St. John the Baptist Catholic Church (Glandorf, Ohio) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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St. John The Baptist Roman Catholic Church
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 Location in Ohio
Location in the United States
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| Location | OH 694 and Main St., Glandorf, Ohio |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1875 |
| Architect | Cudell & Richardson |
| Architectural style | Gothic |
| NRHP reference No. | 77001083 |
| Added to NRHP | June 17, 1977 |
The St. John The Baptist Roman Catholic Church is a very old and important church located in Glandorf, Ohio. You can find it at Ohio 694 and Main Street. This beautiful church was built in 1875. It was added to a special list called the National Register of Historic Places in 1977. This means it's a historic building worth protecting!
Contents
History of St. John the Baptist Church
Early Settlers and First Church
In 1834, a group of people led by Father Johann Wilhelm Horstmann came to Putnam County, Ohio. They had traveled all the way from Glandorf, Germany. These settlers bought land from the government and started the town of Glandorf. They also built the very first Catholic church in Putnam County. This first church was a small log cabin, about 16 feet by 18 feet. It was also where Father Horstmann lived.
Growing Congregation and New Buildings
The church community grew very quickly. By 1837, they needed a bigger building. So, a new church made of cut logs was built and named after St John the Baptist. Father Horstmann passed away in 1843. Father Bohne took over and began building a church made of bricks. Soon after, a group called the Sanguinist Fathers started to manage the church. In 1848, a convent (a place where nuns live) was also built.
The Current Church Building
The large church you see today was built in 1875. It was officially opened in 1878. The church was designed by architects named Cudell & Richardson. When it was finished, it was the biggest Roman Catholic church in Ohio!
The church is built in a style called Neo-Gothic. This style often includes tall, pointed arches and detailed decorations. The church has a very tall spire that reaches 169 feet into the sky. Inside, it had special items like small statues from Austria and beautiful stained glass windows from Munich, Germany. There was also a very detailed pulpit (a raised stand where a speaker gives a sermon). This pulpit was bought for $1,400 at a big event called the Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia. Next to the church is Pioneer Cemetery, where Father Horstmann is buried.
Important Dates for the Church
In 1977, the church was officially added to the National Register of Historic Places. This recognized its importance as a historic site.
Sadly, in 1992, a fire broke out inside the church. It caused a lot of damage, costing about $1.2 million to repair the inside.
In 2015, the church opened a museum. This museum helps people learn about the history of the church and the town of Glandorf.
Church Restoration Project
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In 2017, the church had a big project to restore and improve it. This project lasted three months and cost $1.2 million. The work included important steps to protect the church, like adding fiberglass to the inside walls and painting. They also put in new storm windows to keep the beautiful stained glass safe. A lowered ceiling in the entrance area was removed, which uncovered another stained glass window! A company called Conrad Schmitt Studios from New Berlin, Wisconsin did all this amazing work.
Images for kids
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The St. John the Baptist Church in Glandorf, Ohio.
