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 22
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The congregation, composed of farmers, of Irish birth or descent, has been steadily decreasing during the last few years and now numbers but 60 families. The old people, however, cling to the farms, even though the soil is no longer productive; and the young seek employment in the cities. The parish has therefore no prospective growth or promising future.
The Rev. M. Prendergast was the first resident pastor of Summitville-from 1856 to 1858. His successors were the follow- ing priests: The Revs. T. Walsh, 1858-59; D. Tighe, to September, 1864; P. J. McGuire, to September, 1874; B. B. Kelley,
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from November, 1874, to January, 1876; E. J. Murphy, to Octo- ber, 1884; P. Barry, to August, 1887; J. Eyler, from January, 1889, to January, 1893; J. W. Bell, to April, 1896; M. J. Clear, from February to July, 1897; J. F. Donohue, from September, 1897, to November, 1898; and the present pastor, the Rev. J. J. Clarke, since January, 1899. During the various periods when Summitville had no resident pastor, as noted above, it was attended from Salineville as a Mission.
SWANTON, FULTON COUNTY. ST. RICHARD'S MISSION CHURCH.
Swanton is a thriving village, on the Lake Shore railroad, about nineteen miles west of Toledo, and seven miles from St. Mary's Corners (Caraghar).
Since 1893 it has been attended from the latter place as a Mission. In the fall of 1891 the present church, a frame structure, 30 by 50 feet, was commenced, under the direction of the Rev. T. F. McGuire, and enclosed in the following January. The church site covers three lots fronting on Dodge street. The lots, and two acres for a cemetery, were secured in 1891, and deeded to Bishop Horstmann in May, 1892. The Rev. J. A. Schaffeld finished the interior of the neat church; completed, it cost about $1,500. Mass was celebrated in it for the first time on May 7, 1893. It was dedicated to St. Richard by Bishop Horstmann, on October 23, of the same year. In the fall of 1900 the church was enlarged by an addition of twelve feet ; it includes the sanctuary and two sacristies. At the same time the church was also repaired and painted. These improvements cost nearly $700. The well-kept cemetery, located in the outskirts of the village, comprises two acres. The grading of the cemetery, as well as the teaming, were done gratuitously by parishioners from St. Mary's Corners, Six- Mile-Woods and Swanton, thus saving hundreds of dollars for the Mission of Swanton.
At present about 20 families belong to the Mission, which is attended semi-monthly from St. Mary's Corners.
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SYLVANIA, LUCAS COUNTY. ST. JOSEPH'S MISSION CHURCH.
Sylvania is a hamlet located about ten miles northwest of Toledo. A few Catholics settled there as early as 1855. They were visited at stated intervals, and Mass was celebrated in the home of Mr. J. Clark, by priests from Toledo, chiefly by those attached to St. Francis de Sales' church, until 1870; and since then by Jesuit Fathers of St. Mary's.
In June, 1872, a one-half acre lot was purchased, and on it was built the present frame church, which cost about $1,000. It was enlarged in 1888, its present size being 34 by 60 feet. In 1890 the neat spire was built and a 1,100 pound bell was bought- both costing about $750.
In July, 1882, one acre of land was bought for a cemetery, and in May, 1888, an additional acre was secured next to the church.
About 30 families, of Irish or German birth or descent, belong to the Mission. The following Jesuit Fathers had charge of the Mission since 1870: The Revs. H. Richard, I. Körling, J. Fruzzini, F. Eberschweiler, J. B. Kreidler, H. J. Camp, G. Rübsaat, A. Steffen, G. Burkart, and, since 1896, the Rev. F. Breymann, who attends Sylvania twice a month.
THOMPSON, SENECA COUNTY. ST. MICHAEL'S CHURCH.
St. Michael's congregation, at Thompson, is composed exclu- sively of German farmers. The Redemptorist Father, F. X. Tschenhens, stationed at Peru, was the first priest to visit the Cath- olic pioneers of Thompson, from 1834 to 1839, and again from 1841 to 1843. During the latter period his assistant, the Rev. M. Alig, also paid occasional visits, each of these priests saying Mass and administering the Sacraments in the log cabin of John Glass- ner. In 1839 Father Tschenhens built a log chapel, which was dedicated to St. Michael by Bishop Purcell, on his first visit to Thompson, in that year. In 1840 the Rev. H. D. Juncker came several times from Canton. Between 1843 and 1844 the Rev.
ST. MICHAEL'S CHURCH, THOMPSON.
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P. J. Machebeuf came occasionally from Sandusky to minister to the spiritual wants of these Catholic settlers who were still strug- gling with poverty and privation in their primitive homes, hewn out of the forests in that part of Seneca county. . In January, 1844, the V. Rev. F. S. Brunner, Provincial of the Sanguinists, and resi- dent pastor of Peru, was given charge of the Mission. He attended it until 1847 when he became resident pastor of Thompson, where he had established the present flourishing Convent of the Sanguin- ist Sisters in 1846. Since 1847 Thompson has always had Sanguinist Fathers as pastors. Following is a list of their names: The Revs. J. Wittmer, 1849-55; M. A. Meyer, to 1856; M. A. Kramer, who had pastoral charge three times, viz .: from Septem- ber, 1857, to October, 1859; from November, 1864, to April, 1867; from December, 1874, till his death, February 17, 1877; A. Schel- bert, 185S, to 1864; E. Glück, April, 1867, to December, 1874; F. X. Griessmayer, March, 1878, to April, 1891; Boniface Russ, to March, 1892; C. Schedler, to March, 1895; J. L. Boehmer, to August. 1899; and since then, the Rev. Joseph Uphaus. Many other Sanguinist Fathers resided at Thompson during this long period, either as assistants, Convent chaplains, or charged with the attendance of Stations and Missions in Seneca, Huron and Lorain counties.
Between 1846 and 1849 four acres of land were donated by as many parishioners, for the use of the church; the land forms part of the parish property which comprises about seven acres, including the cemetery.
The increased membership of the congregation necessitated the erection of a larger church. This was commenced in Decem- ber, 1847, and enclosed in the following year. As means became available the work on the interior progressed, and was brought to completion in 1849. The church was a brick structure, 40 by 60 feet, of simple design. Most of the work, such as making the brick, cutting and hauling the timber and other building material, was done by the parishioners without charge, thereby reducing the cost of the church considerably. It served its sacred purpose for nearly thirty-five years. Steadily the parish grew in numbers and financial strength, and with that also the desire to replace the old church by one of more modern design, and in keeping with the means of the parish. Preliminary steps to that end were taken
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by Father Griessmayer, in the fall of 1883, by having plans drawn for a Gothic brick church. The foundation was commenced in the early spring of 1884, and the cornerstone was laid by Bishop Gilmour, on the feast of the Ascension, May 22, of the same year. The church was not finished, however, until the fall of 1886; it was dedicated by the same Prelate on October 10 of that year. The church is a beautiful edifice, 115 feet long and 52 feet wide. It has stained glass windows, is tastily frescoed, and has neat altars, pews and confessionals. It cost about $20,000 and though there are many churches in the diocese erected at a larger outlay, it ranks with the best country churches in taste, finish and general appearance. On the day of its dedication there was a debt of $3,000 to be met, but this has long since been cancelled-a very creditable showing for a parish that never had more than 75 families.
In 1897, during the pastorate of Father Boehmer, the present well appointed and commodious parish house was built of brick, at a cost of about $4,000.
The parochial school was organized as far back as 1840, in a log cabin. This was replaced in 1847 by a brick building. It was enlarged in 1879 at a cost of about $500. From 1879 until 1889 three teachers had charge of the school-a male teacher taught the boys and two Sanguinist Sisters the girls. Since the latter year the school has been conducted by the same Sisterhood.
TIFFIN, SENECA COUNTY. ST. JOSEPH'S CHURCH.
The beautiful city of Tiffin, the county seat of Seneca county, was founded by Josiah Hedges in March, 1822. Shortly after that time Catholics began to settle there, and on farms in its imme- diate vicinity. Among those was a number of German families. They formed part of St. Mary's parish until 1845, when with the permission of Bishop Purcell they organized as a separate congre- gation, under the patronage of St. Joseph. The most prominent members connected with the formation of the new congregation were Joseph Kübler, Dr. Joseph Böhler, Michael Theissen, Joseph Vollmer, John Houck and John Bormuth. In May of that year they bought two acres of land, triangular in shape, and located in
ST. JOSEPH'S CHURCH AND RECTORY, TIFFIN.
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what was then near the outskirts of the town, at the conjunction of Melmore and South Washington streets; the purchase price was $250. The property is the same now in use ; part of it, on the side fronting Melmore street, was at one time used for a burying ground. Although at the time of the purchase its location was considered out-of-the-way, it has long since become one of the most prominent and desirable sites in Tiffin.
On the land described above a brick church, 40 by 66 feet, was commenced in May, 1845, and the V. Rev. F. S. Brunner, C.PP.S., laid the cornerstone on the 25th day of that month. So rapidly was the building pushed to completion that it was ready for dedication within three months. Father Brunner, again as Bishop Purcell's delegate, performed the dedicatory ceremony on Sunday, August 24, 1845. The church was of plain design, neat in appearance, and cost about $2,500.
From 1845 until 1852 St. Joseph's congregation was attended alternately from New Riegel and Thompson as a Mission, by the following Sanguinist Fathers: The Revs. M. Kreusch, P. A. Capeder and F. X. Obermüller. From January to September, 1852, the Rev. L. Molon, resident pastor of St. Mary's church, Tiffin, also attended St. Joseph's. The Rev. J. B. Uhlmann was then appointed first resident pastor of St. Joseph's, and remained from September, 1852, to May, 1856. Immediately west of the church he built a brick pastoral residence, shortly after his arrival. In May, 1855, Father Uhlmann bought two acres outside the southern corporate limits of Tiffin for burial purposes, and paid $500 for the land ; it is a portion of the present cemetery. Part of Father Uhlmann's pastorate was during the terrible cholera epidemic in 1853, which claimed for its victims many of his parish- ioners. His faithful attendance on the cholera-stricken patients greatly endeared him to his people, and won for him the respect of the citizens of Tiffin. The next pastor in charge was the Rev. Joseph L. Bihn. Shortly after his ordination he succeeded Father ' Uhlmann, in June, 1856. By this time the parish had outgrown the church built ten years before, and the need of better church accommodations became more pressing. As a preliminary step Father Bihn erected as a temporary place of worship a two-story brick building, on Melmore street, and arranged its interior to serve later on as a school. He took up a subscription for the pro-
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posed new church and the project met with such favor that in one day the people of St. Joseph's parish subscribed $10,000 for that purpose. The old one was torn down in the fall of 1860, and the foundation for the new church was commenced on the same site in the spring of 1861. Father Bihn's prudent management of building affairs and the generosity of his people made it possible to present to Almighty God a beautiful temple without a dollar of debt to mar the gift. In consequence of this fact, and at Father Bihn's request, St. Joseph's church was consecrated. That impressive ceremony, seldom performed in this country, took place on Sunday, September 14, 1862. At the invitation of Bishop Rappe, who was also present on the occasion, Bishop Young, of Erie, Pa., was the consecrator. The church cost about $25,000, but could not be duplicated today for $40,000. Besides very generous money donations, a large portion of the labor and build- ing material was furnished by parishioners without charge, thus. considerably reducing the actual cost of the church. Although there are many churches in the diocese larger and more costly, there are few more attractive, or better equipped in every way than St. Joseph's. Even today it is the most conspicuous building in Tiffin, and its beautiful, graceful spire is the first object which attracts the attention of those who visit or pass through the city. Its architecture is pure Gothic and its dimensions are: Length, 140 feet ; width, 60 feet. The church is a standing monument to Father Bihn and to the generous people of St. Joseph's parish. Four bells peal forth their harmonious notes from the lofty spire; they were blessed by Bishop Purcell on January 15, 1871. The organ is one of the largest and best in the diocese.
The latter years of Father Bihn's pastorate, and the hitherto unblemished record of his parish, were gravely marred by a spirit of opposition to him, which led to his resignation in September, 1873. The trouble arose in connection with the founding by Father Bihn of St. Francis' Asylum, to which, it was claimed by his parishioners, he paid more attention than to his duties as their pastor. The charge had some foundation, but was greatly exaggerated. The result was the formation of two parties- Father Bihn's friends and his opponents-the latter in the majority. Bishop Gilmour tried to bring about peace, but failing in this he appointed Father Bihn chaplain of the Asylum and
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closed the church; it remained closed for over two months. Finally the opposition party realized the sad condition of affairs and made the proper reparation for the scandal given. Bishop Gilmour permitted the church to be reopened, and appointed the Rev. Charles Evrard in November, 1873, as Father Bihn's suc- cessor. Peace and harmony were at once restored and St. Joseph's has been a model congregation since that unfortunate episode.
Father Evrard added some improvements to the church prop- erty, among which was a chapel, adjoining the church, to serve as a place for weekday Mass for the children of the parish school. He gave his chief attention, however, to the spiritual rather than to the temporal affairs of the parish. In this he was eminently successful, and never spared himself when duty called. His pas- torate ended on May 11, 1885, with his lamented death, which was preceded by a short illness. His successor was the Rev. J. M. Pütz, whose pastorate began in the same month.
The administration of Father Martin Pütz opened a new era in the history of St. Joseph's, in the way of costly improvements and important changes which have brought that parish to the prominent position it now holds.
In the fall of 1885 a steam heating plant for the church was installed at a cost of $2,800. Two years later, at an outlay of about $7,000, the present commodious brick rectory was built on the site of the old pastoral residence. Between 1887 and 1889 about six acres were added to the cemetery, and all put in excellent condition, so that it is now one of the best kept places of interment in the diocese. The church was renovated, and artistically fres- coed, in 1889, at a cost of about $1,500. In 1894 the present splendid school was built at an expense of about $28,000. It fronts on South Washington street and is equal in finish and equip- ment, if not in size, to any school edifice in the diocese.
In the face of adverse criticism, Father Martin Pütz also introduced the Gregorian chant and Cecilian music into the choir. In this he was ably seconded by his organist, Prof. Robbin, with the result that St. Joseph's choir ranks with the best in the diocese for rendition of Church music.
Father Pütz unceasingly strove at all times to advance the best interests of his people. In recognition of his merits and the standing of St. Joseph's parish, he was appointed an irremovable
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rector in the Diocesan Synod, held in January, 1889. Never of robust health, he overtaxed his strength and was obliged to give up all pastoral work in January, 1897. On the advice of his physician he went to California, hoping in that mild climate to regain strength and possibly health. God had ordained other- wise, for hardly had he reached Los Angeles, Cal., when the Hand of Death touched him. He died in that city on January 21, 1897. His remains were brought back to Tiffin, and after solemn obse- quies they were interred in the cemetery, which he had so beautifully adorned in life.
His successor is the present incumbent-his brother-the Rev. J. P. Putz, who was made irremovable rector in May, 1897. He had served as assistant to Father Martin Pütz since June, 1885, and was acting pastor of St. Joseph's from January, 1897.
The parish school was organized in 1847, in a log house, which stood in the rear of the present church. In 1858, it was replaced by a brick school, fronting on Melmore street. To it was added in 1862 the building that served as a temporary church between 1861 and 1862. The entire school enrollment is now housed in the new building erected by Father Martin Pütz. Mr. George Spiess had charge of the school from 1853 to 1870, and was the efficient organist of St. Joseph's church for upwards of thirty years, beginning at the time he was engaged as teacher. He is still a resident of Tiffin and has the respect not only of his former pupils, but also of all the citizens of Tiffin who know him. In 1863 the Ursuline Sisters were given charge of the girls' department, and in recent years also of the boys in the lower grades. With success they have continued in that charge ever since. Mr. Robbin has taught the higher grade in the boys' department since 1886. To Father John Pütz much credit is due for the great interest he has at all times taken in the welfare of the parish school. Under his watchful care it has steadily pro- gressed and is now second to none in the diocese.
The following priests have filled the position of curate at St. Joseph's: The Revs. N. Schmitz, A. M. Meili, J. B. Heiland, J. P. Pütz, H. Wichmann, J. B. Alten, T. F. Conlon, J. P. Schöndorff and J. Baumgartner.
The parish numbers 550 families. It is without debt and in excellent condition, spiritually and financially.
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TIFFIN, SENECA COUNTY. ST. MARY'S CHURCH.
The history of Catholicity in Tiffin, and in Seneca county, dates back to June, 1823. It was then that James Doherty, with his family of eleven persons, settled within two miles of Tiffin. In the same year William Arnold and his family located on a farm, eight miles southwest of Tiffin. Three years later this little col- ony of Catholics was increased by the advent of the families of John Julien and John Knott, and in 1829 by those of Michael Coleman, Patrick and Bartholomew Kinney, Robert Montgomery and Michael Reinbolt.
· In 1827 Bishop Fenwick, accompanied by the Rev. I. J. Mullon, came to Tiffin, on his way to Green Bay, Wis. Learn- ing that there were some Catholic families in the vicinity he stopped over night and said Mass for them the following morning. It was the first time the Holy Sacrifice was celebrated within the limits of Seneca county. The Bishop, before proceeding on his long journey, directed Father Mullon to remain at Tiffin for some days, to minister to the spiritual wants of the little flock. On the following Sunday he preached in a building used then as a court- house, and which also served as a place of worship for all the denominations of the village. In the latter part of August, 1829, Bishop Fenwick again visited Tiffin. On that occasion, Septem- ber 1, he purchased from Josiah Hedges, the founder of Tiffin, a one-acre lot as a church site and burying ground. It is the pres- ent abandoned cemetery in the rear of the Ursuline Convent. The Bishop was, however, unable to send a priest until May, 1831, when he appointed the Rev. Edmund Quinn resident pastor of Tiffin. With this appointment dates the organization of St. Mary's congregation. Much of its early history was written at intervals by Bishop Purcell, for the Cincinnati Catholic Telegraph, and in that form the reader will find it reproduced in Chapter III of this volume,1 and in "The Church in Northern Ohio.2
On Sunday, May 15, 1831, Father Quinn said Mass at Tiffin, for the first time, in John Julien's house, which was located in the
1 Pages 30, 33, 41, 48.
2 Pages 262, 273, 286-4th ed.
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outskirts of the town. In the fall of 1832 a small brick church was erected on a corner of the lot bought in 1829. For lack of means its interior was not finished however until the latter part of 1836, when the church was dedicated to the Blessed Virgin. It was used for the first time on Easter Sunday, 1833 .*
Meanwhile Father Quinn also attended the Catholic settle- ments in Northwestern Ohio, and as far south as Springfield. On September 5, 1835, he died of malarial fever, and exhaustion .from overwork, near St. Mary's, Auglaize county, O., whither he had gone in the discharge of his sacred office. He was a self- sacrificing priest, and his short pastoral career was full of hard- . ships and privations. After his death the Rev. E. Thienpoint, who also had shared Father Quinn's missionary labors for a short time, had charge of St. Mary's for six months, as its tem- porary pastor. The Redemptorist Father, F. X. Tschenhens, then attended St. Mary's from Peru, Huron county, between February, 1836, and September, 1839. The next resident pastor of St. Mary's was the Rev. Joseph McNamee, who received his appointment in October, 1839. Five years later Father McNamee enlarged the church by a frame addition, making the building cruciform. He remained in charge until July, 1847, when he left the diocese. From September, 1839, to November, 1840, Father McNamee had the assistance of the Rev. P. J. Machebeuf, who also attended a number of Stations and Missions, among them Sandusky, to which place he was sent as first resident pastor, in December, 1840. For a short time in 1840, the Rev. J. Frei- gang also ministered to the German members of the parish. In 1845 the Germans separated from St. Mary's and built their own church (St. Joseph's) in the southern part of the town.
St. Mary's was without a pastor . - m July, 1847, until the arrival of the Rev. Maurice Howard, .. January, 1848. During this time the people of St. Mary's parish attended St. Joseph's church. Father Howard left in May, 1850, and St. Mary's was then attended by the Sanguinist Fathers, from New Riegel, until the following September, when the Rev. Louis Molon was appointed resident pastor. During his administration, in 1851, the parochial school was established. Father Molon remained
* Catholic Telegraph, May 11, 1833.
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till September, 1852, when the Rev. Michael O'Sullivan succeeded him. Father O'Sullivan found the out-of-the-way location of the church unsuitable to the wants of the congregation, and therefore secured, in January, 1854, for $2,000, two lots at the corner of Miami and Franklin streets. On one of the lots stood a brick dwelling, part of which he fitted up for his residence, and part for a school. In 1856 he commenced the erection of the present brick church (46 by 100 feet) which, with its furnishings, cost about $11,000. He also bought the present bell, which weighs 3,800 pounds, and cost $900. The church was built in the face of great difficulties, brought about by the opposition of a few influential members of the parish, who insisted on having it built on the old site. This opposition caused grave public scandal which was exploited in the newspapers, and finally led to the excommunication of three of the principal opponents by Bishop Rappe. A full account of this sad episode, and the only one in the history of St. Mary's parish, appeared in the Cincinnati Catholic Telegraphı, on March 15. and November 22, 1858. Two of the excommunicated members made due apology later on and were received back into the Church, the other one, Michael Sullivan, near whose house the old church stood, remained obstinate and died unreconciled.
In changing the location of the church Father O'Sullivan had the approval of his bishop and of the great majority of his people, whose confidence and respect he had won. He knew the change was for the best interests of the parish; hence he felt- keen'y the effects of the scandal which arose from his well meant action. For the sake of peace he therefore resigned his pastoral charge and was at once received into the archdiocese of Cincin- nati, in February, 1859. In the same month and year the present pastor, the Rev. Michael Healy, was appointed his successor. After the parish debt of $6,000 was cancelled the church was conse- crated on Sunday, December 14, 1862, Bishop Rappe, assisted by Bishop Young, of Erie, officiating.
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