisters in charge of the school. Finally, in 1890, Father Kübler had a gas well sunk on the church grounds. It proved a success, as since then it has supplied the church, pastoral residence and school with light and heat.
In 1893 Father Horstmann built the present school at a cost of about $2,000. It is a substantial frame building, 30 by 60 feet, and besides a school room it contains a well equipped stage and apartments for the teachers.
The school was organized by Father Miiller in 1867, and has since been continued without intermission. It was taught by lay teachers until 1875, when Father Kübler engaged the Notre Dame Sisters, of Cleveland, as teachers. They had charge of the school for some years; the Sisters of St. Francis, from Tiffin, succeeded them. Since 1892 the school has again been in charge of a lay teacher.
The congregation, comprising about forty German families- farmers, is without debt and its property in excellent condition. Mr. and Mrs. A. Wenzing deserve special mention as having largely contributed of their means towards building and adorning the church, and for donating most of the land now owned by the parish.
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IN THE DIOCESE OF CLEVELAND.
ROCKPORT, CUYAHOGA COUNTY.
ST. PATRICK'S MISSION CHURCH.
As early as 1847 a number of Catholic families settled in the neighborhood of the present Mission of St. Patrick's, Rockport. They were visited for the first time by Bishop Rappe himself, in 1848. He repeated his visits occasionally during the year, as he had no priest to send. In the following year he commissioned his Vicar General, the Very Rev. L. De Goesbriand, and later other priests of the Cathedral, to look after the spiritual interests of these pioneer Catholics, which they did until 1854, each saying Mass and administering the Sacraments in the house of Morgan Watters.
The first impulse to erect a church was a donation, in 1851,
by Mr. J. Lahiff, of one half acre of land for a church site.
A
little frame church was commenced in that year, but owing to the poverty of the people it was not completed until 1854. Bishop Rappe dedicated it in the summer of that year, placing it under the patronage of St. Patrick. In 1854 the Mission was given in charge of the Rev. L. J. Filiere, then resident pastor of Olmsted. He was transferred to St. Mary's, Berea, in 1862, but continued to attend St. Patrick's until 1868. It was then attached to St. Mary's, Rockport, two and one-half miles distant, whence it has since been attended every Sunday and Holyday of obligation.
For several years, beginning about 1892, the people not only desired but also urged the erection of a better and larger church, and favored the old site. Hence, in September, 1896, Father Horstmann bought an acre of ground adjoining the original property ; the purchase price was $900. On account of the close proximity of St. Patrick's to Cleveland. and its situation on one of the main roads leading to the city, it was thought prudent to build a large and substantial church of stone-a great undertaking for a Mission numbering less than fifty families. But the future seemed promising and the people were willing. Plans were drawn, and the foundation was commenced in September, 1896. On May 2, 1897, Bishop Horstmann laid the cornerstone, and on Christmas of the following year divine services were held in the new church, although its interior was not finished. Altars, pews, etc., all donations of parishioners, were in place, and all worthy of
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A HISTORY OF CATHOLICITY
and in harmony with the general design of the building. It was decided to put off the finishing of the interior until some of the debt could be paid. Within four years (1896-1900) the parish, consisting mostly of the working class, contributed over $10,000; and this without any urging on the part of the pastor. Surely a sign of faith and generosity! The cost of the church, when finished, will be about $25.000. The architecture of the church is a combination of Gothic and Norman. The dimensions of the stately edifice are: Length, 110 feet; width, 50 feet. A large square tower of 74 feet in height adds much to the appearance of the building, which is far above the ordinary and is in fact one of the most beautiful country churches in the diocese, as it is also a monument to the pastor and his generous little flock of less than fifty families.
The school was established during the pastorate of Father O'Brien, and was in charge of lay teachers until 1875, when Father Kübler engaged the Notre Dame Sisters, and later the Sisters of the Humility of Mary, to conduct it. As the enrollment became too small they were replaced in 1887 by a lay teacher. It was found necessary to again discontinue the school in 1894, on account of building the new church. It was re-opened in Septem- ber, 1900, and placed in charge of the Sisters of St. Joseph.
ROOTSTOWN, PORTAGE COUNTY. ST. PETER'S CHURCH.
The parish of Rootstown is an offshoot of St. Joseph's, Randolph. At a cost of about $1,200, the present church was built in 1868, on a one-acre tract of land, bought in December, 1866. The interior was divided into two rooms, the larger being reserved for church purposes, whilst the other was fitted up as a school room. A lay teacher was engaged who, besides caring for the children in doctrinal and secular studies during the week, officiated also as choirmaster and organist at the church services.
Rootstown was attended from Randolph as a Mission on alternate Sundays until the appointment of the Rev. John J. Boyle, as first resident pastor, in January, 1899. Shortly after his arrival at Rootstown he bought a half-acre of ground imme- diately adjoining the church premises as a site for a frame pastoral
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IN THE DIOCESE OF CLEVELAND.
residence. This was built during the summer and occupied in October of that year. In the same year the church, formerly 25 by 35 feet, was enlarged by an addition of 25 feet. and tastily reno- vated; ,these improvements cost about $1,200 and were paid for when completed. Bishop Horstmann re-dedicated the church on June 29, 1898. Father Boyle was succeeded by the Rev. T. O'Con- nell, in June, 1900, and he, in turn, by the Rev. N. Kirch, two months later.
The parish has a membership of about 45 German families- all belonging to the farming class.
ROYALTON, CUYAHOGA COUNTY. ASSUMPTION MISSION CHURCH.
The Mission of Royalton was organized by Bishop Rappe himself, in 1857. He assembled in the house of James Morrow the few families in that part of Cuyahoga county, and, after Mass and a sermon, advised them to secure a lot and build a small church for themselves. He sent them priests from the Cathedral, about once a month, until 1860. During this time and until 1862 the resident pastors of Liverpool also visited them occasionally. From 1862 to 1868 the Rev. T. J. Halley, of Grafton, was charged with the attendance of Royalton. In 1863 he bought a house and lot for $500, and remodeled the frame house for church purposes. The location of the property soon proved unsatisfactory and was therefore exchanged in November, 1864, for the present property, which also had a frame building on it. This too was fitted up as a place of worship. Royalton was attended from Grafton until 1869. Since that time it has had a varied and checkered career as a Mission, having been attended from the following places: Cleve- land, St. Augustine's, (1869-70) ; Liverpool, (1870-72); Rockport, St. Mary's, (1873-77); Berea, St. Adalbert's, (1877-79) : Olmsted, (1879-SO) ; again from Berea, St. Adalbert's, (1880-S2); Cleveland, St. Mary's Seminary, by the Rev. J. A. TePas, (1882-92.) As its membership became largely reduced (less than five families), the Mission was abandoned in April, 1802, and remained without attendance until September, 1900. It is now attached to Inde- pendence as a week day Mission, which at present numbers about eight families.
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A HISTORY OF CATHOLICITY
SAINT MARY'S CORNERS, FULTON COUNTY. ASSUMPTION CHURCH.
St. Mary's Corners (in recent years named Caraghar) is a small settlement, seven miles north of Swanton, in Amboy town- ship, Fulton county. From 1852 to 1867 it was attended as a Station; viz., from Toledo (1852-55); Providence (1855-60) ; Maumee (1860-65); and Six Mile Woods (1865-67. The Rev. Philip Foley was the first priest to visit the few Catholic settlers in that section of Fulton county, and said Mass in the house of Mr. Forrester.
In 1866, under the direction of the Rev. Charles Barbier, the resident pastor of Six Mile Woods, a subscription was opened for the erection of a church. In November, 1866, Jacob Berrens donated land for the church and cemetery. A frame house of worship (28 by 45 feet), of simple design, was commenced and enclosed in the following year. Its interior was not completed, however, for lack of means, until 1869. During this time the Rev. N. Schmitz, stationed at Six Mile Woods, had pastoral charge.
St. Mary's Corners continued to be attended from Six Mile Woods, now as a Mission, until 1872, when the Jesuit Fathers, of Toledo, were directed to look after its spiritual interests, which they did for three years. Again the Mission was attached to Six Mile Woods, from 1875 to 1877, with the Rev. J. G. Vogt in charge. In 1876 he built the present frame parish house. In February, 1877, the Rev. F. Gauthier was appointed first resident pastor. In a short time the congregation numbered fifty-six families, composed of Irish, German and a few French farmers. By this time also the church had become too small. Galleries were therefore constructed along the rear and almost the entire length on both sides of the building, thus tiding over the immediate need of a new and larger church. Father Gauthier's pastorate ended in October, 1880. His successor was the Rev. B. B. Kelley, who was removed in February, 1881, when for the third time St. Mary's became a Mission of Six Mile Woods, and so remained until April, 1882. The Rev. F. X. Nunan was then appointed resident pastor. He was succeeded in August, 1883, by the Rev. T. F. McGuire, who at once started a subscription for the erection of a much
OLD ST MARYSOFTHE ASSUNCTION
ST. MARY'S CHURCH (1st and 2nd), ST. MARY'S CORNERS. ST. RICHARD'S CHURCH, SWANTON.
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IN THE DIOCESE OF CLEVELAND.
needed church to replace the old one. The "building movement" was very slow, more than four years having elapsed before the foundation was begun. Mgr. Boff, V. G., laid the cornerstone on August 12, 1888. The work was soon rapidly pushed and the church, a very handsome brick structure (40 by 80 feet), with stone trimmings, stained glass windows, and surmounted by a beautifully designed spire, was used for the first time on February 17, 1890. It was frescoed in the spring of 1891, and dedicated on November 8, of the same year, by the Rt. Rev. Mgr. Boff, then administrator of the diocese. The church is an eloquent testimony to the faith and generosity of the people of St. Mary's.
Father McGuire left St. Mary's in December, 1889, and was succeeded by the Rev. J. Walsh who however remained only till March, 1890. Father McGuire was then re-appointed in the following month, and had pastoral charge of St. Mary's, until January, 1892. The next resident pastor was the Rev. W. A. Panuska, from March to September, 1892. In January, 1893, the present pastor, the Rev. J. A. Schaffeld, took charge. During the few months, in 1892, when St. Mary's was without a pastor, it was attended from Six Mile Woods.
Through Father Schaffeld's efforts the parish debt was can- celled in a short time, and the entire church property, about three acres, including the cemetery, was put in excellent condition. The old church was also repaired and changed into a parish hall. During the pastorate of Father Schaffeld handsome church fur- nishings, an organ, Stations, etc., were bought, at a cost of about $2,500.
There is no parochial school at St. Mary's, because most of the eighty-five families belonging to the parish live too far from the church to make it convenient for their children to attend.
SAINT PATRICK'S, SENECA COUNTY. ST. PATRICK'S CHURCH.
St. Patrick's settlement, composed of Irish and German farmers, is situated about six miles west of Tiffin. Prior to the organization of St. Patrick's congregation, the former were identified with St. Mary's parish, at Tiffin, and the latter with
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A HISTORY OF CATHOLICITY
SALEM, COLUMBIANA COUNTY. ST. PAUL'S CHURCH.
Salem is one of the oldest towns in Ohio. It was founded in 1806 and its original settlers were Quakers. It has now a population of about 8,000, and large manufacturing interests. So anti-Catholic was the spirit of the place for a long time that, until recent years, Catholics found neither encouragement to settle there, nor could they get employment in the numerous manu- factories of the town. No Catholics lived at Salem prior to 1850. Beginning about 1853, a few Irish laborers, employed on the "Fort Wayne" railroad, settled there, and in course of time others did likewise. They received spiritual attendance from the resident pastors of Dungannon until 1867, and from the Rev. M. Mulcahey, of St. Louis' College, at Louisville, until 1868. The Rev. E. W. J. Lindesmith then had charge of Salem, at first from Alliance (1868- 72) and then from Leetonia, until July, 1880. He said Mass in private houses once a month, on week days, and four times a year, on Sundays, in the Town Hall. In January, 1879, he bought for the sum of $800 the present parish property, on East Main street, for a prospective church. By this time perfect harmony prevailed among the thirty-five Catholic families of Salem, and old prejudices against the Catholic Church were well-nigh removed by Father Lindesmith, who frequently lectured before the Protestants of the town, on Catholic doctrine. When he first visited Salem he had ' to encounter much bigotry, but this soon passed away.
In July, 1880, the Rev. C. H. Treiber was given charge of Salem as a Station. He visited it monthly on Sundays and con- tinued to celebrate Mass in the Town Hall, as did his predecessor. Meanwhile he raised a subscription for the long desired church. In this he succeeded beyond his expectation, and received financial aid not only from his own little flock, but also from some non-Catholics of the town, whose respect and good will he soon gained. The church. a neat and attractive frame structure, 30 by 50 feet, was commenced in September, 1881, and, though its interior was not quite finished, Mass was celebrated in it for the first time on the following 27th of November. Including its handsome furnishings and stained glass windows, the church cost
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IN THE DIOCESE OF CLEVELAND.
about $3,600. Bishop Gilmour dedicated it on November 28, 1886.
Father Treiber was appointed first resident pastor of Salem at the time he commenced the church, in September, 1881.
In the spring of 1887 Father Treiber built an addition of 26 by 50 feet to the church, almost as large as the original struc- ture, in order to accommodate the increasing membership of the parish. The addition cost about $1,000, and provided a com- modious sanctuary and two sacristies. The construction was still under way when, to the regret of his people and the citizens of Salem in general, he was transferred to Crestline, in June, 1887. He was succeeded by the Rev. W. J. Finucan, whose impaired health however forced him to resign in December of the same year.
The Rev. Francis Senner was the next resident pastor; he received his appointment in January, 18SS. In 1889 he built the present parish house, which is a frame structure; it cost about $1,200. During the same year two side altars were placed in the sanctuary, and the entire debt of the parish was cancelled. Father Senner's pastorate ended in September, 1897, his successor being the present incumbent, the Rev. G. C. Schöneman. At a cost of about $1,200 he added a number of notable improvements to the church and residence, thus making botli buildings attractive in appearance, especially the former. He is at present making every effort towards establishing a parish school.
St. Paul's parish has a membership of about 100 families.
SALINEVILLE, COLUMBIANA COUNTY.
ST. PATRICK'S CHURCH.
The village of Salineville is located on the Cleveland and Pittsburg railroad, in the heart of the coal district of Columbiana county. The Catholic miners received the ministration of the resident pastors of Summitville as early as 1857, but the Rev. P. J. McGuire was the first priest to visit them regularly from that place, from September, 1866, to September, 1874. At that time they numbered about fifteen families. He said Mass in a private house for a time, until he secured the use of Robbin's
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A HISTORY OF CATHOLICITY
Hall, which was fitted up in a primitive way as a temporary place of worship. Later on the public school, then near the site of the present church property, was used for several years. In July, 1872, Father McGuire bought two lots and built on one of them the brick church (36 by 65 feet) which is now in use. Bishop Gilmour laid its cornerstone in the fall of that year. Although with its interior as yet unfinished, the church was used the first time for divine service in the spring of 1873.
The Rev. B. B. Kelley, of Summitville, was the next priest to attend Salineville-until January, 1876. His successor in both places was the Rev. E. J. Murphy, who remained in charge until October, 1882. He finished the interior of the church, which in its completed condition cost about $5,000. Shortly after the building had been enclosed, in 1873, the dire effects of the finan- cial panic of that year were greatly felt also in Salineville. In consequence of this the greater part of the subscription promised for the church remained unpaid, and a comparatively large debt had to be faced for nearly ten years. It was finally cancelled during the administration of Father Murphy, but not without great effort, as the Mission was small and poor.
In October, 1882, the Rev. J. P. McGrath was appointed first resident pastor of Salineville. He bought a house and lot on Jefferson street, adjoining the church lots, in December, 1883. With the changes necessary to make the frame house serve as a pastoral residence, the new property cost about $1,200. Father McGrath was removed in August, 1884, and Salineville was again attended from Summitville until April, 1888, with the Rev. J. C. Desmond in charge. In April, 1888, the Rev. P. A. McShane was appointed resident pastor of Salineville, but his stay was short-until January, 1889. Since that time the following priests have had charge: The Revs. T. F. Mahon, January, 1889, to January, 1890; C. L. O'Brien, to January, 1893; M. O'Brien, to September, 1894, when Salineville was attached to Summitville for a few weeks. In October, 1894, the Rev. J. F. Donohue was appointed resident pastor. He was succeeded in October, 1895, by the Rev. F. J. Keelan, who left in the following month. when the Rev. J. W. Bell, of Summitville, was given charge of Saline- ville as a Mission. As such he attended it every Sunday, until April, 1896, when he was appointed resident pastor of the place,
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HOLY ANGELS' CHURCH, SANDUSKY.
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IN THE DIOCESE OF CLEVELAND.
and remained till January, 1900. His successor is the present incumbent, the Rev. J. McMahon.
During the pastorate of Father Bell the parish property was ·greatly improved. He had it graded, and then enclosed it with a neat iron fence. He also tidied up the church, and pastoral resi- dence, so that when he left Salineville, the parish and its property were in excellent condition, and without debt.
Thus far it has not been found practicable to establish a parochial school. . The parish numbers now about 80 families.
SANDUSKY, ERIE COUNTY. HOLY ANGELS' CHURCH.1
The Holy Sacrifice was offered up for the first time within the limits of Northern Ohio in 1749. The celebrant was the jesuit Father, Peter Potier, the place, a settlement of Huron Indians near the Sandusky Bay, and the worshippers, about 30 of the Hurons whom Father Potier had converted from Paganism to the Catholic Faith.2
Father De la Richardie, also a Jesuit, built a log chapel for the converted Wyandot Indians, about six miles south of Sandusky Bay -- the first Catholic place of worship in Northern Ohio.3 About 1773 the Huron and Wyandot Missions were abandoned for reasons not under the control of the Jesuit missionaries, who were recalled to Quebec, whence they had been sent. In consequence of this fact, what little of Catholicity remained at that time among the Indian tribes soon disappeared.4
Not until about 1830 did Catholic immigration from Europe turn towards Sandusky, at that time a promising and growing town, with a fine harbor on the Bay of the same name. The first permanent settlement at Sandusky had been made as early as
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