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 8
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Kansas is attended monthly from Millersville by the Rev. Michael Dechant. At present only thirteen families belong to the Mission, which is without any prospective growth.
KELLEY'S ISLAND, ERIE COUNTY. ST. MICHAEL'S CHURCH.
Until 1867 the Catholics of Kelley's Island, the largest of a group, formerly called the "Isles of the Apostles," were attended from Sandusky, Port Clinton, and again from Sandusky. The Rev. Louis Molon, pastor of Holy Angels' church, Sandusky, was the first priest to take charge (July to September, 1861) of Kelley's Island, as a Station. His successor (September, 1861, to June, 1865) was the Rev. George A. Verlet, pastor of Port Clinton. The Revs. A. Herbstritt and N. Moes, of Sandusky, also occasion- ally attended Kelley's Island between 1863 and 1864.
In 1863 a plain but neat little stone church was erected on a lot donated by Henry Lange, who generously aided Father Verlet in organizing a congregation on Kelley's Island. Father Verlet was succeeded, in May, 1865, by the Rev. Charles Kuemin, as first resident pastor. He administered to the spiritual wants of the few Catholics of the Island and of Put-in Bay, until May, 1867, when the Rev. Nicholas A. Moes, present Rector of the Diocesan Sem- inary, was appointed his successor. Assisted by his parishioners, who were few, but generous according to their limited means, Father Moes paid off the debt contracted in building the church. He also purchased a one-acre lot on which he erected a commo- dious frame pastoral residence. Father Moes was succeeded in
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December, 1868, by the Rev. John Köhn, who, however, owing to ill health, remained only two months.
Following is a list of the priests who have had pastoral charge since the departure of Father Kohn: The Revs. Charles Wardy. March, 1869, to September. 1874; Henry Dörner, September, 1874, to March, 1875; Francis Metternich, April, 1875, to October, 1876; E. M. W. Hills, November, 1876, to October, 1878; William J. Finucan, November, 1878, to July, 1880; John B. Mertes, July, 1880, to May, 1885; John T. O'Connell, July, 1885, to January, 1887; Charles Reichlin, January, 1887, to December, 1895; Albert Andlauer, January, 1896, to September, 1898; John Baumgartner, September, 1898, to January, 1900; and the present pastor, the Rev. John P. Schondorff, since Jan- uary, 1900.
In order to withdraw the children of the parish from the influence of a neo-pagan education, as afforded by the public school system, Father Wardy organized a parochial school in the church, in which it was continued for want of a more suitable place, until the advent of Father Metternich, when the present frame school building was erected. In this work he was assisted not only by the parishioners, but also by a number of their broad minded Protestant fellow citizens. Owing to unfavorable cir- cumstances the school was closed from June, 1877, to September. 1879, when it was reopened. It has continued since then, and is taught by lay teachers. The average attendance is now about sixty children.
In 1883, during the pastorate of Fathe.' Mertes, the church was greatly improved and beautified at an expense of about $1,000; in fact it became practically a new church, and as such was dedicated by the V. Rev. Vicar General Boff on Sunday, August 26, of the same year. In 1891 Father Reichlin added new pews and floor, and in the following year he had a heating appar- atus installed, which was replaced, however, in 1900, by another of more modern construction. All the parish buildings are in excellent condition and without debt.
The congregation, which numbers now about sixty-five fam- ilies, is composed of Irish, Germans, Slavonians and Hungarians, most of whom depend upon the limestone quarries for their sup-
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port. A few of the more wealthy members are engaged in grow- ing grapes, and in the manufacture and sale of wine, for which Kelley's Island is noted.
For more than ordinary generosity towards the church the following members of the parish deserve special mention: Henry Lange, Charles Seeholzer and George Reiter.
In concluding this sketch, it may interest the reader to know that although Kelley's Island is a most charming spot during the summer months and early fall, and, as such, sought by many vis- itors, it is bleak, lonesome and dreary during the long winter sea- son ; for its rocky shores are either constantly lashed by the angry waves of Lake Erie, or it is held in fetters by the Ice King. Com- munication with the mainland, at Marblehead, or Sandusky, is then either entirely cut off, or most difficult to make, owing to the high seas or broken ice. It is then that no one envies the "Island dwellers," who for weeks are cut off from the outer world.
KENT, PORTAGE COUNTY. ST. PATRICK'S CHURCH.
Franklin, now known as Kent, was laid out in 1836, by the Franklin Land Company, and enjoyed a brief period of pros- perity under the auspices of the Franklin Silk Company. The subsequent failure of the latter company dampened the energies of the town, which remained inactive for at least twenty-five years. It was not until the completion of the Atlantic & Great Western railroad (now owned by the Erie railway), in March, 1863, that Kent received new vigor. About one year previous to this time a number of Catholic Irish and Germans settled in Kent. They were visited for the first time in the spring of 1862, by the Rev. Patrick H. Brown, then stationed at .Hudson. He said Mass in the house of John Fiedler, one of the first Catholic settlers in Kent. As the railroad neared completion the Catholic population of Kent steadily increased, so that larger and better accommodations were required than private houses could afford. Hence Father Brown applied for permission to the village authorities for the use of the Town Hall, which they cheerfully granted him. Meanwhile lie was transferred from Hudson to Ravenna, but continued to attend
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ST. PATRICK'S CHURCH AND PASTORAL RESIDENCE, KENT,
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IN THE DIOCESE OF CLEVELAND.
Kent, until July, 1872. In July, 1866, he commenced to collect funds for the erection of a church. In this project he was gener- ously assisted by Marvin Kent, a non-Catholic, who gave two lots, in March, 1867, for a church site, besides making a liberal dona- tion in money for the same purpose. On the last Sunday in July, 1867, the cornerstone of the church was blessed and laid by the V. Rev. Vicar General Boff. High Mass was celebrated on the occasion, under a wide spreading beech tree in Mr. Kent's grove, a few hundred yards east of the church site; Father Brown was the celebrant. He also celebrated Mass in the new church for the first time on Christmas, 1867. It was dedicated by Bishop Gilmour, and placed under the protection of St. Patrick, on Sun- day, June 15, 1872. The church is an attractive brick structure, 50 x 100 feet, and cost about $5,000.
The following are deserving of special mention for having aided Father Brown in building the church and for their liberal subscriptions: Marcus Monaghan (now of Cleveland), John Moore, John Fiedler, Bernard Wissel, John Sheridan, Thomas and James Smith, Patrick and James Blyh, Peter Mulcahey, Charles Tierney, John Book, Michael Pearse and Patrick Fitz- patrick.
In the latter part of July, 1872, the Rev. Walter J. Gibbons succeeded Father Brown at Ravenna and Kent, and remained in charge until August, 1874. Until October of the latter year Kent was without priestly attendance; at least there is no record of such attendance. The Rev. John P. Carroll was the next priest in charge of the Mission-from October, 1874, until March, 1876. Then for nearly two months, the Rev. A. Paganini, of Hudson, attended Kent. He was succeeded by the Rev. J. D. Bowles, who attended Kent from Ravenna, until July, 1878, when the Rev. Francis J. O'Neill was appointed first resident pastor of Kent, and remained in charge for two years. He was succeeded in July, 1880, by the Rev. James Malloy, whose pastorate ended in August, 1881. Kent was then again attached to Ravenna as a Mission and attended by the Rev. Louis Braire, until June, 1883, when he was appointed resident pastor. Father Braire remained at Kent until February, 1884. Then, for one year, the Rev. J. T. Cahill, pastor of Ravenna, had also charge of Kent as a Mission. In February,
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1885, the Rev. George Leeming was appointed to the pastorate of Kent, which charge he retained until September, 1888, when he was succeeded by the present pastor, the Rev. Ambrose Graham.
Father Bowles had the church neatly frescoed, new altars placed in the sanctuary, and a much needed vestry built. He also bought the present school lot, in December, 1877.
During the pastorate of Father Malloy a one-story frame school house, containing two large rooms, was erected. The school was opened by Father Braire, on September 10, 1881, and placed in charge of two lay teachers. The cost of the school building and necessary outfit, as also of the school lots and improvements in and about the church and school grounds, amounted to about $1,800.
In September, 1886, Father Leeming engaged three Sisters of the Humility of Mary as teachers. During the summer of that year he had a frame house built for their residence: it stands next to the school house. Since September, 1893, two Dominican Sisters have had charge of the school; its present enrollment is about 100 children.
In 1892 Father Graham had the exterior and interior of the church completed and tastily renovated; also a heating apparatus installed-all at an expense of about $1,000. In March, 1899, he bought two lots, at the corner of Portage and Depuyster streets ; they cost $800. During the summer and fall of the same year he built on these lots the present very neat frame pastoral residence, at an expense of $4,200. All the parish buildings front on Portage street, and present an attractive appearance.
The cemetery, bought in September, 1872, covers a four-acre tract of land, and is located in the suburbs of Kent. Father Graham had it platted, and ornamented with a liberal supply of trees and shrubs. It is kept in excellent condition, and is the just pride of the parish.
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ST. MARY'S CHURCH (1st and 2nd), KIRBY.
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KIRBY, WYANDOT COUNTY. ST. MARY'S CHURCH.
The first priest to visit the Catholics settlers of Kirby, and to minister to their spiritual wants, was the Rev. Patrick Henne- berry, C. PP. S., of New Riegel-from 1860 until 1864. He said Mass in private houses, for nearly three years. In 1863 Mr. J. Ensminger kindly allowed the gratuitous use of a vacant store as a temporary place of worship. In March, 1864, Mr. George T. Frees, a well-disposed Protestant, donated to the Catholics of Kirby, through Bishop Rappe, six lots, bounded by Main, Church and Jackson streets, on condition that the Bishop agree "to erect, or cause to be erected, on said premises, a church within one year after date of deed;" the condition was gladly accepted. In the summer of 1864, under the direction of Father Henneberry, and with the generous assistance of his councilmen, N. Noel, J. Ens- minger, and J. Bremyer, a frame church, 35 x 50 feet, fronting on Main street, was begun and enclosed. Father Henneberry was succeeded in August, 1864, by the Rev. Henry Drees, C. PP. S., also of New Riegel; he attended Kirby until August, 1865. Owing to want of means, the church was not completed until the latter part of 1865, under the supervision of the Rev. A. Spierings, pastor of Upper Sandusky ; the church cost $2,000. Mr. George Thiel, one of the councilmen, was instrumental in collecting from neighboring parishes' the funds necessary to complete the church. It was not dedicated however until June 14, 1873, Bishop Gilmour performing the ceremony.
Kirby was attended as a Mission, from Upper Sandusky, until 1874, and from Bucyrus, 1874-1875. In the spring of 1875 a frame pastoral residence was built, at a cost of $1,000, by the Rev. D. Zinsmayer, of Bucyrus, at that time in charge of the Mission.
In July, 1875, the Rev. Joseph Rosenberg was appointed first resident pastor of Kirby. He enlarged the seating capacity of the little church by adding a sanctuary and sacristy; he also built the spire, thus completing the exterior of the church.
For several years, "in season and out of season," Father Rosenberg made every effort to establish a parochial school, and
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urged on his people the necessity of this essential adjunct to a parish for its future Catholic growth and vigor. Finally he suc- ceeded in commencing the building, but before he could complete it he was assigned to another field of labor, in July, 1880. His successor, the Rev. John G. Mizer, finished the school. It was opened in September, 1880, with an attendance of 60 children, in charge of a lay teacher, and has since continued without inter- ruption.
In April, 1882, Father Mizer bought nearly three acres of land, outside of the village, for a cemetery, thus ending the use of the burying ground in the rear of the church. In October, 1888, Mr. Paul Bricker, one of the parishioners, donated three lots, immediately north of the original parish property, to be used eventually as the site for a new church, for which Father Mizer had bought most of the building material, as also secured plans from a competent architect for its construction.
Father Mizer was succeeded in January, 1890, by the present pastor, the Rev. Francis L. Hultgen, who at once took measures towards building the church which had been contemplated dur- ing his predecessor's pastorate. The foundation was commenced in April, and the cornerstone was laid on June 15, of the same year, by Mgr. Boff, V. G. The building was enclosed by the following December. The church was completed in the early fall of 1891, and dedicated by Mgr. Boff, on Sunday, November 22, of that year. It cost $3,000, exclusive of its furnishings, and ranks with the numerous beautiful country churches in the diocese ; for beauty of design it would grace any city. The church is built of brick, generously trimmed with sand stone. Its architecture is Roman and its dimensions are : width, 56 feet ; length, 104 feet. Fine stained glass windows, and frescoing, of artistic design, and an array of statuary combine to give its interior a most pleasing effect. It goes without saying, that "dedication day" was one of great joy for Father Hultgen and his people, who assisted him in erecting so beautiful a temple to Almighty God. Throughout the entire building period there was perfect accord between pastor and parishioners, and his appeals for financial aid, in prosecuting the work, met with a quick and generous response, so that when the .church was dedicated only a comparatively small debt
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IN THE DIOCESE OF CLEVELAND.
remained, which has long since been paid. At that time the parish (composed mostly of Luxemburgers, or their descendants) numbered about 75 families, which is the present number.
In 1892 Father Hultgen had the school house moved to the rear of the old church and the sacristy changed into an additional school room, thus providing for the increased enrollment of pupils. In 1897 he had the old church fitted up for a parish hall, which purpose it serves admirably.
LANDECK, ALLEN COUNTY. ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST'S CHURCH.
The parish at Landeck is an off-shoot of St. John's, Delphos. Its organization was authorized in 1867, by Bishop Rappe. who had been petitioned to that effect by about twenty families, (mostly Luxemburgers, formerly of New Riegel,) living some miles south of Delphos. In that year the Rev. F. Westerholt, pastor of Delphos, built the present frame church (40 x 60 feet) on a two- acre tract of land which had been donated by Simon Ley. When the church was completed in the fall of 1867, the Rev. Elias Maes- franx was appointed first resident pastor. His pastorate, however. was of short duration as he left Landeck and the diocese in April of the following year. The Rev. Charles Seltzer was appointed his successor in May, 1868, and remained in charge for two years. Since that time the following priests have been resident pastors of Landeck: The Revs. Fidelis Brehm, 1870-78; John B. Heiland, April, 1878, to January, 1893; Joseph Schwick, January, 1893, to September, 1894; and the present pastor, the Rev. Dominic Zinsmayer, since September, 1894.
During Father Seltzer's administration, a frame pastoral residence was built on a one-acre lot, donated by Joseph Schimol- ler, and Father Brehm built a teacher's residence on another tract of land given by John Schäffer. Part of the building also served as a school. On October 10, 1876. whilst Father Brehm was in Europe on a few months' leave of absence, the pastoral residence and all its contents, including the priest's library and a good supply of vestments, were entirely destroyed by fire. Shortly after his return he took measures to erect a new and more sub- stantial residence of brick; it was finished by July, 1877.
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In 1878 the church was enlarged by an addition of twenty feet. It was also re-roofed, plastered and frescoed. Two years later the exterior of the church was tidied up and repainted.
At present Father Zinsmayer is arranging for the erection of a fine brick church, to cost about $20,000, and hopes to see his plans executed within the next few years.
The children attend the Catholic district school, as is the custom, almost universal, in that part of the diocese.
The parish now numbers about 110 German families, nearly all belonging to the farming class, and well-to-do.
LAPORTE, LORAIN COUNTY. ST. JOHN'S MISSION CHURCH.
The Mission of Laporte,* which has long since ceased to exist, was located nearly three miles from Elyria, and about two miles from Grafton. It was organized about the year 1837 or 1838, when its first and only church, or chapel, a small and primitive frame structure, was built. It was the first Catholic place of worship erected in Lorain county. The Mission, com- posed of Irish and German farmers, was attended from Cleveland. by the respective pastors of old St. Mary's church, on the "Flats," and later by the curates at St. John's cathedral, until 1853. In May of that year. the Rev. M. Healy was appointed pastor of Elyria, and given charge of Laporte as one of his Missions. He enlarged the church by an addition of 26 feet. In 1859 Father Healy was succeeded at Elyria and Laporte by the Rev. R. A. Sidley, who remained in charge until 1863. By that time the Mission of Laporte had so decreased owing to affiliation of families with the congregations of Rawsonville (now known as Grafton). and Elyria, that Bishop Rappe thought it best to abandon it. The church was accordingly moved to Grafton, in 1865, under the direction of the Rev. Thomas F. Halley, then pastor of that place. He had the building placed on the south end of the present property of the Immaculate Conception parish, Grafton, where it was used as a temporary church for some years, and later as a school. The Laporte church lot was then changed into a cemetery.
*Page 48, this volume.
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IN THE DIOCESE OF CLEVELAND.
LA PRAIRIE, SANDUSKY COUNTY. IMMACULATE CONCEPTION MISSION CHURCH.
La Prairie,* located about eight miles from Port Clinton. is one of the oldest Missions in the diocese. It was settled by French-Canadians about 1822. The first priest to offer the Holy Sacrifice there. in one of the log cabins of the settlers, in 1823, was the Rev. Gabriel Richard, of Detroit, Mich., at that time visiting some of his parishioners who had moved to Fremont. The first place of worship of these pioneer Catholics was a log chapel; it was built in 1841, adjacent to the Sandusky river road. It served its sacred purpose for over twenty-five years. Bishop Purcell dedicated it to St. Philomena, in July, 1841.
La Prairie has been attended since 1840 from the following places : Sandusky, Holy Angels'; Toledo, St. Francis'; Fremont, St. Ann's; Norwalk, 1840-61; Port Clinton, 1861-80; Tous- saint, 1880-85; Oakharbor, 1885-91. About 1891 the Mis- sion had become so reduced in numbers that it was abandoned, the few families attending divine services either at Fremont or Port Clinton. In 1897 the Mission of La Prairie was revived, as meanwhile a few new families settled there. It was then attached to Big Ditch and has since been attended from that place by the Rev. J. Berthelot, who says Mass at La Prairie monthly. About fifteen families are now identified with the Mission.
In 1868 the present church, a frame structure, 30 x 45 feet, was built by the Rev. J. Köhn, pastor of Port Clinton. It is located on a small lot, about one mile south of the above men- tioned chapel. During 1898 Father Berthelot had the church put in good condition, restored the foundation, secured new pews, high altar and some statuary, and tidied up the church lot. The little church now presents a neat appearance and is without debt.
*The Church in Northern Ohio, pp. 274, 289, 300, 301.
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LATTY, PAULDING COUNTY. ST. FRANCIS DE SALES' MISSION CHURCH.
Latty is a village located at the intersection of the "Nickel Plate" and Cincinnati Northern railroads. The Rev. F. A. Schreiber, pastor of Antwerp, was the first priest to offer the Holy Sacrifice at Latty ; that was in 1889. He said Mass in private houses, at first, and subsequently in the Town Hall. Shortly after his first visit to Latty, Father Schreiber secured, in July, 1889, a lot, 190 x 200 feet, with a view to build a church. Mr. Francis Didier, a Catholic. of Ft. Wayne, Ind., bequeathed $1,000 towards the erection of a church. Donations of money, timber and stone followed, and work on a frame church, 30 x 70 feet, with an annex of 12 feet for a sacristy, progressed rapidly. Before the church was brought to completion Father Schreiber was succeeded, in August, 1890, by the Rev. E. P. Graham, who finished the church, and put in place the altar and Stations donated by St. Wendelin's congregation, Fostoria. The very neat church was dedicated to St. Francis de Sales by the Rt. Rev. Mgr. Boff, V. G., on Sunday, September 28, 1890; a very large number of people from Ft. Wayne, Fostoria and various sections of Paulding county witnessed the ceremony. The church cost about $3,000, of which sum about $1,100 remained due on dedication day. The debt was cancelled in 1993. during the pastorate of the Rev. J. P. McCloskey. He also bought a fine bell in the summer of 1892. The church was neatly frescoed during the summer of 1900.
Latty has been attended as a Mission from the following places : from Antwerp, 1889-92; and from Payne, beginning with April, 1892. Since June, 1898, the Rev. J. M. Paulus, resident pastor of Payne, has had charge of the Mission, which has now about 30 families.
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ST. PATRICK'S CIIURCH, PASTORAL
RESIDENCE AND SCHOOL, LEETONIA.
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IN THE DIOCESE OF CLEVELAND.
LEETONIA, COLUMBIANA COUNTY. ST. PATRICK'S CHURCH.
Leetonia, a thriving town, dependent on its coal mining and iron industries, was platted in 1866 by the Leetonia Coal and Iron Company, of which William Lee, a railroad contractor, was one of the incorporators, and from whom the village took its name. About ten years prior to this time some Catholics had settled here, having found employment in the adjacent coal mines. Their spiritual interests were looked after, monthly, or bi-monthly, on week days, by the resident pastors of Summitville, from 1856 to 1862, the Rev. Michael Prendergast being the first priest to visit them. They said Mass for them at Franklin Square, two miles from Leetonia. Between 1862 and 1864 they were attended from Louisville, by the Rev. F. C. Ludwig; and from Alliance, between 1864 and 1867, by the Rev. F. Moitrier, who was the first priest to say Mass in the town of Leetonia. In the latter year the Rev. M. Mulcahy, a Basilian, one of the professors at St. Louis' College, Louisville, was charged with the care of Leetonia. In October, 1868, he was succeeded by the Rev. E. W. J. Lindesmith, pastor of Alliance. Father Lindesmith was appointed the first resident pastor of Leetonia, in May, 1872, and remained till July, 1880. Mass was said in private houses until December, 1868. In the fall of that year Father Lindesmith built the first church, a frame building, 40 x 60 feet, on a lot that had been bought in October, 1867. The church was used for divine services for the first time on Christmas day, 1868. Its interior was finished in the following spring. The church, when completed, was entirely paid for. It was dedicated to St. Barbara, patroness of miners-the congregation, at that time, numbering about 65 families, being composed almost entirely of miners. During the pastorate of Father Lindesmith five more lots, each 60 x 220 feet, were bought, thus giving the entire property a frontage of 360 feet. The six lots cost $6,400. Their location on the north side of Main street is admirable. Father Lindesmith built the present frame pastoral residence in 1872. He also bought the beautiful cemetery now in use; it comprises nearly nine acres.
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