St. John Catholic Church and St. Mary Catholic Church, Defiance, Ohio

From the Defiance Democrat, July 26, 1894...an article describing the beautiful churches and cemeteries of Defiance, Ohio

ST. JOHN CATHOLIC CHURCH

The first Catholic services were held in Defiance in 1844 at the private residence of Timothy Fitzpatrick, when Father Rappe held mass and preached.  In 1850, Defiance was made the center of its mission district.  In the interval between 1844 and 1850, various pastors visited Defiance.  Father Folfere, who now took charge, was the first residing pastor and remained here for two years.

In 1845, a frame church was built and was called the St. John's Catholic church.  In 1852, the Fathers of the Most Precious Blood, from Minster, Auglaize county, took charge of the mission.  The Sisters of their order also came at that time to conduct a school.

In 1855, Father Westerholt became pastor and remained until June 1850 (error).  In 1858, a new brick church was built.  The old church was moved to the lot where it now stands and serves as a school house.  Father Hoeffel succeeded Father Westerholt.  In 1869, the congregation became so large that an assistant was necessary and Father Maloney shared the labors of Father Hoeffel. 

In 1870, the church was completed and the sanctuary and upper parts of the walls were ornamented with beautiful stucco work.  Handsome pews were placed in the church, a good bell was bought, as was also the fine pipe organ, which cost $1,000.  In 1869, Father Viers took charge of the congregation until 1878 when he was succeeded by Father Young.  Father Gloden is the present pastor.

The members of the St. John's Catholic church are now erected a new church. The new church is to be a magnificent edifice, very elegant in all its appointments.  The principal societies of the church are:

St. Bonifacius Mutual Aid society, Catholic Knights of Ohio, Christian Mothers' society, Young Ladies Sodality, The Dramatic Club.

St. John Catholic Church - Ohio Memory project

In 1873 the St. John's Catholic church, being no longer large enough to accommodate its congregation, it was decided to divide the church into a German and English speaking congregation. A new church was therefore built and was complete in 1876.  It stood on the corner of Jefferson and Arabella streets.  The new church was a handsome one. It had handsome pews, beautiful stained glass windows, the walls were beautifully frescoed and hung with the pictures of saints.  The cost of the church of $30,000.  In 1892, a handsome spire was erected at a cost of $3200.  Rev. P. P. Mazuret was appointed pastor in 1875. On the 4th of January, Rev. Father M. P. Kinkead succeeded Rev. Mazuret and is pastor at the present time.

In 1893 a new pipe organ was purchased for $2,500.  There are about 200 families in attendance at Our Lady of Perpetual Help church at the present time.  The principal societies and the average membership are: The Catholic Knights of Ohio and the Catholic Knights of America with about forty-eight members.  The Married Ladies' Society with a membership of about fifty.  Infant Jesus Sodality for children, about eighty members.  Ladies' Aid society about forty members.

The St. Mary's Catholic school was built in 1885 and is a good brick building. It was placed under the charge of the Dominican Sisters.  There are about 200 children in attendance at the present time." 

St Mary Catholic church - postcard circa 1910