The Catholic Telegraph Photography Project

Taking a Break

2010-06-01T08:19:00.001-04:00

I'm taking a break from posting for the summer, hoping to return in the fall with a slightly different format for the blog. I'll leave the blog up for now in case anyone wants to access the archives.

Thanks for your support, comments and kind emails during the past two years.

“Strange But True” by M.J. Murray

2010-05-31T08:00:00.000-04:00

Click the image to enlarge for easier reading.
(The Catholic Telegraph-Register, May 31, 1940)

“Strange But True” by M.J. Murray

2010-05-24T08:00:00.000-04:00

Click the image to enlarge for easier reading.
(The Catholic Telegraph-Register, May 24, 1940)

“Strange But True” by M.J. Murray

2010-05-17T08:00:00.000-04:00

Click the image to enlarge for easier reading.
(The Catholic Telegraph-Register, May 17, 1940)

“Strange But True” by M.J. Murray

2010-05-10T08:00:00.000-04:00

Click the image to enlarge for easier reading.
(The Catholic Telegraph-Register, May 10, 1940)

“Strange But True” by M.J. Murray

2010-05-03T08:00:00.000-04:00

Click the image to enlarge for easier reading.
(The Catholic Telegraph-Register, May 3, 1940)

Cradle of the Faith

2010-04-30T08:00:00.000-04:00

1968: “Father Adrian L. Dionne, O.P., prior of St. Joseph's Priory, near Somerset, looks at a replica of a log cabin church erected in the Ohio wilderness 150 years ago. It was the first Catholic church in the state. The replica was built by Marshal Fitzpatrick, Worthington.”

Pioneer Ohio Church Built By Settlers 150 Years Ago

“Ohio's first Catholic church, St. Joseph's near Somerset in Perry County, is celebrating its sesquicentennial.

“Catholicism came to the area that now is the State of Ohio long before the American Revolution, perhaps as early as 1650. In the century before the American colonists began their struggle for independence, Jesuit missionaries from France preached to the Indians in the wilderness between the Ohio River and Lake Erie. And in 1790, a Benedictine priest was a member of the short-lived settlement of French Catholics at Gallipolis. Those pioneers never built a church.

“It was in 1818 that Father Edward Dominic Fenwick, O.P., who several years later was to become first bishop of Cincinnati, blessed the first Catholic church in Ohio, St. Joseph's, a log cabin measuring only 22 feet by 18 feet and serving a group of six scattered families near Somerset.

“Father Fenwick, who also was the first Dominican provincial in America, had visited the area 10 years earlier. He had come in the name of Bishop John Carroll of the Baltimore diocese, the only diocese in the country at the time. For several years, Jacob Dittoe, a pioneer settler and a devout Catholic, had been writing to the bishop asking for the services of a priest and giving directions to the Catholic settlement. Father Fenwick offered Mass in Dittoe's cabin in 1808 after a long journey on horseback through the wilderness from his station in Kentucky.

“The Dittoe home later became Fenwick's base from which he made trips throughout Ohio and parts of Pennsylvania and MIchigan.

“Jacob Dittoe soon purchased 320 acres of land and deeded it to Father Fenwick as the site for a church and future priory. The church was completed by the settlers in 1818 while the priest was in Kentucky attending the ordination of his nephew, Father Nicholas Young. He and Father Young came to St. Joseph's together and settled in a log cabin that had been built as a companion piece to the new church.

“When Fenwick was made Bishop of Cincinnati in 1821, the burden of tending St. Joseph's parish, which then was expanding rapidly, fell on the shoulders of Father Young. The log cabin church was replaced by a second church in 1829. The present church was erected in 1843 and rebuilt after a fire in 1864.

“Some distinguished families in American history have been members of historic St. Joseph's parish, among them the Ewings, who figured prominently in 19th Century politics; the Sheridans and Shermans of Civil War fame; the Creighton family, whose name was taken by a Catholic university; and the Magruders, whose members achieved distinction in early U.S. journalism and medicine.

“A history of the Perry County church, Cradle of Faith in Ohio, written by Father R.E. Brennan, O.P., was published in booklet form in 1963.” (See The Catholic Telegraph, April 25, 1968)

Catholic Convalescent Home is Established

2010-04-28T08:00:00.000-04:00

1944: “Establishment of a Catholic convalescent home in Westwood, Cincinnati, has been made possible by a gift to the Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati from Mrs. Hanna V. Feltes in memory of her husband, the late George H. Feltes. The gift made possible the purchase of the former Hope Haven, Glenmore Avenue, Westwood, as well as the necessary reconditioning of the buildings and their complete equipment for convalescent care.

“The reconditioning is about completed and the buildings will be ready for occupancy within the next 30 days. At that time the buildings, property and equipment will be transferred to the Sisters of St. Dominic of St. Mary's of the Springs, Columbus, who have been selected by the Most Rev. Archbishop John T. McNicholas to conduct the institution. The name of the home will be The St. George.

“In making the announcement the Catholic Charities declared that the convalescent home will supply a serious need for such an institution in Cincinnati. (See The Catholic Telegraph-Register, April 28, 1944)

Note: The picture shown here was taken from the rear of the property.

“Strange But True” by M.J. Murray

2010-04-26T08:00:00.000-04:00

Click the image to enlarge for easier reading.
(The Catholic Telegraph-Register, April 26, 1940)

Polish Parish to Mark 60 Years

2010-04-23T08:00:00.000-04:00

1963: “The 60th anniversary of the establishment of St. Adalbert's parish will be celebrated April 28.

“The parish was officially set up by Archbishop William H. Elder Jan. 5, 1903, when he appointed Father Boleslaus Strzelczok ‘to act as pastor of the Polish people of Dayton and vicinity.’ Previously to this time the Polish community was cared for by Polish speaking priests from Cincinnati and Toledo who held services in Our Lady of the Rosary and St. John's churches.

“Father Strzelczok resided at St. Elizabeth's hospital and held services for the Polish people at Emmanuel parish's school-chapel until the present parish building, containing a church hall, four classrooms, and the rectory, was dedicated by Archbishop Henry Moeller on April 30, 1905.

“When the Franciscan Sisters of Our Lady of Perpetual Help took over the school from the faculty of lay teachers in 1915, the rectory became the Sisters' convent and a new rectory was purchased across the street. A new rectory adjoining the church was constructed in 1958.” (See The Catholic Telegraph, April 26, 1963)

Priest-photographer captures ‘aspirations’ of Cincinnati area

2010-04-21T08:00:00.000-04:00

1984: “Cincinnati is an ‘aspiring’ town, says Jesuit Father Randall Ebelhar, the photographer-priest whose photographs of area towers have been reproduced on an art poster being sold to benefit the Jesuit Ministry Center at St. Francis Xavier Parish, downtown.

“The poster’s title, ‘Aspirations of Greater Cincinnati,’ is a play on the word ‘spire’ (the subject matter), as well as a reflection of the character of the city, the 33-year-old Owensboro, Ky., native philosophized.

“ ‘The title seemed appropriate. The towers (many, but not all, attached to churches) symbolized the hopes and dreams of the immigrants who built them,’ he told the Telegraph, adding that he discovered as he scoured the neighborhoods for spires that Cincinnatians remain very proud of their city.

“The towers of Cincinnati poster was an idea bandied about last summer by the staff at St. Xavier while Father Ebelhar visited the parish. He became an associate pastor at the parish in September and began hunting for photogenic towers several weeks later.

“From October until February the priest collected shots of 96 churches and other buildings during weekly forays on his day off or snatches of free time from his duties at the parish.

“Of the 38 photographs used in the poster 31 are (or were) church towers and two are from high schools (Mother of Mercy and Withrow). Others shown are the façade of the Isaac Wise Temple, the Mariemont Carillon, the clock tower of the U.S. Playing Card plant in Norwood and the tower atop the Cincinnati Correctional Institute, the Workhouse.

“And how did he happen to name the poster? Well, he mused, that was just an inspiration.” (See The Catholic Telegraph, April 6, 1984)

“Strange But True” by M.J. Murray

2010-04-19T08:00:00.000-04:00

Click the image to enlarge for easier reading.
(The Catholic Telegraph-Register, April 19, 1940)

Vicars of Christ on Earth

2010-04-16T08:00:00.001-04:00

1958: The Catholic Telegraph-Register printed a number of illustrated features during the 1940s and 1950s. This one, “Vicars of Christ on Earth — Prince of the Apostles,” was drawn by Leo Canavan of the Catholic Press Society. The series began with this drawing on October 10, 1958, and continued into the 1960s. Click the image to enlarge it.

Diamond Jubilee Fete Slated

2010-04-14T08:00:00.001-04:00

1942: “The 75th anniversary of the cornerstone laying of St. Mary's church [in Chillicothe] will be celebrated April 17.

“It was on Passion Sunday of 1867 that the cornerstone of the beautiful early Italian Gothic church, which still serves the parishioners, was blessed and placed by the Most Rev. Edward A. Purcell, Archbishop of Cincinnati. The pre-ceremony procession which escorted the Archbishop to the site was, according to the Catholic Telegraph of that time, ‘the largest assemblage seen in the streets since the Morgan raid’ in the Civil War.

“Admired by experts as an excellent example of early Italian Gothic architecture, and considered the best of its age, architecturally, in the archdiocese, St. Mary’s church is 66 by 150 feet, and has a 135-foot tower. Construction was begun in July of 1866, when the Rev. John Murray, later rector of Mt. St. Mary’s seminary and Vicar General of the archdiocese, was pastor. Archbishop Purcell solemnly dedicated the edifice on the Feast of the Assumption, 1869. On that occasion His Excellency presented to the parish a large oil painting of the Assumption, obtained in Europe, that still hangs on the north wall of the church.

“The present church property at the corner of Paint and Fourth streets was purchased in the pastorate of the Rev. T.J. Tierney in 1864 from the Sisters of Notre Dame, who had conducted on this site an academy since 1848.” (See The Catholic Telegraph-Register, April 10, 1942)

Note: Six counties and portions of four others in the Cincinnati archdiocese were transferred to the Columbus diocese by Pope Pius XII in November 1944. Sixteen Cincinnati priests, 11 parishes — including St. Mary Parish in Chillicothe, Ross County — and seven missions were affected by the transfer.

“Strange But True” by M.J. Murray

2010-04-12T08:00:00.000-04:00

Click the image to enlarge for easier reading.
(The Catholic Telegraph-Register, April 12, 1940)

Patience Rewarded

2010-04-07T08:00:00.001-04:00

1992: “After nearly a year of construction, St. Antoninus Parish in Western Hills opened its new church. On April 10, Archbishop Daniel E. Pilarczyk presided at a Mass to dedicate the building on the corner of Linneman Road and Julmar Drive. The new worship space replaces the basement church the parish had used since 1963.

The church’s worship area seats about 800 people in pews arranged on three sides of the altar. The ceiling rises slowly to skylights at a height of 40 feet. A separate chapel behind the sanctuary will be used for prayer groups and some weekday Masses.” (The Catholic Telegraph, May 1, 1992)

“Strange But True” by M.J. Murray

2010-04-05T08:00:00.000-04:00

Click the image to enlarge for easier reading.
(The Catholic Telegraph-Register, April 5, 1940)

Athenaeum Library Dedicated

2010-04-02T08:00:00.000-04:00

1982: “The opening celebration last weekend of the Athenaeum of Ohio in Cincinnati culminated in the dedication of the Father Eugene H. Maly Memorial Library, named after the late Scripture scholar associated with the Athenaeum for 30 years. On hand to represent the Maly family were (from left) Mrs. James Borgman, sister of the deceased Father Maly, and his brothers Harry and Robert.” (The Catholic Telegraph, April 2, 1982)

Young Artist

2010-03-31T08:00:00.001-04:00

1960: “Six months' work of a young artist at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, on his off-duty time, was presented to St. Helen's Church, Dayton, for display in the vestibule of the new church. In the picture above, Father James Krusling, pastor, is shown accepting the oil painting pf Pope John XXIII and Archbishop Karl J. Alter from the artist, Staff Sergeant David Addison, a member of St. Helen's Parish.

Sergeant Addison, assigned with the art section of the orientation group at WPAFB, the official display unit of the U.S. Air Force, painstakingly reproduced the faces and robes of the Pope and Archbishop from photographs.” (The Catholic Telegraph-Register, March 25, 1960)

“Strange But True” by M.J. Murray

2010-03-29T08:00:00.001-04:00

Click the image to enlarge for easier reading.
(The Catholic Telegraph-Register, March 29, 1940)

Local photographer documents spiritual treasures

2010-03-25T09:23:00.002-04:00

Photographer Russ Martin, AKA “Steeple Chaser,” is the subject of a profile in the current issue of The Catholic Telegraph. His photos of the churches of Shelby, Auglaize and Mercer counties and the Shrine of the Holy Relics are the subject of his blog www.crosstippedchurches.blogspot.com. His work will be on display during the month of April at the Amos Memorial Public Library in Sidney.

The Post Office

2010-03-24T08:00:00.000-04:00

1960: “The Post Office and how it operates is being learned by first graders at Holy Family School, Dayton, through specially designed instructional aids. Devised by Mrs. John Bowers, first grade teacher, and Miss Mary Seeger, student teacher from the University of Dayton, the ‘post office’ in the classroom helps the children learn not only about mailing procedures, stamps, parcel post, and what keeps the mailman busy, but also helps them with their arithmetic. By simulating the purchase of stamps and receiving change from the diminutive postal clerks, the children are getting acquainted with money and how to handle it. Models of the corner mailbox and the post office (shown here) are kept in the classroom and put to frequent use.” (The Catholic Telegraph-Register, March 25, 1960)

“Strange But True” by M.J. Murray

2010-03-22T08:00:00.000-04:00

Click the image to enlarge for easier reading.
(The Catholic Telegraph-Register, March 22, 1940)

In Case of Rain...Try a Transplant

2010-03-19T08:00:00.001-04:00

1982: “Bishop Daniel E. Pilarczyk and Father Angelo Caserta, pastor of St. Lawrence Parish, Cincinnati, outsmarted the weatherman March 19 when rain forced ground breaking ceremonies for the new parish hall and gymnasium to be held indoors. A little soggy earth was simply transplanted indoors and the symbolic ceremonies proceeded with local civic and religious leaders, parishioners, parish school children and friends of the parish looking on.” (The Catholic Telegraph, March 26, 1982)

The Great Saint Robbery

2010-03-17T08:00:00.000-04:00

1986: “Jack Flanigan, right, on Feb. 16 helped fellow-Hibernians hijack the statue of St. Patrick belonging to Holy Cross/Immaculata church in Mt. Adams. The Irish-Americans in Cincinnati have staged the heist for more than 15 years to get publicity for the annual St. Patrick's Day parade in Cincinnati.” (The Catholic Telegraph, February 21, 1986)

“Strange But True” by M.J. Murray

2010-03-15T08:00:00.000-04:00

Click the image to enlarge for easier reading.
(The Catholic Telegraph-Register, March 15, 1940)

Glynwood Parish Centenary

2010-03-12T08:00:00.000-05:00

1957: “The centenary of the celebration of the first Mass and the organization of St. Patrick’s Parish in Glynwood, then known as Six Mile, Auglaize County, will be marked March 17 — the feast of St. Patrick.

“The first Mass was offered by Father Patrick Henneberry, C.PP.S., for the original Irish settlers in the home of J.L. McFarland, a relative of Bishop E.P. McFarland of Hartford, Conn. Subsequent Masses were celebrated in the homes of John Cogan and a Mrs. O’Boyle. Prior to the organization of the parish of 13 families, priests from Piqua and from Petersburg, located between Botkins and Fryburg, made occasional visits to this section of Auglaize County.”

“Father Henneberry was appointed to organize the parish in 1857 and served the parish from the Precious Blood Mission in Minster. The first parish church, a small frame structure, was built by Father Henneberry in 1860. The land for the church and a small cemetery was donated by J.L. McFarland and was dedicated in 1861 under the patronage of St. Thomas.

“The name of the parish was changed from St. Thomas to St. Patrick in 1884 at the dedication of the present church edifice.

“The Precious Blood Fathers were in charge of the parish until 1876 when the first diocesan priest, Father Joseph Lutz, became the first resident pastor. The Sanguinists again assumed charge of the parish in 1880 and took care of the spiritual needs of the parishioners for the next 11 years. The diocesan clergy, beginning with Father John Singleton, had charge of the parish for the next 49 years, from 1891 to 1940. The Sanguinists again assumed the pastorate and are in charge today.

“The first baptism recorded in the parish was that of Sarah Briget Cogan in 1861. The first marriage on record was between James Cain and Rose Anne McFarland in 1873. Gravestone markers in the cemetery attest to burials as early as 1857 — but no parish records are on hand prior to 1873.” (See The Catholic Telegraph-Register, March 15, 1957)

Springfield Parish Launching Drive for $550,000 Improvement Fund

2010-03-10T08:00:00.001-05:00

1962: “[This] proposed church for St. Teresa's parish, Springfield, will be erected on corner property just north of the parish rectory on N. Limestone Street. The sketch shows the projected church structure and the present rectory. The exterior of the church will be of Indiana limestone and light brick, in harmony with other parish buildings. The church will accommodate 700 people at Mass.

“The parish was founded in February 1931, and the present church was completed the same year. The proposed building will be the first Catholic church structure to be erected in Springfield since the same parish erected its present church facilities more than 30 years ago.” (See The Catholic Telegraph, March 23, 1962)

“Strange But True” by M.J. Murray

2010-03-08T08:00:00.000-05:00

Click the image to enlarge for easier reading.
(The Catholic Telegraph-Register, March 8, 1940)

Proposed Fairborn Church

2010-03-05T08:00:00.001-05:00

1969: “A contemporary-style church to serve the more than 1,000 families of Mary Help of Christians parish, Fairborn, will be erected this year. The sketch here, prepared by Architect W.W. Wurst of Dayton, shows the proposed church, facing Maple Avenue. The rectory-administration center, seen in the background, was built several years ago.

“The history of Mary Help of Christians dates from the early 1860s, when a Father Mauclerc, a missionary priest of the Society of Mary, organized a congregation at Fairfield, one mile south of Osborn. He was succeeded by Father Carl H. Hahne, who in 1868 persuaded the Catholic communities of the two towns, Fairfield and Osborn, to build a parish church in the more thriving town of Osborn.

“Following the 1913 flood, the Miami Conservatory district, organized to establish flood control, condemned Osborn and proposed use of the area as a ‘retarding basin.’ The parish church was sold to the conservancy district for $6,000, but was rented and used through the building’s golden jubilee celebration in 1918, and into the early 1920s.

“When the town was finally relocated, parishioners purchased materials — foundation stones, brick and lumber — from the Osborn Removal company for $200 and began planning a new church. In June 1923, ground was broken for the new church and by December the $18,000 building was dedicated. (Since 1962, that building has been used as the Municipal Court building in Fairborn, the city formed from the two communities.)

“[In 1954] Father Robert Maher assumed the responsibility for expansion of parish facilities. He negotiated for and purchased the Layton farm on N. Maple Avenue and named a parish committee to conduct a fund drive. Ground was broken in September to build an eight-room school and church.” (See The Catholic Telegraph, March 6, 1969)

Church Near Completion

2010-03-03T08:00:00.001-05:00

1979: “Work is expected to be completed by late April on a new church for Holy Rosary parish, St. Marys, according to Father Leo A. Hoying, pastor. Dedication, with Archbishop Joseph L. Bernardin officiating, has been set for June 24.

“The new brick church will provide seating for 550 persons. Pews will be arranged in a semi-circle around the altar. Adjacent to this is an area that can be used for temporary seating or can be closed off for meeting space.

“A large basement has an expansive area to be used as a new school cafeteria or for large parish events. The basement also includes kitchen area, meeting and storage rooms.

“In the church there will be a spacious vestibule area that allows space for liturgical displays related to the seasons. The rooms for ushers and altar boys and the sacristy are near this vestibule. The arrangement makes it convenient for processions to the altar for Mass.

“Architect for the building project is Robert Holtmeyer, Cincinnati.

“The parish, founded in 1852, has approximately 750 families. The present church, to be demolished soon, dates from the Civil War period.” (See The Catholic Telegraph, March 16, 1979)

“Strange But True” by M.J. Murray

2010-03-01T08:00:00.000-05:00

Click the image to enlarge for easier reading.
(The Catholic Telegraph-Register, March 1, 1940)

Part of Renovation Work

2010-02-26T08:00:00.001-05:00

1948: The 90-year-old Immaculata Church, Mt. Adams, Cincinnati, is being renovated and redecorated, Father Kenny Lynch, C.P., pastor, reports. The picture shows a newly installed window in the form of a cross at the front of the church. Students of Immaculata Commercial high school and members of the Married Ladies' society of the parish are raising funds to finance the project. (The Catholic Telegraph-Register, February 27, 1948)

New Mercy Novitiate Begun

2010-02-24T08:00:00.000-05:00

1967: Ground was broken last week for the new novitiate of the Sisters of Mercy of the Cincinnati province on Grandview Avenue, adjacent to Our Lady of Cincinnati College and overlooking the Ohio River. John A. Burdick, architect wields the spade. With him are, from left, Bishop Edward A. McCarthy; Mother Mary Albert, Mother Provincial of the province; and Al Neyer, contractor. The new structure, which will accommodate 150 persons, will cost approximately $2,643,000 and will replace the present novitiate on Western Avenue (formerly Freeman Avenue) in Cincinnati. The building will have five floors on one side, where the ground is lower, and three on the other. Also taking part in the ceremonies were Lawrence S. Fitzgerald, chairman of the board of regents of the province, and John H. Rhude of the Sisters' central development staff, who was master of ceremonies. (The Catholic Telegraph, February 24, 1967)

“Strange But True” by M.J. Murray

2010-02-22T08:00:00.000-05:00

Click the image to enlarge for easier reading.
(The Catholic Telegraph-Register, February 23, 1940)

Sacred Labors

2010-02-19T08:00:00.001-05:00

1988: “Simple and inconspicuous, That’s how the Men of the Sacred Heart like to approach their work.

“So much so that they won’t allow their last names to be published in conjunction with the work they do to promote devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

“ ‘This is a private commitment’ is how 86-year-old Hank, the supervisor and founding coordinator, describes the quiet effort of this men’s group to spread their devotion. Yet, their ‘private’ exertions have affected the lives of at least 50,000 people since the Men of the Sacred Heart formed in Cincinnati in the early 1950s.

“Each Thursday, a dozen or more members — mostly retirees ranging in age from 65 to 86 — gather behind the closed doors of a small warehouse on Central Avenue in an industrial area of Cincinnati. A plain, hand-lettered sign ‘Men of the Sacred Heart’ tops the entrance to their offices. Inside, the men spend the day gluing, assembling and packaging framed plaques of the Sacred Heart and other devotional materials for distribution around the archdiocese and to eight missions.

“You may have benefited from the men’s labors without even realizing it. Approximately 5,000 of their Sacred Heart plaques are given each year to children making their First Communions.

“Enthronement is placing a picture of the Sacred Heart in a prominent place and making Jesus the ‘king’ of your life. It is a ‘way of life,’ not just the blessing of a plaque, the members stress.” (See The Catholic Telegraph, February 19, 1988)

A copy of a Marian Year poster is displayed by one member.

Landmark to be Razed

2010-02-17T08:00:00.001-05:00

1977: “A Catholic landmark in the Dayton area for generations, this old administration building of the Society of Mary's Cincinnati province, top photo, is due for demolition. The structure is part of the Bergamo complex and was long known as the central building at Mt. St. John, east of Dayton. High costs of renovation, heating problems made more severe by the energy crisis, and the declining need for space were cited as reasons for the decision to daze the building, erected in 1914.” (The Catholic Telegraph, February 18, 1977)

“Strange But True” by M.J. Murray

2010-02-15T08:00:00.000-05:00

Click the image to enlarge for easier reading.
(The Catholic Telegraph-Register, February 16, 1940)

Extensive Renovation

2010-02-12T07:40:00.001-05:00

1967: “Interior of Immaculate Conception Church, North Lewisburg, underwent extensive renovation in 1966. The interior of the 98-year-old building was repainted and the altar, tabernacle, and baptistry were rearranged. Pews and chandeliers from the old St. Mary's church in Urbana (where a new church was built in 1966) were installed. Father Jesse W. Lonsway is administrator of Immaculate Conception.” (The Catholic Telegraph, February 10, 1967)

Mass for China

2010-02-10T08:00:00.000-05:00

1959: “Mass for China, celebrated in St. Peter in Chains Cathedral last week by Bishop Rembert Kowalski, O.F.M., exiled Bishop of Wuchang, attracted the attendance of Chinese-Americans in the Cincinnati area. Shown here with the Bishop are, left to right, Gordon Ching of Xavier University; Florence Chen, Amy Chang and Doreen Cotton of Our Lady of Cincinnati College, and Anthony Chung-Bin of the University of Cincinnati.” (The Catholic Telegraph-Register, February 27, 1959)

“Strange But True” by M.J. Murray

2010-02-08T08:00:00.000-05:00

Click the image to enlarge for easier reading.
(The Catholic Telegraph-Register, February 9, 1940)

Friars Open Center for Information

2010-02-05T08:00:00.000-05:00

1948: “A Catholic information center and book shop have been established at 1618 Vine Street, Cincinnati, by the Franciscan Fathers of the Cincinnati Province. The center is opposite St. Francis’ monastery, provincial headquarters. It occupies a former corner store whose windows afford considerable display space.

“St. Francis Book Shop, which for 20 years had a small office in the St. Anthony Messenger building at 1615 Republic Street, has been transferred to the new information center.

“Located a few doors north of the intersection of Vine and Liberty streets in a densely populated section of downtown Cincinnati, the center is expected to attract the attention of many non-Catholics. Information classes and convert instructions have been begun ‘with excellent results.’

“ ‘People readily come to the new information center,’ the Franciscan Fathers say. “They no longer have to ring the doorbell at the solemn-looking portal of the monastery when they want to make inquiries.’

“A guidance clinic has been established at the rear of the premises for those who seek the spiritual advice of the Franciscans. The reading room, furnished with comfortable chairs, features one of the largest pamphlet racks in Cincinnati.” (See The Catholic Telegraph-Register, February 6, 1948)

Circular Baptistry

2010-02-03T08:00:00.001-05:00

1961: “Holy Angels Church, at Madison and Grandin roads, Cincinnati, has a new front, distinguished by a circular baptistry. Nine slender windows for the nine choirs of angels pierce the walls of the baptistry and a tall bronze cross rises from the center of its roof. To the right of the baptistry and extending across the front of the church are tinted glass panels.

“The building, erected in 1920, is the second church of the parish, which was founded in 1859. The original church, which was located a few blocks away on Torrence Court, was torn down in 1938. The present rectory is the century-old home of Joseph B. Foraker, who was Governor of Ohio from 1886 to 1890 and served as U.S. Senator from 1896 to 1909.” (The Catholic Telegraph, February 3, 1961)

“Strange But True” by M.J. Murray

2010-02-01T08:00:00.000-05:00

Click the image to enlarge for easier reading.
(The Catholic Telegraph-Register, February 2, 1940)

New High School

2010-01-29T08:00:00.001-05:00

1960: “Construction of three new Catholic high schools for boys in the Cincinnati area is moving forward as rapidly as possible. Shown here is the new St. Xavier's High School on North Bend Road opposite the convent of the Good Shepherd Sisters. The Jesuit Fathers will have charge of the school, which will replace the present St. Xavier's High School in downtown Cincinnati.” (The Catholic Telegraph-Register, January 29, 1960)

New Wing

2010-01-27T08:00:00.000-05:00

1959: “New wing nearly doubling the size and capacity of Our Lady of Mercy Hospital, Mariemont, was completed the past week and immediately put into service. Costing more than $1,000,000, the addition brings the hospital's bed capacity to 110, all of which are located in the wing. The older part of the hospital will be used exclusively for laboratory, X-ray, and other medical and technical facilities. Sister Mary Regina, administrator, is shown observing the hospital's changed appearance.” (The Catholic Telegraph-Register, January 30, 1959)

“Strange But True” by M.J. Murray

2010-01-25T08:00:00.001-05:00

Click the image to enlarge for easier reading.
(The Catholic Telegraph-Register, January 26, 1940)

Groundbreaking Ceremony

2010-01-22T08:00:00.001-05:00

1973: “The Little Sisters of the Poor officially began construction of the Archbishop Leibold Home for the Aged with groundbreaking ceremonies January 25. Wielding shovels for the occasion were, from left, Carl Lindner, president of American Financial Corp., a long-time supporter of the work of the Little Sisters; Charles H. Keating Jr., lay chairman of the building program; Mother Regina, superior of the nuns' St. Peter home; Archbishop Joseph L. Bernardin; Mother Cecilia de St. Georges, provincial of the order; and Father Francis H. Niehaus, archdiocesan coordinator of the project. The $5 million home will be built on property adjacent to St. Peter home for the aged on Riddle Road in the Clifton area of Cincinnati.” (See The Catholic Telegraph, February 2, 1973)

"In the Cards"

2010-01-20T08:00:00.000-05:00

1961: “Success of a Corpus Christi Parish [Dayton] PTA party in support of parish school activities is "in the cards" say these three PTA members, who are among the chairmen for the event. The trio here includes, left to right, Charles Boesch, ticket chairman; Louis Lafferty, general chairman; and Robert Harding, ticket co-chairman.” (The Catholic Telegraph, January 20, 1961)

“Strange But True” by M.J. Murray

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Click the image to enlarge for easier reading.
(The Catholic Telegraph-Register, January 19, 1940)

Diocesan Construction

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1959: “New construction projects in the Cincinnati Archdiocese got off to an early start in 1959 when Archbishop Karl J. Alter on a cold day last week officiated at a ground-breaking ceremony for the new Moeller High School on Montgomery Road north of Cincinnati. The school, scheduled for completion in the fall of 1960, will stand on property adjacent to All Saints' Church. Shown here with the Archbishop at the ceremony are Father James G. Joyce, O.P, left, of St. Gertrude's Parish, Madeira, and Father Thomas A. Devitt of All Saints' Parish. (See The Catholic Telegraph-Register, January 16, 1959)

Former School Building

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1964: “Sold to the City of Dayton for the sum of $85,000 was one of the two former school buildings of Sacred Heart parish, Dayton, located at Maple and Perry streets. The building and the adjoining playground lies within the Mead-Perry urban renewal project. The four-room buildings, constructed in 1904, served not only as a grade school for the parish, but also in later years as the Latin school for the Dayton areaand as an annex for Chaminade High School. Negotiations are also underway for the city's purchase of a similar building at the corner of Fourth and Perry streets.” (The Catholic Telegraph, January 24, 1964)

“Strange But True” by M.J. Murray

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Click the image to enlarge for easier reading.
(The Catholic Telegraph-Register, January 12, 1940)

Pioneer Group

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1957: “Pioneer group of Sisters of the Precious Blood who will be the first members of their religious congregation to engage in missionary work in Chile, South America, received a blessing from Archbishop Karl J. Alter before embarking on their new career last week. Left to right are Sister Mary Geneva, Sister Mary Ignatius, Sister Mary John, Archbishop Alter, Mother Mary Aquinas, Superior General of the congregation, who is accompanying the missionary sisters to Chile and will return to the U.S. after they take up residence there; and Sister Mary Amelia. In Chile, the sisters will teach in St. Gaspar's School, which is attached to Santo Domingo Parish, the Vicariate of the Precious Blood Fathers who have been serving in South America for several years.” (The Catholic Telegraph-Register, January 4, 1957)

Christmas Party

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1963: “Dominicanettes, a teenage group assisting Dayton's Dominican Sisters of the Sick Poor in their work, helped sponsor the traditional Christmas season party held annually for youngsters of those cared for by the Sisters. A total of 137 tots received gifts donated by many organizations and businessmen, and watched a Dominicanette entertainment program at the party held last week in the undercroft of Sacred Heart Church. Children who have received their gifts here are talking things over with Dominicanette Marilyn Martin and Sister Assumpta, superior.” (The Catholic Telegraph, January 4, 1963)

“Strange But True” by M.J. Murray

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In the 1940s the Catholic Telegraph-Register printed this illustrated feature called “Strange But True” by M.J. Murray. I’m going to post one each week for the next few weeks. I hope you find them interesting. Click on the image to enlarge it for easier reading.

Centerville Parish Bulging at the Seams

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1991: “At 40 years old, Incarnation Parish is still having growing pains.

“When 64 families gathered to celebrate the first Mass at the Church of the Incarnation on Christmas Day 1950, Centerville was still a village, with a population of fewer than 500 people, and most of the area was farmland. The parish boundaries extended over to Waynesville, Miamisburg and St. Albert the Great Parish, Kettering.

“Plans for the new parish had been announced in early 1948. Land had been purchased in 1947 with money donated to the diocese for a mission chapel by Dayton’s St. Mary Parish. Since 1989, Incarnation parishioners have returned that gift from St. Mary Church by providing Christmas gifts for the needy at St. Mary Center.

“Construction of the mission-type church began in May 1950, with Father Joseph Rolfes, St. Albert’s pastor, serving as administrator.

“By 1965 the parish had outgrown its mission-type church and plans for a new church began. The present building, which reflects the vision and ideas of Father Raymond Kallaher, was completed in time to celebrate the first Mass on Christmas Day 1969. Father Joseph Heskamp, pastor from 1979 to 1989, served as associate in the 1960s. He remembers driving ‘way out into the country to the little town of Centerville to see the new little church’ shortly after it was built.

“The school opened Sept. 23, 1957, with 171 students in 10 classrooms. Precious Blood Sister Stella Armbruster was principal and two Precious Blood Sisters and three lay teachers comprised the faculty. Additions in 1960 and 1978 brought the school to its present size.

“With 2,400 families, the parish is among the largest in the archdiocese, said Cathy Wright, member of the 40th anniversary committee.” (See The Catholic Telegraph, January 4, 1991)

Extensively Renovated

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1963: “Mother church of Springfield and surrounding area, St. Raphael's is being extensively renovated under the direction of Monsignor James H. Hoban, pastor and dean of the Springfield deanery. Workmen perched high on the church roof are completing the job of caulking and sandblasting the exterior of the 71-year-old Gothic edifice. Other work on the church includes building of a new sacristy, a connecting link between the rectory and church building. Construction is now in progress. Other improvements have been made on the parish plant. St. Raphael's school has been completely renovated and the rectory has been extensively remodeled and refurnished.” (The Catholic Telegraph, January 4, 1963)

Revelation

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1973: “New view of Cincinnati's famed “spires of Eighth Street” shows what St. Peter in Chains Cathedral looks like from Seventh Street, to the south. Demolition of a five-story tenement building on Seventh Street brought the hidden side to light. City Hall tower is at left and Isaac M. Wise Temple is at right. Building at lower left marked by cross is headquarters of the Catholic Telegraph.” (The Catholic Telegraph, January 5, 1973)

Precious Blood Nun Develops Skill as Bookbinder

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1960: “Bookbinder at the Regina Heights mother-house of the Sisters of the Precious Blood in Dayton is Sister Mary Engelbertha, who is an expert in handling every operation in the binding process. Here, Sister trims the pages of a volume of periodicals in this large electrically-powered paper cutter, one of about six pieces of power machinery in the bindery.

“Sister Mary Engelbertha took over operation of the bindery when it was established 10 years ago. To acquire knowledge necessary for operation of the plant, she first studied printing and book binding at St. Joseph’s College, Rensselaer, Ind.

“Now she serves as bookbinder for five libraries of the Precious Blood Community in Dayton, for the Maria Stein Retreat House in Mercer County, and for the Precious Blood Cloister at New Riegel in the Diocese of Toledo

“Sister’s work at the bindery has been interrupted in the past decade by some teaching duties, but at present she is turning out about 30 bound volumes every two to three weeks with the assistance of one of the postulants. In the summer months, other sisters give assistance in the bindery.

“She binds periodicals for libraries, repairs tattered books, and even revamps worn out prayer books and Missals highly valued by the members of the community.

“Visitors at the bindery are usually surprised at the amount of work required to convert a collection of periodicals into bound volumes for permanent library records. The process includes assembling and trimming the magazines, careful sewing, glueing, production of covers, and printing.

“Sister Engelbertha entered the Precious Blood Community from Immaculate Conception Parish, Celina, in 1914. Three years later, she began a career as a teacher. In addition to her work at the mother-house, she has taught in Cleveland, Celina, Ottawa, and Cincinnati.” (See The Catholic Telegraph-Register, December 23, 1960)

A Christmas Tradition

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1959: “Followers of a tradition inaugurated by their founder, St. Francis, the friars of St. Leonard's College, Centerville, are shown fashioning the first creche at the friary. Shown above, left to right, are Friars Declan Thompson, Arthur Meyer (kneeling), Mario Wagner, and Blaine Grein. (The Catholic Telegraph-Register, December 25, 1959)

Mission Seminary Crib Scene

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1969: “Students and staff members at Sacred Heart Mission Seminary, 8108 Beechmont Avenue (Ohio 125), Forestville, have prepared a lifelike scene of the birthplace of Jesus. The model uses motorized figures and special lights to produce a realistic effect. The seminary is U.S. headquarters of the Verona Fathers.” (The Catholic Telegraph, December 18, 1969)

Three Milestones for Archbishop Pilarczyk

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1984: “A simple straightforward liturgy attended by more than 250 family members, friends and coworkers marked the public celebration of Archbishop Daniel E. Pilarczyk's triple jubilee Dec. 16 at St. Peter in Chains Cathedral. The archbishop, center, was principal concelebrant of the afternoon Mass, with his auxiliaries, Archbishop Nicholas T. Elko, behind the archbishop, and Bishop James H. Garland, right.” (The Catholic Telegraph, December 21, 1984)

The following editorial appeared in The Catholic Telegraph, December 14, 1984:

“In exercising his office of father and pastor, a bishop should stand in the midst of his people as one who serves . . . Let him so gather and mold the whole family of his flock that everyone may live and work in the communion of love . . . Ready for every good work and enduring all things for the sake of the chosen ones, a bishop should arrange his life in such a way as to accommodate it to the needs of the time . . . He should regard his priests as sons and friends . . . He should manifest his concern for all, no matter what their age, condition or nationality, be they natives, strangers or foreigners . . . He should preserve for his faithful the share proper to them in church affairs . . . He should deal lovingly with the separated brethren . . .

“These are some of the prescriptions for those called to the episcopal office as spelled out by the bishops who assembled 20 years ago for the Second Vatican Council. It is a catalogue that can be recalled comfortably as the people of the Cincinnati archdiocese prepare to celebrate an occasion of joy and pride — the 25th anniversary of Archbishop Daniel E. Pilarczyk’s ordination to the priesthood, the 10th anniversary of his ordination as bishop and the second anniversary of his installation as the chief bishop of the archdiocese.

“Archbishop Pilarczyk does indeed stand in the midst of his people as one who serves. As priest, pastor and prelate he manifests daily his concern for all the people. He presents Christian doctrine ‘in a manner adapted to the needs of the times’ and with a freshness of style not always found in episcopal teaching. And he exemplifies the council’s exhortation to ‘give an example of holiness through charity, humility and simplicity of life.’

“[This] will be an opportunity for ‘his people’ to congratulate their archbishop, to thank him and wish him well — and to thank God for the leadership and example with which he has blessed the archdiocese in times past as well as now.”

Priestly Ordination Held in Rome

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1959: Cardinal Gregoire Agagianian, Pro-Prefect of the Sacred Congregation for the Propagation of the Faith, ordained Father Daniel Pilarczyk on Dec. 20.

The Catholic Telegraph-Register of December 18, 1959, reported:

“Mr. Pilarczyk, who has been studying at the College of the Propagation of the Faith, will be ordained in the college chapel along with 33 other ordinands from 21 different countries. The ordaining prelate will be Cardinal Gregoire Pierre Agagianian, Pro-Prefect of the Sacred Congregation for the Propagation of the Faith.

The son of Daniel Pilarczyk and the late Mrs. Fredericka Pilarczyk of Dayton, Mr. Pilarczyk was born in that city Aug. 12, 1934. He attended Our Lady of Mercy and St. Anthony’s Grade Schools and Sacred Heart Latin School in Dayton and began his studies for the priesthood at St. Gregory’s Seminary in 1948. Five years later he was sent to Rome to study philosophy and theology at the Propagation College. After three years of philosophy he received a licentiate in that subject. He is expected to receive a licentiate in theology at the end of the current school year.

The newly ordained priest will celebrate his First Solemn mass in the college chapel on Dec. 21. Father Giles Pater, Cincinnati priest studying in Rome, will be the subdeacon of the Mass. Father Arthur Leen, another Cincinnatian studying in Rome, will be the assisting priest during the ordination ceremony.” (The Catholic Telegraph-Register, December 18, 1959)

Note: Read more about Archbishop Pilarczyk's 50 years of service in the priesthood in the December 18, 2009, issue of The Catholic Telegraph and online at www.thecatholictelegraph.com.

2 Wings of Maria-Joseph Home to be Usuable Before Christmas

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1959: “Christmas present for the sisters and elderly residents of Maria-Joseph Home in Dayton will be the completion of two new wings of the home for the aged. The new facilities provided by the additions are expected to be in use at Christmastide.

“Shown here in a panoramic view taken from the rear of the home are the new wings extending left and right from the central chapel wing. The west addition, left, will be occupied Dec. 21. It contains dining room and kitchen, sisters’ quarters, an infirmary, and residents’s rooms.

“The east wing, right, contains an auditorium and residents’ rooms. The completed building, with the addition of the final two wings, is in the shape of a pentacle, with five wings extending from the central main lobby.” (See related story, The Catholic Telegraph-Register, December 11, 1959)

Church in Zimmerman to be Blessed

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1957: “Dedication of the new Church of St. Luke the Evangelist, Zimmerman, east of Dayton, will take place Dec. 15. Archbishop Karl J, Alter will officiate at the dedication rite and then celebrate a Solemn Pontifical Mass.

“The new edifice, designed along contemporary lines, will have a seating capacity of 600 in the body of the church. The full basement will be equipped to serve as a catechetical center. Future expansion of the church will be possible through an addition that will form a Latin cross when it is annexed to the main building.

“Monsignor Martin T. Gilligan was appointed to organize the new parish in the Beavercreek area June 15, 1955. The parish center is located on a 15-acre tract on the east side of Bellbrook-Fairfield Road, one-fourth of a mile north of its intersection with old route 35 in Greene County in the unincorporated village of Zimmerman. The archdiocese purchased the land in 1953.

“A farmhouse on the property was converted into a rectory, with a small chapel, by volunteer work of the men of the new parish. The building served as the parish center until recently when it was sold and moved to make room for the spacious front approach to the new church.

“A new rectory, bordering the north end of the property, on Lantz Road, was purchased in May of 1956, and the former rectory was remodeled to provide accommodations for the Sisters of Notre Dame of Covington, Ky., who conduct the parish’s summer camp and religion school.

“A new parish center, Bishop Ford Hall, was formally dedicated in June of 1956 to provide a catechetical center and recreation center for the parish. The hall was remodeled from an old barn by the men of the parish.

“Ground was broken for the church edifice in September, 1956, and the cornerstone was laid by Monsignor Martin M. Varley, dean of the Springfield Deanery, May 30, 1957. (See The Catholic Telegraph-Register, November 29, 1957)

Holy Name Parish Marks Golden Jubilee

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1954: “When Holy Name Parish, Cincinnati, was established in 1904, its enthusiastic pastor, the late Father Joseph Denny, was so deeply impressed with the prospects of the church’s location that he believed it might some day be the site of a Cathedral.

“The priest’s dream has not materialized but the parish he founded has flourished. The extensive parish property is now the site of a new church, an 11-classroom school, and a rectory, the latter a 95-year-old residence in which the first Mass was offered on Christmas Day 50 years ago.

“The golden jubilee will be celebrated Dec. 12 when Auxiliary Bishop Issenmann will offer a Solemn Pontifical Mass, assisted by a former pastor, Monsignor Francis S. Reardon.

“Church services were conducted in the old residence until the end of 1907 when a new building, which was to serve as a combined church and school, was completed. Archbishop Henry Moeller blessed the new church on Christmas morning, 1907.

“Father Denny died after only six and a half years as pastor, but the parish roster had grown from about 30 families to more than 400 during his brief administration.

“In the 1920s the parish property was extended with the acquisition of two houses immediately south of the rectory. One of these buildings became headquarters for the Catholic Telegraph-Register in 1941 and served that purpose until the two buildings were torn down in 1949 to provide space for the present church.

“The church was completed in 1951 and dedicated by Archbishop Alter.” (See The Catholic Telegraph-Register, December 10, 1954)

Queen of Martyrs' New Church Ready

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1989: “The shortest walk between the Queen of Martyrs rectory and its new school is now through the parish’s new church. Parishioners will begin their dedication festivities with a Mass Dec. 8, a little more than a year after the official ground breaking. Archbishop Daniel E. Pilarczyk will be the concelebrant.

“Its location forms the connector between the other parish buildings and the parking lot; its existence means students and parishioners will be able to use the former church area in the school basement for students and community functions.

“The parish used many furnishings from the old church which was remodeled 10 years ago. The altar, pulpit, tabernacle, presider’s chair and stations of the cross, for example, have all found a new home in the spacious surroundings.

“Queen of Martyrs has about 500 families and a school with about 170 students. The parish was started in 1948 and moved into adjacent McAuley Hall at Christmas that same year. The school was started in 1949 and dedicated in September 1950. The church was added to the school building in 1953.” (See The Catholic Telegraph, December 8, 1989)

Santa Maria to Note Golden Jubilee

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Headquarters of Santa Maria Institute at 21 W. 13th Street, Cincinnati

1948: “Santa Maria Institute will mark the achievement of a half century of eventful and fruitful work as a Cincinnati Catholic social agency on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, Dec. 8.

“The Sisters of Charity, who established the agency and who still direct it, have seen its activities multiply to include all the spiritual and corporal works of mercy. Some of the institute’s undertakings have been Americanization centers; handling of juvenile court cases; probation work; a free employment bureau, day nursery, and kindergarten; housing of homeless women and girls; visitation of the sick, imprisoned, and poor; distribution of food; reclamation of unfortunate women and girls; instruction classes for adults and for children; scout troops and clubs; transcription of reading material into Braille for the blind; and Cana conferences for couples who are married or who plan to be married.

“The two sisters who began the work 51 years ago (Dec. 8 actually will mark the 51st anniversary of the incorporation of ‘The Santa Maria Italian Educational and Industrial Home’) owned only $5 working capital and had no headquarters. Now the institute is housed in a five-story building at 21 W. 13th Street, the fourth it has occupied in its colorful history.

“In 1897 Mother Mary Blanche Davis, superior of the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati, assigned Sister Justina Segale and Sister Blandina Segale, members of an Italian immigrant family, to offer their services to Archbishop William H. Elder as home missionaries to Italians living in Cincinnati.

“With the blessing of Archbishop Elder, and with $5 carfare in their pockets, the two sisters began making a survey of the city’s basin area. They readily confirmed reports that the Italian immigrants, a hardly favored minority in the rapidly growing metropolis, desperately needed opportunities for religious worship and instruction, as well as for material improvement.

“Two years after Santa Maria Institute was organized, the sisters obtained a building already a landmark in Cincinnati Catholic history. It was the former home of Mrs. Sarah Peter at Third and Lytle streets. Mrs. Peter, a wealthy convert, had brought to Cincinnati the first American foundation of the Sisters of the Poor of St. Francis and had turned her home over to them.

“When the Franciscan Sisters built a new mother-house at Hartwell, they placed the Lytle Street property at the disposal of Sister Blandina and Sister Justina.

“Meanwhile, the two nuns organized three schools for Italian children. These were conducted at Springer Institute, at Holy Trinity School, and at their own headquarters. And Mother Mary Blanche assigned another nun, Sister Agnes Cecilia, to help the two pioneers.

“Lay women volunteered their help in a society of ‘Willing Workers’ and made the rounds with the sisters. According to Anna C. Minogue, who in 1922 wrote ‘The Story of the Santa Maria Institute,’ ‘They never went empty-handed, and their gifts to the patients or victims of justice often made a way for the ministrations of the sisters.’

“In 1904, after the Third and Lytle streets property had been marked for destruction by the city, the sisters begged and borrowed $6,700 to buy a brick house at 534 W. Seventh Street. The trustees of Sacred Heart Church on Broadway voted to contribute $250 annually to assist Santa Maria Institute.

“In 1908 Archbishop Henry Moeller granted approval to the Santa Maria Home Missionary League, whose members promised ‘to take an interest in lapsed Catholics and in young people who have not made their First Communion.’

“In 1912 the sisters took possession of the building at 640 W. Eighth Street, formerly occupied by Seton hospital. In the 14 years they remained on Eighth Street the sisters added three adjacent buildings to the institute. In 1926 they sold the buildings and moved to their present headquarters in the former Sun building on 13th Street west of Vine.

“The Eighth Street era of Santa Maria Institute saw the Sisters of Charity expanding and intensifying their mission work. Santa Maria Institute served as the first center of Catholic charities and social activities in Cincinnati, and it was the first Catholic society to affiliate with the Council of Social Agencies when that was organized about 30 years ago.” (See The Catholic Telegraph-Register, November 26, 1948)

“After some years in a small house on Seventh Street the Sisters of Charity purchased the property pictured above, at 640 W. Eighth Street, formerly occupied by Seton hospital.”

100 Years in the Valley

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1987: “Little did 6-year-old Frank Hoffman know the significance of his actions when, in 1887, he pulled a slip of paper out of a box of suggested names for a new parish in Elmwood Place, Frank’s selection, St. Aloysius, has become a well-recognized name, not only in Elmeood Place, but also throughout the entire Millcreek Valley.

“On Dec. 13, Father Carl Moeddel, a son of the parish, will celebrate a Mass of thanksgiving in honor of the centenary.

“St. Aloysius traces its roots back to the time when Elmwood Place was in the heart of the thriving Millcreek Valley. Seventy-five Catholic families in Elmwood had to travel either to St. Charles Borromeo in Carthage or to St. Clement in St. Bernard for Mass — quite a journey in the days prior to the automobile.

“With the blessing of Archbishop William A. Elder, they formed the St. Aloysius Men’s Society and the St. Clara Altar Society to raise funds for the building of a church. The archbishop appointed Father Charles Druffner, then pastor of St. Charles, to assist the two groups in their efforts.

“Under his direction they purchased land at the corner of Township Avenue and Vine Street and built a combination church, rectory and school building. On Easter Sunday, April 21, 1888, Father Druffner celebrated the first Mass in the new building.

“The following year, St. Aloysius received its first full-time pastor, Father Bernard Dottmann.

“The parish’s first century mirrors Elmwood Place’s transition from a rural town to a thriving suburb to a stable, older community. Its location on the main rail line attracted many small industries as well as their employees and families to the Millcreek Valley community in the early 1900s.

“By the parish’s silver jubilee, St. Aloysius was in a 10-year process of building a new $60,000 church with a seating capacity of 800. Soon after the construction of the church, plans were made for a new school building.

“A booklet published in 1918 for the dedication of the new St. Aloysius Church reported the belfry clock was to be the town clock, testimony of the church’s commanding presence in the center of the community. The booklet’s author also noted that the brick selected for the church ‘will not show the smoke stain from the railroads in the vicinity.’ ” (See The Catholic Telegraph, December 11, 1987)

Maronite Catholic Church

2009-12-02T08:00:00.000-05:00

1958: “Maronite Catholic Church of St. Anthony of Padua, Victory Parkway, Cincinnati, is receiving a new facade, shown in the sketch above. The design will conform to the church's interior, which was remodeled recently.

“The church, first a synagogue and later a Protestant church, was acquired by the Maronite congregation to replace its Third Street church after it was razed to make way for street improvements.

“A distinctive feature of the new facade will be a statue of St. Anthony above the doors. The area between the church and street will be regraded. New stairs and walks will be installed and planting areas will adjoin the main entrance.

“The church's new aluminum spire will contain a bell taken from the Third Street church.

“The architects are Gartner, Burdick, and Bauer-Nilsen, Cincinnati. The pastor of St. Anthony's is Father Joseph A. Abood.” (The Catholic Telegraph-Register, December 5, 1958)

Unique Dayton Parish Noting Golden Jubilee

2009-11-30T08:00:00.000-05:00

1969: “St. James parish, Dayton, will celebrate its 50th anniversary Dec. 7, with a Mass offered by Archbishop Paul F. Leibold.

“There are 167 children in St. James school, including 38 from other parishes in the open enrollment program, a plan to help break down de facto segregation in Dayton parochial schools. There also are 30 children belonging to St. James’ who are attending other Catholic schools in a voluntary exchange program, a plan permitting Negro youngsters to attend the parochial school of their choice.

“St. James parish was established in 1919, with Father James N. Kock as pastor. Formation of the parish came as the result of the work of Edgemont Catholic Church and School society, organized in 1918 for the explicit purpose of promoting the proposal for parish and school facilities in an area known as South Edgemont. John C. Weaver became chairman of the committee backing the proposal for a new parish. Father Henry Stich, chaplain at St. Elizabeth hospital, was enlisted to aid the group.

“At Father Stich’s suggestion, the committee paid $100 for the Knights of Columbus hut at Wilbur Wright Field. The building had been a part of the K of C War Activities program. Property was purchased at the corner of Cincinnati Street and Heck Avenue for $8,650. Parishioners themselves dismantled, moved and rebuilt the hut as the first parish church. Father Stich celebrated the first Mass in the church Aug. 24, 1919. Ten days later, the first pastor was appointed.

“Plans for a building program were immediately developed. The school was dedicated Sept. 26, 1921. On April 21, 1923, an addition to the school, to be used for church purposes, was dedicated. The church-school project cost $90,000. A rectory was built in 1926. The original plan was to eventually convert the church addition into a school auditorium, but this was never carried out.

“Father Lawrence G. Wessel was pastor from 1937 until his death in 1964. At that time, the parish was placed under the care of the Holy Ghost Fathers and Father Paul Lippert, C.S.Sp., was named administrator. Father Joseph A. Brennan, C.S.Sp., succeeded Father Lippert.

“Father Lippert had been in charge of St. John parish, which in 1964 consolidated with St. James’. The facilities of St. John’s, in the path of new freeway construction, were razed.

“Property comprising two lots and a house adjacent to St. James’ were purchased by the parish in 1967 from the estate of an early member of the parish. The parish has an outdoor shrine to Our Lady of Fatima. The statue of Our Lady was created by the Dayton sculptor, Robert Koepnic at the Dayton Art Institute.” (See The Catholic Telegraph, November 27, 1969.)

Note: St. James united with Resurrection Parish in 1999. Resurrection united with St. Benedict the Moor in 2005.

Troy Church to Note Jubilee

2009-11-27T08:00:00.000-05:00

1966: “The 675 families of St. Patrick’s parish, Troy, will observe the 50th anniversary of the dedication of their church Nov. 27.

“The church was dedicated on Thanksgiving in 1916 by Archbishop Henry Moeller. The fund for the structure was started in 1907, when members of the parish were each asked to give one cent a day. The church, of Sandusky Blue limestone, was erected by the day labor system and the contractor received a down payment of only $200 for his services. The entire church-rectory project was completed for only $49,000.

“Pastor when the church was erected was Father Anthony J. Mentink, who served the parish for 52 years, from 1906 until he died in 1958. Father Ferdinand Vonder Haar was pastor of St. Patrick’s from 1958 to 1961 and Father George J. Stenz has been pastor since that time.

“A few Irish immigrants, the first Catholics to reside in Troy, came to the community about 1850. In 1857, a congregation of about 20 families attended Mass in the home of John Danaher, a parish pioneer who lived in a house almost opposite the site of the present church. Later, a probate judge offered the use of his court room for Mass. The first church was erected in 1858. The first resident pastor came in 1877 and the first school was erected the following year.” (See The Catholic Telegraph, November 18, 1966)

Elder High School

2009-11-25T08:00:00.000-05:00

1959: “Expanded and renovated Elder High School in Cincinnati posed for its formal photograph last week in preparation for a ceremony November 22, when the school's $1,000,000 addition will be dedicated. The project was one of the major goals of the Archbishop's High School Fund Campaign, now approaching its conclusion.

“The new section, at right in the photograph, contains four classrooms, laboratories, workrooms, a library, an auditorium-gymnasium, a cafeteria, and several auxiliary rooms. (The Catholic Telegraph-Register, November 20, 1959)

Fairmount Parish 100 Years Old

2009-11-23T08:00:00.000-05:00

1969: “St. Bonaventure parish, Cincinnati, will mark the 100th anniversary of its founding November 23 when Archbishop Paul F. Leibold and former pastors of the church will concelebrate Mass in the century-old church on Queen City Avenue.

“St. Bonaventure Church, begun in 1868 and dedicated Nov. 20, 1869, replaced an earlier church, St. Peter’s, which had been founded in 1844. Located on Lick Run Road (now Quebec Road) in South Fairmount, St. Peter’s served a small congregation in the valley between Fairmount and Price Hill. West of what was then the city of Cincinnati, the area sometimes was referred to as Petersburg.

”In 1866, Father Benjamin Mennchen, O.F.M., who as in charge of St. Peter’s and resided at St. Francis Church, Liberty and Vine streets, ‘resolved to build a new church,’ Father John H. Lamott reported in his History of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, because the old church building was ‘going to ruins and situated at an inconvenient place.’

“Work was begun in 1868 and the cornerstone was blessed on Sept. 6. The Catholic Telegraph reported on Sept. 9, 1868:

“Last Sunday afternoon many thousands of Catholics, in and out of procession, attended the placing of the cornerstone of the new church of St. Bonaventure, at Fairmount, a near suburb of Cincinnati. The ceremony was performed by the Most Rev. Archbishop (John B.) Purcell . . .

“The day was most favorable and the order perfect. A handsome collection was taken up during the proceedings, in twelve cigar boxes, one of the best filled being the one taken around by an Irish Catholic Mr. Joyce.

“There were three or four tastefully festooned arches spanning the road, in the route of the procession, on which were inscribed in large letters, in German and English, ‘Welcome Brethren,’ ‘In Union There Is Strength.’ The brass bands heading the various societies, the Young Men’s Vocal Choir, and a brace of cannon discharged frequently at intervals during the march and the ceremonies, enlivened the scene.

“Dedication of the completed church took place Nov. 20, 1869. In the ensuing years it was enlarged and improved by the addition at various times of transept and sanctuary, sacristy, portico, retaining wall and tower clock. School buildings were erected at the two sides of the church in 1871 and 1892, but the two buildings are gone. With the growth of the parish a larger school was built in 1909. A convent for the teaching Sisters was added in 1923, and in 1926 a rectory and a new school building were erected.

“The first marriage in St. Bonaventure’s was that of John Merkel and Anna Schaeffler, on Dec. 5, 1869. First person to be baptized was Mary Ann Pfohl, daughter of Michael and Catherine Stier Pfohl, on Nov. 28, 1869.” (See The Catholic Telegraph, November 13, 1969)

Note: St. Bonaventure closed its doors in 2003, uniting with nearby St. Leo the Great.

Building Being Razed

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1948: “The building which served as the first St. George’s Church, Cincinnati, and which subsequently became St. George’s school, St. George’s high school, and finally the Archdiocesan Teachers’ College, is being razed. The 80-year-old building is immediately east of the present St. George’s Church, Calhoun Street.

“The building was used as a church from 1868 to 1874, when the present church was completed. It then housed the parish school for more than 40 years. About 30 years ago one of the first Catholic high schools in Cincinnati was established there; it was taught by the Brothers of Mary and the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur.

“The Archdiocesan Teachers’ College occupied the building from 1928 until last year, when the college was transferred to the former Archiepiscopal residence next to Mt. St. Mary’s Seminary, Norwood.

“Father Juvenal Berens, O.F.M., pastor of St. George’s Church, has announced no definite plans for the site occupied by the building. He sees the possibility of surfacing it with asphalt and using it as a parking space. The plot measures about 40 feet by 100 feet.” (The Catholic Telegraph-Register, August 13, 1948)

Jubilee Mass for Sisters of Mission Helpers

2009-11-18T08:00:00.000-05:00

1965: “Small group of Sisters with a large impact throughout the Cincinnati Archdiocese, the Mission Helpers of the Sacred Heart in Dayton are celebrating locally their congregation's 75th jubilee. The Sisters pictured here as they prepare to leave their Dayton convent to conduct catechist and other adult CCD leadership courses are, left to right, Sister Mary Dominica, Sister Mary Clementa, Sister Mary Cyrilla and Sister Mary Ellen.

“The Mission Helpers, founded in Baltimore in 1891 by Mary Cunningham (who took the name of Sister Mary Demetrias), anticipated the aggiornamento by several generations. The society charted a new course in the Church by dedicating itself to the teaching of religion to all outside of the parochial school system and to the training of lay apostles.

“At the invitation of the late Archbishop John T. McNicholas, the Mission Helpers came to the Archdiocese in 1949. In the original group was Sister Mary Alma, the former Helen Braun of St. Marys. She was later joined by Sister Mary Joseph, the former Helen Hiele of Miamisburg. Another Ohio member of the society, Sister Mary Jogues, the former Gladys Miller of St. Mary’s parish, Dayton, is widely known in the field of religious education for the deaf.

“The late Monsignor Harry J. Ansbury of Corpus Christi parish, Dayton, provided a convent for the Sisters opposite the church and made their work possible for many years. In keeping with the original aims of the society, the Sisters devoted their main efforts to religious instruction and parish visiting. From 1949 to 1962, the Sisters took a religious census in 44 parishes. More than 200 persons returned to the Sacraments, 236 were received into the Church (the majority of whom were instructed by the Sisters) and 114 marriages were validated through their assistance.

“The Sisters have conducted religious instructions in nine parishes in the Dayton area over the years.” (See The Catholic Telegraph, November 19, 1965)

St. Joseph's Bells Ringing Again

2009-11-16T08:00:00.000-05:00

1961: “Ring out in honor of St. Patrick say these Irish colleens who eagerly climbed to the high belfry of St. Joseph's Church in Dayton to see the 50-year-old bell dedicated to the Irish saint.

“Workmen have just completed extensive repairs on the Dayton church’s 3,000-pound ‘St. Patrick bell,’ whose distinctive tone once was familiar to railroaders as well as parishioners.

“In the old days, the Irish among the railroad men, with ears especially attuned to the bell, claimed they could hear it as far away as Troy, 20 miles distant from the high tower of the downtown Dayton church. The bell is back in operation just 50 years after it was dedicated to St. Patrick.

“The ‘St. Patrick bell’ and St. Joseph’s Church help tie Dayton Catholics of Irish ancestry with their past. In the 1840s, Irish Catholics, desiring a church that reflected their own culture and heritage, withdrew from Emmanuel Parish and organized themselves into a separate body. St. Joseph’s was envisioned as their church in a special way.

“Just over a half century ago, the people of St. Joseph’s erected an imposing church — of Italian Renaissance design — and then installed in its lofty belfry a huge bell dedicated to their favorite saint.” (See The Catholic Telegraph-Register, November 17, 1961)

The Loretto to Observe 50th Anniversary

2009-11-13T08:00:00.000-05:00

1962: “Residence for women in downtown Dayton, The Loretto, will note a double anniversary Nov. 12. A celebration will mark the golden jubilee of the arrival of the first Dominican Sisters of St. Catherine de Ricci in the Archdiocese and of the opening by the Sisters of the original Loretto home for working girls in Dayton. The Loretto residence, located at 125 W. First Street, was constructed in 1930. Working girls and students find the Loretto a residence similar in many respects to homes where hours are regulated and rules are enforced.

“The Loretto, first foundation of the Dominican Sisters of St. Catherine de Ricci in Dayton, was established in September 1912. The Sisters came to Dayton at the invitation of Archbishop Henry Moeller and they were able at the outset to purchase two homes on Franklin Street through the generosity of Josephine Schwind, a member of one of the community’s pioneer families.

“One of the buildings was dedicated the Convent of Mary Immaculate, and the other was opened as a home for working girls under the name of The Loretto Guild. The home provided accommodations for 15 girls.

“In the years that followed, more girls applied for admission than could be accommodated. In 1921, the Sisters leased the Schwind home on Riverview Drive for one year and purchased a still larger residence on Ludlow Street.

“Increasing demands for space prompted the Sisters to acquire the site of the present Loretto on W. First Street. The new building erected on the site was named simply The Loretto, the word ‘Guild’ being dropped at the suggestion of Archbishop John T. McNicholas, O.P. The building was opened March 8, 1930, and accommodations were provided for 190 girls. With the opening of the building, the program at the center was expanded. Clubrooms and an auditorium made it possible to provide facilities for the use of Catholic youth clubs, theater guilds, recreation programs, and activities of other organizations.

“An offspring of the Sisters’ work at The Loretto is the Dominican Retreat House in Dayton. The retreat house was opened by the Sisters in 1952.” (See The Catholic Telegraph, November 9, 1962)

Oakley Parish Remembers Early Years

2009-11-11T08:00:00.000-05:00

1983: “The Town Hall sat over the firehouse in Oakley, a small village of Cincinnati. There, once a week during the spring and summer of 1908, a clothesline was strung across the room, over which were hung several bed sheets anchored by wooden clothespins. Some people might have thought the mayor of Oakley was doing laundry every Sunday morning up there in the Town Hall. But is was quite a different story.

“The first parishioners of St. Cecilia Parish were gathering for Mass celebrated by their new pastor, Father Timothy J. Deasy. Seventy-five years later members of St. Cecilia’s, some of whom clearly remember the Town Hall Masses, are preparing to celebrate their 75th anniversary.

“Those first parishioners were made up of 65 families who, until that time, had been traveling to the neighboring churches of St. Anthony’s in Madisonville and St. Mary’s in Hyde Park for services. Deciding they needed a parish and school of their own, they selected a representative committee to request Archbishop Henry Moeller’s permission to build a church.

“After the initial okay came from the archbishop, parishioners raised money to construct the church and picked a building site. By the fall of 1908, St. Cecilia’s was a reality, less than six months after the planning group had approached the archbishop.

“The first church was a small one-story frame building on Gilmore Avenue. The parish grew quickly, in two years adding almost 100 new families to its roster.

“Construction of the present day church with its 145-foot spire began in 1927 and was dedicated the following year by Archbishop John T. McNicholas. Because it was built during the Depression and funds ran short, St. Cecilia’s was without windows and a completed interior for a long time. Nevertheless, in 1930 the church won first place in the annual awards for design and execution of structure from the Cincinnati chapter of the American Institute of Architecture.” (See The Catholic Telegraph, November 11, 1983)

First Communicants

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1961: “First Communicants of St. John's Parish, Dayton, shown above with their parish priests and school faculty, are, left to right, first row, Sanford Thurman, Glenn Gist, Sherman Jacko, Barrett Lewis, and Kevin Howard; second row, Mrs. Willa Griffin, Peter Hall, Isaac Jacko, Marcia Stevens, Hazel Kemp, Audrey Hayes, Regina Williams, Diana Johnson, Walter Coley, Geoffrey Chappel, and Sister Ann Virginia; third row, Sister St. Barbara, Sheila Niles, Dorothy Goff, Sharon Orr, Anna Marie Wilson, Mara Jean Allen, Sheila Coley, Durena Goff, and Sister Martina; and top row, Fathers Paul Lippert, C.S.Sp., pastor, and James Burke, C.S.Sp., assistant pastor.” (The Catholic Telegraph-Register, November 10, 1961)

Price Hill Parish to Open Jubilee Year

2009-11-06T08:00:00.000-05:00

“St. William Church, photographed around the time of its dedication in 1931.”

1984: “St. William Church in Price Hill will open the celebration of its diamond jubilee Nov. 4 with a Mass at which Archbishop Daniel E. Pilarczyk will be principal concelebrant. Events planned throughout the year will recall the spirit and pride which have built the 1,750-family parish.

“That devotion is reflected in the Romanesque style church, dedicated at its present site in 1931. Parishioners rallied to restore the church after it was heavily damaged by fire in 1953. Members of the parish responded immediately with mops, pails and brushes to clean the smoke-blackened sanctuary for Mass the following day.

“St. William’s was founded in 1909 after results of a study revealed that St. Lawrence Parish in Price Hill was overcrowded.

“Father Francis Roth, chaplain at the Mount St. Joseph Motherhouse, was put in charge of forming the new parish, which began with 56 families. The new congregation chose St. William as its patron in honor of former Archbishop William H. Elder.

“The first church was a frame structure on Rosemont Avenue, dedicated on Trinity Sunday, May 22, 1910. Two years later the church was relocated and adjoined to the school operated by the Sisters of Charity. The church and school were constructed on pasture land donated by Herman Elsaesser. Additions to the school, completed in 1912, were made in 1918, 1954 and 1958.” (See The Catholic Telegraph, October 26, 1984)

Equipment Dedicated

2009-11-04T08:00:00.000-05:00

1939: “Shown at the dedication of X-ray equipment at St. Francis Hospital November 27, 1939, are, from left to right, Very Reverend Cletus A. Miller, dean, Institutum Divi Thomae, Mrs. Charles F. William, Sir Charles F. Williams and the Most Reverend John T. McNicholas, O.P., S.T.M.”

School Dedication

2009-11-03T08:00:00.000-05:00

1955: “Dedication of the new school of St. John's Parish, Harrison, will take place Oct. 30 with Archbishop Karl J. Alter officiating. The new building, shown here next to the church, contains five classrooms, a library, sisters' room, a clinic, and an auditorium-gymnasium on the first floor, and a cafeteria and kitchen in the basement. Enrollment at the school is 205 this year. The pastor of St. John's is Father Raymond H. Backhus. (The Catholic Telegraph-Register, October 28, 1955)

First Section of Cemetery Ready

2009-11-02T08:00:00.002-05:00

1948: “The new archdiocesan cemetery, to be dedicated to Mary, the Gate of Heaven, is now ready to take care of burials, Monsignor Paul F. Leibold, Chancellor, announced this week in an official letter.

“Burial lots will be available immediately in the first section of the cemetery, which will accommodate some 6,000 burials. Section three, to be completed in the near future, will offer space for an equal number.

The 60-acre tract now being developed by landscape engineers will be only the first part of a project which, when completed many years hence, will embrace more than 500 acres adjoining Montgomery Road, northeast of Cincinnati. It will then be one of the largest cemeteries in the Cincinnati area.

“It will be the only cemetery in the Cincinnati area completely owned and operated by the archdiocese.

“The tract now being developed will include, in addition to the burial lots, a service building and a towering 46-foot stone shaft that will rise from the center of a circular plot at the end of the entrance driveway. The circle will be devoted exclusively to the burial of priests. A statue of the Blessed Virgin at the top of the shaft will be illuminated at night.

“Gate of Heaven will be a restricted-monument cemetery, with most of the grave markers, made of bronze or granite in the shape of a Latin cross, flush with the ground. A few monuments, in locations where they will not conflict with the general appearance of the cemetery, will be permitted. Provision will also be made for wayside and central shrines and family mausoleums.

“One of the show-places of the cemetery will be the Babies’ Garden, which will feature a shrine of the Child Jesus. Yew trees, Japanese maples, and floribund roses will be planted in the garden. There will also be a section called the Cloistered Garden, containing unusually large lots. Plans call for the erection of a large Calvary group in the center of the cemetery. (See The Catholic Telegraph-Register, September 10, 1948)

School for the Deaf Turns 75

2009-10-30T08:00:00.000-04:00

1989: “St. Rita School for the Deaf opened Oct. 17, 1915, with a student body of 11 children on 235 acres of farmland in rural Sycamore Township. The following fall, St. Rita’s held the first of its ‘picnics’ to benefit the school. The yearly picnic, now called the St. Rita Festival,, is one of the largest festivals in Ohio and one of St. Rita’s major means of income.

“The idea for St. Rita’s School actually was conceived in 1912. Then Cincinnati Archbishop Henry Moeller, whose brother, Jesuit Father Ferdinand Moeller, ran a school for deaf students in Chicago, was particularly interested in the education of deaf students. The archbishop asked a young seminarian, Henry J. Waldhaus, to prepare for a career in service to the deaf.

“At the time, the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur were operating a day school for deaf students at their Academy on Sixth Street. Archbishop Moeller thought a residential school would offer the students a more intense education, but the Sisters were only capable of boarding female students.

“The Sisters of Charity agreed to operate the new school. Both Father Waldhaus and the Sisters of Charity learned the signing method of communication from the Sisters of Notre Dame.

“The farm spread eastward from the current campus to the Pennsylvania Railroad tracks near Evendale Drive. It contained three dwellings. The largest structure, home to the female students and the Sisters who taught at the school, stood in the path of what is now Interstate 75. Another housed the boys and the school’s director, Father Henry Waldhaus. The remaining house held classrooms and living space for farmhands.

“The growing student body and staff quickly outgrew the buildings. By 1920 plans were under way for new buildings to house students and classrooms. Completed in 1924, the new St. Rita’s was capable of housing and educating 120 children.

“In 1927 St. Rita’s received accreditation as a high school. It was the first Catholic high school for the deaf in the United States.” (See The Catholic Telegraph, October 13, 1989)

1965: “Monsignor Henry J. Waldhaus, center, who established St. Rita's School and who has remained as its director ever since then, with Father Paul F. Klenke, right, principal of St. Rita's, and Father Stanley D. Doerger, assistant principal.

Archbishop to Observe Dayton Parish Jubilee

2009-10-28T08:00:00.000-04:00

1970: “Resurrection parish, Dayton, will celebrate its golden jubilee Oct. 25 with a Mass in the parish church.

“Before the establishment of the parish, many Catholics in West Dayton were attending Mass at the National Military Home, known now as the Veterans Administration Center. The chaplain at the home, Father Bernard Kuhlman, helped Catholics of the community realize their dream of a new parish. He said the first Mass on Easter Sunday, 1920, in the Frank Reisinger funeral parlor. Parishioners said both the date and the place for the Mass suggested the name of the new parish.

“The first pastor of Resurrection was Father Henry Stich. He purchased a property on Third and Kilmer streets for use as both a church and parish house. At this location, Resurrection school was also established. Two rooms in the rear of the building were converted into classrooms.

“Father Stich served until 1922, when he was replaced by Father Frank Schnuck. During Father Schnuck’s pastorate, a property was acquired on Gramont Street, then called Church Street, and on this site was started the present parish plant.” (See The Catholic Telegraph, October 23, 1970)

New School

2009-10-26T08:00:00.002-04:00

1959: “New school of St. Vincent Ferrer's Parish, Kenwood, will be dedicated Oct. 25. The 12-classroom building was opened last month.” (The Catholic Telegraph-Register, October 16, 1959)

40th Anniversary

2009-10-23T08:00:00.002-04:00

1944: “Exactly forty years ago this Monday, October 23, the parish of the Holy Name, Mt. Auburn, Cincinnati, was organized at a meeting held in this building, which served as a temporary church three years and has since been the parish rectory. Shown in this picture are the late Archbishop Moeller; Father Joseph Denny (second at Archbishop's left), who was the organizer and first pastor of the parish, and the Rev. Louis G. Plamondon (second at Archbishop's right). None of the others can be identified. Holy Name Parish will celebrate this 40th anniversary October 22 with a Solemn Mass and a three-night bazaar beginning October 21 in the parish hall.” (The Catholic Telegraph-Register, October 20, 1944)

Blessed Be God

2009-10-21T10:17:00.000-04:00

Mother Regina, mother of the Archbishop Leibold Home for the Aged of the Little Sisters of the Poor, places a statue of Jeanne Jugan (foundress) on a table in this undated CT file photo. "Blessed Be God" was a phrase Jeanne Jugan used often.

Pope Benedict XVI canonized Jeanne Jugan and four others at a Mass in Rome Oct. 11 that was attended by pilgrims from around the world. A local liturgy Oct. 18 gave members of the Little Sisters who operate St. Paul’s in Clifton, its residents, staff, volunteers, benefactors and friends the opportunity to honor St. Jeanne.

Read the story from this week’s Catholic Telegraph here and view additional historical photos of the Little Sisters here.

Archdiocesan Vocation Endeavor

2009-10-21T08:00:00.000-04:00

1963: “Typical of the second annual Archdiocesan Vocation Endeavor (AVE) program for girls in the high schools in the Miami Valley area is the scene above at Holy Angels' high school, Sidney, in which representatives of various religious orders discussed religious life with the students at a general assembly and then gave the students the opportunity to view exhibits of each order's activities and to have personal interviews. From left, Sister Ann Colette, principal, introduces Sister Mary Maureen, Glenmary; Sister Joan Marie, St. Ursula; Sister Mary Hugh, Dominican; Sister Mary Marcella, St. Joseph; Sister Mary Sienna, Notre Dame; and Sister Thomas More, Dominican. At Springfield Catholic the sisters represented the Daughters of Mary Immaculate, Sisters of Mercy, Ursulines, Franciscans and Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart. At Julienne the religious represented the Daughters of St. Vincent de Paul, Daughters of Mary Immaculate, Sisters of Mercy, Franciscan Sisters of Oldenburg, Ursulines of Brown County and Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart.” (The Catholic Telegraph, October 25, 1963)

Italian-American Parish Marks 75th Anniversary

2009-10-19T08:00:00.000-04:00

1968: “A Pontifical Mass will be celebrated in Sacred Heart Italian Church, 527 Broadway, Cincinnati, October 19 in observance of the founding of the church. Concelebrants will be Archbishop Karl J. Alter, Steubenville Bishop John King Mussio, and Very Rev. Salvatore De Vita, C.S., provincial superior of the Scalabrini Fathers.

“The parish had its beginning in 1890 when a group of Italian immigrants met to consider establishing a parish to serve the needs of Italian-speaking residents of the city. Present at the meeting was Father Angelo Chiariglione, C.S., who had been sent by Bishop John B. Scalabrini, founder of the Missionaries of St. Charles. Soon after the meeting, funds were raised and a committee appointed to select a site for the new church.

“Father Peter Lotti succeeded Father Chiariglione as pastor of the Italian community, and in 1892 assisted Archbishop William H. Elder in dedicating the cornerstone of the church. Completed the following year, the church was blessed and dedicated by Francis Cardinal Satolli, the apostolic delegate to the United States, August 17, 1893.” (See The Catholic Telegraph, October 10, 1968)

Note: In 1969 Procter & Gamble bought the property on Broadway for its expansion program and tore down the church. The parish united with Sacred Heart, Camp Washington, in 1970.

Parish to Mark 75th Anniversary

2009-10-16T08:00:00.000-04:00

1978: “St. Catharine of Siena parish, Cincinnati was established in September 1903, under the leadership of Monsignor Joseph A. Tieken, who continued as pastor until his death in 1948.

“About 35 persons attended the first parish Mass in Donnelly Hall, a meeting place that formerly stood on Montana Avenue near Harrison Avenue. Subsequent Masses were celebrated in the Westwood Town Hall until September 1904, when the first church and school building were dedicated.

“The present church and rectory were completed in 1923 and a school addition was dedicated the following year. Another building with eight classrooms and a cafeteria was added in 1952.” (See The Catholic Telegraph, October 13, 1978)

Sts. Peter & Paul Marks 125th Anniversary

2009-10-14T08:00:00.001-04:00

1976: “Sts. Peter and Paul parish, Reading, celebrated its 125th anniversary October 13 with a Pontifical concelebrated Mass followed by a reception.

“Religious services for Reading’s early German settlers were held in private homes until the first church was built in 1851. Father Joseph Ferneding, vicar general, organized the parish but the first resident pastor was Father Joseph A. Stephan. The church, named in honor of ‘the 14 Martyrs,’ stood at the corner of Jefferson and Walnut streets.

“Destroyed by a windstorm in 1860, the church was replaced by a new one in 1861 under the patronage of Sts. Peter and Paul. A tower rising 175 feet was added in 1873 and the church was enlarged in 1887. In 1914 the tower was destroyed by fire and was replaced by the present smaller one.” (See The Catholic Telegraph, October 22, 1976)

Holy Name Rallies Honor Memory of Pontiff

2009-10-12T08:00:00.000-04:00

1958: “Ballpark became a church in Cincinnati last Sunday when a Solemn Pontifical Requiem Mass for Pope Pius XII was celebrated at Crosley Field. Here, the altar, erected in the center of the field, is surrounded by seminarians, left, and members of the color corps of the Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus, right. A line of marchers enters the field in the foreground.” (See The Catholic Telegraph-Register, October 17, 1958)

Jubilee at Carthagena

2009-10-09T08:00:00.000-04:00

1961: “The seeds of religious vocations, nurtured at St. Charles’ Seminary, Carthagena, have produced more than 700 priests over the past 100 years. This month, as the Precious Blood Fathers’ major seminary observes its centenary, it can point to its ‘graduates’ at work in 21 states and in South America. To meet the demands of a growing religious society, St. Charles’ Seminary recently completed a construction program.

“Before and after pictures show the chapel as it was before its renovation, above, and after its renovation. The ornate decorations in [the top] picture were the work of a seminary rector, Father Paulinus Trost, a talented painter. He drew his own image on a mural depicting Purgatory on the sanctuary walls. The renovated chapel [below] stresses the theme, "Blood of Jesus—Center of Earthly and Heavenly Liturgy." The figure of Christ dominates the mosaic behind the altar, which emphasizes the theme of the Precious Blood in the life of the Mystical Body. The chapel also has an imposing stained glass window honoring the Assumption. The new organ, placed in the sanctuary, contains 1,600 pipes, arranged in a series, from 16 feet high down to the size of a pencil.” (See The Catholic Telegraph-Register, October 6, 1961)

Bells Ringing at St. Joseph

2009-10-08T08:00:00.000-04:00

1989: “Bells in the 129-foot twin steeples at St. Joseph Church in Wapakoneta will ring October 8 in celebration of the parish’s 150th anniversary.

“The parish history is intricate. A former Shawnee Reservation, German immigrants settled in Wapakoneta after the Indians relocated. The village was incorporated in 1834. Five years later, the first St. Joseph Church was built at the corner of Pearl and Blackhoof streets.

“In 1853 parishioners decided to build a 80-by-45 foot church, expecting it to cost $8,400. Construction was under way when a disagreement on building specifications halted the project. The parish entered into legal proceedings with the archdiocese and lost. Newly-built walls were torn down, leaving the parish without a place of worship and $11,000 in debt from the lawsuit.

“The first resident priest, Father Andrew Herbstrit arrived in 1857 and oversaw the building of the second church.

“Today a third church stands at the corner of Pearl and Perry streets, on the same block as the original church. Built in 1911, the church has no interior pillars to obstruct views. A large metal crown of thorns is suspended over a marble altar and light-colored walls surround the interior.” (See The Catholic Telegraph, September 29, 1989)

Community Chest

2009-10-06T08:00:00.001-04:00

1959: “St. Joseph's Orphanage in Dayton, home for Catholic boys and girls of elementary school age temporarily separated from the parents, is one of five Catholic agencies aided by the Community Chest, now in the midst of a joint campaign for funds with the Red Cross in Dayton and Montgomery County. Above, Orphanage Chaplain Monsignor Raymond Schroder engages in a checkers battle with the girls' unofficial champion while he takes advice from a few kibitzers. Sixty-four per cent of the institution's $80,000 annual budget comes from the Community Chest.” (See The Catholic Telegraph-Register, October 9, 1959)

Bell Raising

2009-10-05T08:00:00.002-04:00

1989: “Verdin Company employees Bob Verdin, at left, and Ron Stepheny bring the bells from now closed Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church to their new home, Holy Family Parish, Price Hill. The bells were at OLPH since 1886. Installing the three bells —400, 700 and 1,800 pounds — required two grueling days of work, Oct. 5 and 6. Here, the largest bell is eased into the church.” (The Catholic Telegraph, October 13, 1989)

A Scene From Life of Archbishop McNicholas

2009-10-02T08:00:00.001-04:00

1934: “In October 1934, Archbishop [John T.] McNicholas presided at the investiture of two prominent Cincinnatians into the order of St. Gregory XVI. The Most Reverend Archbishop is shown here flanked by the two new Knights Commander, Sir William H. Albers and Sir Charles F. Willliams. The late Bishop Francis W. Howard of Covington is at the extreme right of the first row. In mitre is Bishop Joseph H. Albers, brother of the honored layman. The Auxiliary Bishop of Cincinnati (then Monsignor), the Most Rev. George J. Rehring is shown in the second row, extreme left. (See The Catholic Telegraph-Register, April 28, 1950)