"St. Johns congregation was organized in 1841. At that time, few families comprised the membership of the Catholic church of this city. They had no building to worship in and met at the homes of the members. The records show that mass was held at the residence of Frank Weisenberger and at Mr. Fitzpatrick's and Mr. Colwell's.
Father Rappe was the priest and was a zealous teacher. As St. John's church flourished, so did Rev. Rappe and he was later made First Bishop of the Diocese of Cleveland. In 1845, Rev. Rappe concluded the congregation had grown sufficiently large to feel the need of a place of worship and the first church, a wooden structure, was built and did duty for a number of years. This building still stands on Fifth street near the present church and is at present, used as a school building.
The building was regarded as a fine one in those days and the members were proud of it indeed. The congregation when organized, comprised the following: The families of Frank Weisenberger and Mr. Fitzpatrick, Adam Wilhelm, Joseph Grossell, Joseph and Michael Decker, two young men by the names of Downs and Colwell, Miss Barbara Eckhart and two servant girls whose names do not appear.
Father Rappe was succeeded by Father DeGroesbriant in 1847 and his pastorate continued until 1849. Father Foley was the next pastor coming from Toledo. After him came Father Sonner in 1850, and he was succeeded by Father Filliere, who resided here. Defiance was then made the center of a mission having a resident priest. The congregation then numbered 15 families and the city had 850 inhabitants.
Father Filliere remained here until 1852 when the records show the Wabash railroad was built. From 1852 to 1855, the Fathers of the Priests of Precious Blood, of Minster, Auglaize county, attended. On June 5th, 1855, a priest was once more sent here in the person of Father Westerholt, who resided here.
The congregation increased rapidly and soon the church was deemed too small to meet the requirements and the matter of building a new one was discussed and met with favor. In 1856, the present brick building was built in which the congregation has worshipped since. Father Westerholt stayed until June, 1858. At that time, the congregation numbered 50 families and was in a flourishing condition.
Father Hoeffel assumed the duties of priest and had charge until January, 1868, when he went to Delphos. Rev. Rudolph came next and he remained pastor until August, 1869, on which date Father Viere succeeded him.
In 1870, the Sisters of St. Agnes came and established a school, organized it and took charge and it is still being conducted by the Sisters.
1873 marked an important era in the history of the church when the membership was divided into two congregations, the German and the English. Father Mazarette was the pastor for the English congregation.
In 1873, the priest residence was built and is now in use. In September, 1878, Father J. B. Jung relieved Father Viere and was succeeded by Father Gloden, the present pastor in November 1891. Father Jung was in delicate health for some time before he resigned and visited his old home in Switzerland with a view of becoming stronger. He returned and appeared some better for a time, but decided to again visit the continent. He sailed in October 1891, bidding farewell to the members of his charge and they never more beheld the loved face of their pastor. He died in Switzerland, the home of his birth, in December of the same year.
St. John's congregation now numbers 138 families and is one of the largest in this section."
According to the newspapers, these pioneer members of the congregation of 1845 were still living in 1895: Adam Wilhelm, Joseph Grosell and wife, Mrs. Elizabeth Eck, G. M. Weisenberger and wife, John Crowe, Mrs. Joseph Haller and Mrs. Eliza Ausberry.
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