Souvenir of the Diamond Jubilee of St. John Church, August 24, 1947, Middletown, Ohio, 1872 to 1947 St. John, Middletown, Ohio owes its beginning to Holy Name Parish, Trenton, Ohio.  The question of nationality and language played a great part in the history of almost every parish in America.  Immigrants sought out their relatives and friends or grouped themselves with those who knew their native language.  Night schools were not so easily found, excepting in larger centers such as New York, Chicago, St. Louis, Cincinnati, etc.  Long hard, arduous hours of labor were not too conducive to study, so that it was hard for the immigrant to learn the language of the country.

St. John Church, School, and Rectory

So, in like manner the early Catholic settlers of Middletown, of German origin, sought out the church in Trenton, which was well established at that time, and in which German was spoken.  Franciscan Fathers were in charge.  Suffice it to say, whatever the national group, they all tried to have a house of God in their midst.

After a series of meetings at Theodore Ritter's Saddle Shop, permission was given by the Most Rev. John B. Purcell for the purchase of property, and the building of a church for the German speaking Catholic population.  The property was purchased on the present site, and in short order the cornerstone of the new edifice was laid August 25, 1872, by the Most Rev. John B. Purcell.  The first church committee included Matthew Hepting, Theodore Ritter, and John Kaser.  Father John Mackey preached the sermon on this occasion, and this humble beginning of a mission church took place under the pastorship of Father Leitner, O.F.M.
 
 

A newspaper clipping commenting on the occasion of the dedication of the completed church, which took place July, 1874, said, "approximately 3,000 people were present on this occasion, coming from Dayton, Miamisburg, Hamilton, and Cincinnati, Ohio."  The Most Rev. John B. Purcell blessed the new church and preached the sermon.  The paper further commented that "the church was completed at the cost of $12,000, including the property, $7,000 of which was already paid."

St. John Church, 1922 (photo courtesy of Middletown Historical Society)

Father Carl Schoeppner, O.F.M., erected the parsonage and school, which later on became the Sisters' House.  This took place in 1879.  In that year the Most Rev. Bishop Fitzgerald of Little Rock had the confirmation.  Father Gabriel Lipps, O.F.M., was appointed pastor in 1882.  He enlarged the school and the sacristy, and remained as pastor for ten years.

In 1892 Father F. H. Bene took over the pastorate of St. John's and became its first resident priest.  His appointment inaugurated the diocesan clergy in charge of St. John.  During Father Bene's stay property was purchased for the necessary expansion of the parish, and the old Jones property, adjoining the church property, on which the present new church, house, and school stand, was purchased.  Monsignor Gerdes commenting on this said, "the wisdom displayed in his (Father Bene's) choice of a site adds its continual glory to his memory."

In September 1896 Monsignor Gerdes was appointed pastor.  He came to Middletown October 7, 1896.  The following year the parish celebrated its Silver Jubilee.  The new pastor immediately made preparations to build a new school.  March 16, 1908 ground was broken and the school was started and completed in that year.  Monsignor Gerdes was aided in supervision by Mr. Engelbert Dietrich.  The fine, serviceable structure stands today in grand condition, competes well with modern school buildings, and serves its purpose most suitably.
 

In December of 1880 at the request of Father Leitner, O.F.M., the Sisters of St. Francis of Oldenburg came to open a school for the children of St. John's.  Two Sisters came.  The number of pupils grew steadily so that by 1890 the building was enlarged and two more Sisters were added to the staff.  When the new school was built in 1908 a Commercial Course was offered besides the grade school subjects.  From that time the number of high school subjects have been increased so that now three years of high school are offered and the entire teaching staff has increased to eight Sisters.

St. John School

The Sisters of St. Francis introduced a music class in 1899 and have had a band from the members of the class.  All instruments are taught, also vocal.  The Sisters are also directing the choir for the parish.  The following Sisters have been in charge of the school since its founding:  Sister Boniface, Sister Longina, Sister Adriana, Sister Stanislaus, Sister Lamberta, Sister Eva, Sister Ethelberga, Sister Bertilda, and Sister Micheline.

In 1909 William H. Hurr was appointed janitor by Monsignor Gerdes.  He has served diligently and loyally to this day.  May God spare him for many more years.

In 1910 the American Rolling Mill decided on an expansion program, during which time East Side Works were enlarged and expanded.  During this time many people came to Middletown.  Immigrants were from Slovakia, Hungary, and Croatia.  Many of these workers had a stopping place in the Eastern States before arriving here, and were well experienced workers in the steel mill line.  The Italian and Polish people were already established in the city.  The progress of the city with its new enterprises, such as the paper and rolling mills, added new strength and vitality to the well established parish through these new members.  From 1914 to 1918, due to World War I, many laborers came to Middletown because of war work.  All these events welded together and united a group of people who so zealously were prepared to take on a new responsibility more serious than they had to shoulder in years gone by.  The parish needed a larger church.
 

Permission was finally granted by the Most Rev. Henry Moeller, then Archbishop of Cincinnati, to erect a new church and house.  Mr. W. L. Jaeckle of Dayton was appointed architect.  In 1924 the new house was built by the Martin L. Bauer Company.  In 1925 the J. R. Stevens Company built the Church.  Father Gerdes was also aided in supervision by Mr. Charles Bendel.  Some serious problems arose during the time of the building, but all in all the church was finally completed in 1926.  The church committee for the building of the new church included Frank Fabing, Frank Litsch, Ed Brede, Sr., Gus Mayer, Sr., Lawrence Herb, William Kramer, Charles Hurr, A. J. Schneider, Carl Stern, Carl Wedekind, Aegidius Zeier, John Yauch, and Charles Nunlist.

The laying of the cornerstone, June 21, 1925.

In the interval of 1925 and 1926, Monsignor Gerdes became seriously ill and had to undergo an operation.  The doctors at that time gave little hope for his recovery.  A few days after his operation, Monsignor Gerdes said, "I am good for twenty more years," and this he was.  He arose again from his sick bed to build the church and complete it.  The Most Rev. John T. McNicholas dedicated the church in 1927.  Father Antonine, O.F.M., preached the sermon.  The present pastor, Father John L. Oberlander, served as the first resident assistant from 1922 to 1930, and had ample opportunity to observe Monsignor Gerdes' good works and deeds.

Blessing of the Bells by the Most Reverend Monsignor D.D. Buckley, November 14, 1926.   The bells were placed in the church tower November 23, 1926. The priests pictured in the center: Rev. Fr. A. M. Gerdes, Pastor and Rev. Fr. John Oberlander, Assistant.  Fourth from the left in the line is Louis Werner.  The other Knights of Columbus are unidentified.

With the approach of the 30's, a cloud of sorrow fell upon the entire congregation due to the debt and approach of the horrible depression.  Serious troubles hung heavily upon the shoulders of the aging pastor, but he was strong of heart and his people continued their support to the best of their ability, and with fortitude and prayer they conquered.

In 1930 Father Jerome Weinert was made the next assistant, but remained only for a short time, to be moved to Denver, Colorado, because of ill health, where he thrives and is well to this day.

Father Henry Westerhaus followed Father Weinert as an assistant, and due to his zealous effort and the vigor of jobless parishioners, the basement of the church was fixed for use.

In 1933 Father Edward H. Macke came to St. John's, a blessed little priest, kind, mild, and gentle, afflicted with a deathly sickness which finally took him to his eternal reward.  He served until 1934, and a year or two after died, leaving behind a beautiful memory with all the parish of St. John's for his effort with the young.  May God give him Eternal Peace and Rest.

In 1936 Father Francis J. Heider was made assistant.  In 1937, Father John B. Berning came to St. John's as second assistant, due to the failing health of Monsignor Gerdes.  In 1936 Monsignor Gerdes celebrated his Ruby Jubilee as pastor of St. John and his Golden Jubilee as Priest.  After these years, he failed considerably in health, so that the cares and responsibility of the parish were given to Father Frank Heider.  During his office in this capacity Father Heider had the old church removed, cleaned up the property, built the grotto, and had the yard properly leveled and blacktopped.  His earnest activities aided in the liquidation of the debt.

Monsignor Gerdes died November 12, 1942, leaving behind him the record of a glorious and holy priest.  No one will ever know the extent of his charities.  No one will ever know the kindnesses he had shown to individuals and families in distress.  No one will ever know of the personal funds that he expended for the cause of St. John's.  These things are all written in the hearts of the people who had the privilege of enjoying these benefits and knowing him intimately.  The rest is written in the Book of Life.  Suffice it to say that God was good to Monsignor Gerdes in his last days.  The Most Rev. Archbishop John T. McNicholas generously permitted him to end his last days in the place which he loved so well.  He died in it and was buried from it, leaving the record of a new church, house, and school, 488 marriages, 688 funerals, and 2,080 baptisms.  May God give him Eternal Peace and Rest.

During the interval of Monsignor Gerdes' death and the appointment of a new pastor, Father Frank Heider was made administrator.  The present pastor, Father John L. Oberlander, was appointed December 2, 1942, and came to the parish on that day.  Father Berning remained as an assistant until September of 1946 at which time Father James F. Frommeyer was made assistant who during his present stay has established the Legion of Mary and the Youth Club.  His activities in the interest of converts are well known.

Father Oberlander was experienced grand and generous support from his parishioners during his pastorate at St. John's.  The $58,000.00 debt was paid off in fifteen months.  In the meantime, many generous donations were given by the parishioners to the diocesan needs.

Over and above that a goodly sum was placed in the treasury to await further works before us, mainly a new Central High School, and at least remodeling of the present Sisters' House, if a new building is not available.  Therefore, we thank God for this great day of Jubilee.  The pastor thanks his people for their great efforts, and we join united for God and Country.

These are the statistics up to date at St. John's:  Marriages 792, Baptisms 2,899, Deaths 925.

 © 2000 by the Butler County Historical Society