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 27
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A HISTORY OF CATHOLICITY
WOODVILLE, SANDUSKY COUNTY. ST. MARY'S MISSION CHURCH.
The village of Woodville is situated about four miles from Elmore, and the Mission is composed chiefly of farmers. It was attended from St. Ann's, Fremont, first as a Station, from 1858 to 1862, and then, as a Mission, until 1871. In 1862 the Rev. M. O'Neill bought a lot and built on it a brick church, 33 by 50 feet, at a cost of $1,600. Woodville was attended from Elmore, between 1871 and 1891, and then from Genoa, until 1895, when the Rev. G. Burkhard, S.J., of St. Mary's, Toledo, was appointed to take charge of it. This he did until May, 1896, when Woodville was attached as a monthly Mission to Gibsonburg, whose resident pastors have since attended it. It has steadily decreased since 1895, the few remaining families preferring to belong to the parish of Gibsonburg, with its regular Sunday service. Hence it is a matter of but a very short time when the Mission will cease to exist.
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WOOSTER, WAYNE COUNTY. IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CHURCH.
It was at Wooster that the saintly Edward D. Fenwick, first Bishop of Cincinnati, while on a tour through his vast diocese, died of cholera, September 20, 1832.1 There, alone, among strangers. with no priest to administer to him the last sacraments, and not even a Catholic layman to breathe a prayer into his dying ear, he ended his busy career, as a true servant of his Master.
. About 1826 a few Catholics began to settle in and near Woos- ter.2 Until 1846 they were visited at irregular intervals by the priests stationed at Canton, Akron and Doylestown. The Rev. Philip Foley, of Massillon, was directed by Bishop Purcell, in 1846, to attend Wooster as a Station. About eight Catholic families then resided at Wooster. Father Foley bought a lot of nearly two acres, fronting on Madison avenue, and built on it the present brick church, 38 by 68 feet. Bishop Purcell laid the cornerstone on August 20, 1847.3 Owing to lack of means, and (1) The Church in Northern Ohio, 4th ed., p. 260-262. (2) Ibid., p. 259. (3) See this volume, p. 49.
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IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CHURCH AND PASTORAL RESIDENCE, YOUNGSTOWN.
IN THE DIOCESE OF CLEVELAND. 685
the poverty of the few people, the church was not enclosed for nearly two years, and even then the completion of its interior had to be deferred still longer. The Rev. A. Campion was appointed first resident pastor in 1849, and remained in charge for nearly two years. From April to October, 1851, he had as his assistant, in the care of his many Stations and Missions, the Rev. M. Healy. After Father Campion the following pastors had charge, suc- cessively, of Wooster: The Revs. G. H. Brennan, 1852-56; M. O'Neill, to July, 1861; V. Arnould, to May, 1862; J. F. Gallagher, to October, 1865; and since that time the Rev. F. Ankly.
Father Gallagher erected a small brick building for a school, which he opened in 1865. He also cancelled the burdensome parish debt contracted by Father Foley for the purchase of land and the erection of the church. The pastoral residence, a small, plain brick structure, was built by Father O'Neill, in 1858.
Father Ankly remodeled the school and built an addition larger than the original structure, and supplied both with modern school appliances. The school was taught by two lay teachers until 1890, but since then, owing to the reduced number of chil- dren, only one teacher has been employed. The school has been in existence without interruption since 1865. In 1869 Father Ankly bought ten acres of land for burial purposes. He also secured the present large bell and pipe organ.
The parish numbers about 75 families. For lack of means the church has been left quite plain in and outside, and is without any ornamentation.
YOUNGSTOWN, MAHONING COUNTY.
IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CHURCH.
Youngstown, the county seat of Mahoning, is an iron manufacturing and railroad center of much importance. Its growth has been almost phenomenal, and with it the Catholic population has also kept even pace. Special reference to the history of Catholicity in Youngstown-of its early struggles and gradual development, in the face of poverty and adversity, will be found in the sketch of St. Columba's parish, the first established in Youngstown, and of which that of the Immaculate Conception is an offshoot. The latter was organized in July, 1882, by the Rev.
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A HISTORY OF CATHOLICITY
W. J. Manning, who erected the first parish building, a combina- tion church and school, on lots bought on Oak street by the Rev. E. Mears, in March, 1881. The two-story frame building, 40 by 100 feet, which is now used entirely for school purposes, was com- menced in August, 1882, and was ready for use four months later. Father Mears was delegated to bless it on December 10, of the same year. It was placed under the patronage of the Immaculate Conception. The parish school was opened on the first floor, in February, 1883, and placed in charge of three Ursuline Sisters and a lay teacher.
As the congregation continued to grow, it was found that neither the temporary church nor school afforded sufficient room for the increasing number of adults and pupils. Father Manning therefore bought two additional lots opposite those secured in 1881, with a frontage of 182 feet on Oak street ; the purchase price was $2,600. The foundation for the present brick church was commenced in the fall of 1887, and the cornerstone was laid by Bishop Gilmour on June 17, 1888. The building was brought to completion in the spring of 1891, although used for the first time on Christmas, 1890. It was dedicated on May 10, 1891, by the Rt. Rev. Mgr. F. M. Boff, then administrator of the diocese.
The architecture of the beautiful church is Gothic. Its length is 140 feet, its width 60 feet, and its cost about $40,000. The fine basement is nearly as large as the church auditorium ; part of it is at present used for a primary school, and part for society rooms.
In 1891 Father Manning commenced the present brick pas- toral residence, which was ready for occupancy in December of the following year. It is a handsome well-appointed building, in fact, one of the best in the diocese, and cost about $10,000.
Father Manning's health gave way under the strain of his arduous pastoral duties, to which were added the care and worry in connection with building the church and pastoral residence at a time when the effects of the financial panic of 1893 were keenly felt in Youngstown and throughout the country. The summons of Death came to him on July 2, 1899; his demise was deplored by his parishioners, whose love and respect he had won in a high degree. In June, 1898, the Rev. D. B. Crotty was sent as assistant to Father Manning, after whose death he had temporary charge
SACRED HEART CHURCH AND PASTORAL RESIDENCE, YOUNGSTOWN.
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687
IN THE DIOCESE OF CLEVELAND.
of the parish, until the appointment in August, 1899, of the present pastor, the Rev. M. P. Kinkead.
The prospects of the parish are the brightest, as it is steadily growing in numbers and means. With a few more years of pros- perous times, such as Youngstown is now enjoying, the debt on the church property, which is considerable, will be cancelled.
The parish has at present (1900) a membership of about 375 families. Nearly 400 children attend the school, which is in charge of six Ursuline Sisters.
YOUNGSTOWN.
SACRED HEART OF JESUS' CHURCH.
The district of Haselton, the eastern suburb of Youngstown, and since April, 1889, a part of that city, was formed into a parish in October, 1888. For some years previous the Catholics of that neighborhood found it difficult to attend Mass, or discharge their other religious obligations, as there was but one road leading into the city, and that was rough, unpaved, and at certain seasons of the year almost impassable. The only other way to reach Youngs- town was the railroad, and that was dangerous, especially for women and children. To remedy these disadvantages the Catho- lics of Haselton petitioned Bishop Gilmour to organize a separate parish in their own locality, and to give them the services of a resident pastor. The Bishop granted the first request and promised to send them a pastor as soon as circumstances would permit. Meanwhile two lots were purchased in July, 1887, by the Rev. W. J. Manning. They were located at the corner of Mont- gomery, now Wilson avenue, and Walnut street, and cost $1,500. In October, 1888, the present pastor, the Rev. George W. Leem- ing, received his appointment. As there was no church at his disposal he was granted the use of a class room in the village public school for Sunday services. Shortly after Father Leeming's arrival he and his parishioners resolved to change the location of the intended church, as the site bought in 1887 was considered unsuitable. Father Leeming, having obtained Bishop Gilmour's consent, bought a tract of land fronting on Wilson avenue. The purchase was made in November, 1888, for the sum of $1,500, although the deed was not given until January, 1889. Here the
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present frame church, 32 by 70 feet, was speedily erected, and used in its unfinished state for the first time on Christmas morning, 1888. In the following January the church was completed, a spacious gallery erected and pews supplied for the accommodation of 300 people. The church cost about $4,000. During the year a frame pastoral residence was added to the rear of the church at a cost of about $3,000, and was paid for when completed ; it fronts on Quarry street.
In 1892 Father Leeming bought the Haselton public school, a frame building consisting of three class rooms and a large hall, 32 by 80 feet, with a fine basement of the same dimensions. The structure will serve the purposes of a school admirably when that necessary adjunct to the future welfare of the parish is once established which, for lack of means, it has been found impossible thus far to do.
In the years 1899 and 1900 a number of improvements were added to the property. The church was removed from its first location 60 feet eastward, and placed upon a substantial basement in which is located the heating apparatus. The vacant part of the church land was also graded and made quite attractive as a lawn. The church and house are heated and lighted by means of natural gas. The sanctuary has also been re-decorated, and supplied with a neat outfit of altar ornaments. The church has been enriched by a number of stained glass windows; most of them were donated, as was also the main altar. These and other improvements that might be mentioned, evidence the generosity and religious earnest- ness of the congregation, which numbers about 65 families.
YOUNGSTOWN.
ST. ANN'S CHURCH.
In September, 1860, Bishop Rappe authorized the formation of a congregation at Brier Hill, then a suburb, but since April, 1889, a part of Youngstown. Up to that time the Catholics residing at and in the immediate neighborhood of Brier Hill were identified with St. Columba's parish, at Youngstown. In Septem- ber, 1869, the Rev. E. J. Murphy was appointed the first resident pastor of Brier Hill. In the following month he secured by land contract a lot fronting on Federal street ; the purchase price was
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ST. ANN'S CHURCH, SCHOOL, AND PASTORAL RESIDENCE, YOUNGSTOWN.
689
IN THE DIOCESE OF CLEVELAND.
$1,000. For the sum of $700 Father Murphy bought a franie building, which was formerly used as a store. He had it moved on the lot, and fitted up as a temporary place of worship, and as a school. In September, 1870, he bought on the same street, for the sum of $1,550, an additional lot : the frame house on it he made his residence. He was succeeded in October, 1870, by the Rev. Patrick McCaffrey. In 1871 Father McCaffrey built the first church, a plain frame structure, 45 by 65 feet, at a cost of about $3,000. It was dedicated to St. Ann, but there is no record when or by whom the ceremony was performed. Owing to ill health Father McCaffrey was obliged to resign his charge in April. 1872. His successor was the Rev. F. J. Henry, who, in spite of the finan- cial depression following the "Black Friday" panic of 1873, reduced the debt contracted by his predecessor. Father Henry was succeeded in July, 1876, by the Rev. Francis McGovern, who added a number of improvements to the church property during his pastorate, which ended with his death on August 28, 1887. St. Ann's congregation was then attended from Hubbard until the following December, when the present incumbent, the Rev. J. P. Barry, received his appointment as pastor. In 1888 Father Barry built a frame parish house at an expense of about $2,300. He also remodeled and enlarged the frame school; it had been erected in 1872, and placed in charge of the Sisters of the Humility of Mary. They were succeeded in September, 1888, by the Ursuline Sisters, who have taught the parish school since that time. It has an attendance at present of about 225 pupils.
The location of the church having proved undesirable, chiefly for the reason that most of the members of St. Ann's lived too far distant from the church, Father Barry obtained the necessary permission in 1892 to secure another location better suited to the wants of the people. This he did in March of that year, by pur- chasing four lots, with a frontage of 200 feet on Federal street, and 142 feet on Jefferson street, and about one mile south of the original parish property; the lots cost $3,900. In April, 1893. the foundation of the present church on the new site was com- menced. Mgr. F. M. Boff, V.G., laid the cornerstone on July 30. following. Owing, however, to lack of means in consequence of the financial panic of 1893, which also seriously affected Youngs- town, the building progressed very slowly. Thus far only the
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interior of the fine basement is finished; it was used for the first time on April 25, 1897. The church is a brick structure, trimmed with sand-stone. Its length is 128 feet, and its width 60 feet. It has two towers in keeping with the Norman architecture of the church; their respective height is 150 and 115 feet. When com- pleted interiorly the church, with its furnishings, will have cost upwards of $40,000. Much of this sum is still a debt on the parish, but is being steadily reduced.
In 1898 Father Barry built a two-story school and a neat pastoral residence. Both are frame buildings and stand near the church ; the former cost $2,400, and the latter $3,500.
In 1898 the old church and the lot on which it stands were sold to the Italians who were organized in that year under the patronage of St. Anthony of Padua. In 1899 the balance of the former property was also sold, the proceeds from both sales amounting to nearly $6,000.
The parish now numbers about 225 families, all dependent on the iron industry of Youngstown.
YOUNGSTOWN.
ST. ANTHONY'S (ITALIAN) CHURCH.
Prior to 1898 the Italians in Youngstown, numbering at that time about 100 families, attended divine service at St. Ann's and St. Columba's churches. They were visited about five or six times a year by the Rev. P. Capitani, of St. Anthony's church, Cleveland, and occasionally also by other priests of their own nationality. In May, 1898, the present incumbent, the Rev. Anthony Petillo, was appointed their first resident pastor. In June of that year he bought, for the sum of $2,500, the former church of St. Ann's parish. He remodeled and beautified the interior of the church, and secured three new altars, Stations, statuary, and a fair supply of vestments, etc.
The parish has a membership of about 150 families and is steadily increasing.
For lack of means it has not been found possible thus far to organize a parochial school.
ST. COLUMBA'S CHURCH, YOUNGSTOWN.
691
IN THE DIOCESE OF CLEVELAND.
YOUNGSTOWN.
ST. COLUMBA'S CHURCH.
The early history of St. Columba's church is identified with the origin and development of Catholicity in Youngstown, as it was the first Catholic church built in that busy and bustling city. Long before Mahoning county was formed (in March, 1846, out of parts of Trumbull and Columbiana counties), missionary priests visited the scattered Catholic families in that vicinity. The first priest to minister to them was the Dominican Father, Thomas H. Martin, who came some time in 1826. He was then stationed at the Dominican Convent, near Somerset, Perry county, and covered the entire distance, about 125 miles, on horseback. Other Dominicans from the same place, and from Dungannon, followed at long intervals, between 1830 and 1840. Among these were the Revs. John H. M. McGrady, V. De Raymacher, A. Fahey, N. D. Young and E. P. Montgomery. The Very Rev. E. T. Collins, of Cincinnati, came once in 1834; the Rev. James Conlan, of Steubenville, once or twice in 1835. For many years these priests said Mass in private houses, principally in the homes of Daniel Sheehy, William Woods and Neal Campbell-pioneers of Catholicity in the Mahoning Valley. From 1840 to 1847 Youngs- town was regularly attended as a Station, by the Rev. James Conlan, resident pastor of Dungannon. Between 1847 and 1858 the following priests paid periodical visits : The Revs. M. Howard, of Cleveland, until January, 1848; James Moran, of Dungannon. 1848-49 ; J. Ringele, C.PP.S., of Randolph, 1850-51; F. McGann, of St. Vincent's, Akron, 1851-52; William O'Connor, of Dun- gannon, a few months in 1853; F. Stroker, of Summitville, 1853-54; P. Flum, of Dungannon, 1855-56; and M. Prendergast, of Summitville, 1856-58. In July, 1858, the Rev. William O'Connor was appointed the first resident pastor of Youngstown. The small frame church then in use was commenced by Father McGann, in 1851, but owing to the poverty of the few Catholics then at Youngstown, it was not brought to completion until 1853. It stood at the corner of Wood and Hazel streets. From Youngs- town Father O'Connor also attended a number of Missions and Stations, and by his zeal and earnestness endeared himself to all
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who were under his pastoral care. He resigned his pastorate in May, 1861, and joined the Redemptorists, of which Society he was a valued member until his death at Boston, Mass., September 9, 1899. His successor was the Rev. E. M. O'Callaghan, who was pastor of St. Columba's parish from May, 1861, until January, 1871. For some years before his advent in Youngstown the congregation had far outgrown its little frame church. Father O'Callaghan was therefore compelled to provide larger as well as better church accommodations. He chose the site of the first church as that of the second, for the erection of which he at once began to raise funds. The new church was commenced in the spring of 1863 and used for the first time, with its interior still unfinished, in the summer of 1864, and has been used ever since. It is a brick structure, 135 feet in length, by 50 feet in width, and of Gothic architecture. The belfry tower is 104 feet high. There is no record of the cost of the church, but judging from its size and solidity, $30,000 seems a very low estimate. Certainly, what- ever its cost, it required much generous giving on the part of the laity and prudent management on the part of the pastor to defray the expense of such a structure in those days. Father O'Callaghan lived in a rented house for some years. Later on he bought a lot on West Wood street. nearly opposite the church, and moved on it the old frame church which he fitted up for his residence.
The parish school was established in 1860 by Father O'Connor and was taught by lay teachers. These were replaced in September, 1868, by the Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Mary. They remained in charge until June, 1871, when lay teachers were again employed, until 1876. In September, 1864. the school was transferred from the old frame building, erected by Father O'Connor, to the basement of the newly erected church. But, as the parish grew in numbers, ampler quarters for school purposes became necessary. Father O'Callaghan therefore bought a large lot at the corner of West Rayen avenue and Elm street, and commenced on it the present two-story brick school. Before completing it he went to Rome* in the spring of 1870 and was absent some months. During part of that time the Rev. E. J. Murphy had temporary charge of the parish. On Father
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(*) See p. 91, this volume.
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IN THE DIOCESE OF CLEVELAND.
O'Callaghan's return he continued his pastoral charge until August, 1871, when he was succeeded by the Rev. W. J. Gibbons, who completed the school. With its furnishings it cost about $30,000. The Rev. P. H. Brown was appointed successor to Father Gibbons in August, 1872. Father Brown gave the Ursu- line Sisters charge of the school, in 1876, and they have ably conducted it ever since. At present about 850 children are in attendance and are taught by 14 Sisters.
In the fall of 1876 Father Brown was stricken with paralysis which rendered him unable to perform any pastoral duties; these had to be attended to by his assistants. He resigned in July, 1877. and some months later was taken to Charity Hospital where he died on September 26. 187S. The Rev. Edward Mears succeeded him in the pastorate of St. Columba's church in July, 1877. He found a debt of $40.000 burdening the parish, and much of it dating back to 1871, when the school was built. Father Mears made every effort to pay off the debt and in doing so he was most generously supported by his parishioners. The result was that at the close of the year 1881 the entire debt was cancelled. The large increase of population that came to Youngstown, after it had recovered from the effects of the dark and dreary days of the financial panic of 1873. brought also many English-speaking Catholics. This fact soon made the formation of a new parish a necessity, as St. Columba's church could not accommodate them all, nor was it conveniently located for many of the new arrivals, who had settled in the eastern part of the city. With Bishop Gilmour's approval, therefore, the Immaculate Conception parish was organized in 1882. St. Columba's parish paid for the church lot, besides giving $5,000 towards paying for the erection of the new church.
By city ordinance Lawrence street was extended in 1882 ; the extension ran through the center of St. Columba's parish ceme- tery, which by that time had become nearly filled with interments. In the Diocesan Synod of 1882 it was decreed that whenever a new cemetery was thereafter bought in any place having more than one church, it should be for the use of all parishes in such place .- After some delay, caused by want of agreement on the part of those concerned regarding the location of a "Union ceme- tery" for Youngstown, Father Mears bought, for the sum of
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$6,000, 20 acres of land for that purpose in July, 1884. Six years later he purchased at a cost of $1,700 the 10-acre tract adjoining the 20 acres. He graded and put it in proper condition for burial purposes, and named it "Calvary Cemetery." It was blessed by the Rt. Rev. Mgr. F. M. Boff, V. G., the first part in 1885 and the second in the fall of 1890 .*
In May, 1886, the foundation of the present handsome brick rectory was commenced. The building was completed in January, 1887, and cost about $12,000. It replaced the old weather-worn frame structure mentioned elsewhere in this sketch.
For a long time it had become a matter of grave concern to the pastor and people that the children of the south side of the city were forced to cross so many railroad tracks on their way to school. As this danger was steadily increasing with each additional track laid, steps were taken as soon as possible to erect a school on the South Side. Therefore, in the spring of 1887 Father Mears bought four lots at a cost of $2,600, and by Septem- ber of the following year a commodious six-room frame school was ready for occupancy ; it cost about $3,000.
In July, 1887, a lot adjoining the pastoral residence at the corner of Wood and Elm streets was bought for $6,000, as a site for the future church. This additional lot gave a frontage of 150 feet for church and pastoral residence.
After paying off the debts for the improvements made and for the lots purchased in 1893, the new church was commenced in April of that year. Everything looked bright and promising for the great work in hand, but in the following July the disastrous effects of the financial panic struck Youngstown, as it did the entire country. The rolling mills were shut down and all other dependent industries in the city were brought to a standstill, and years of great distress followed. Work on the new church had. of course, to be stopped, but not until the walls were raised high enough to make a very commodious hall of the basement. In order the better to preserve the walls, and to afford a meeting place for all purposes of the congregation, money was borrowed in 1894 and a solid temporary roof was placed over the walls. This gave a large hall which was used for six years, many of the
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