St. Barbara Catholic Church (Cloverdale, Ohio)

A History of St. Barbara’s Parish

Saint Barbara’s first church was dedicated on August 22, 1898. Rev. Michael Mueller was our Founder and first Pastor. Saint Barbara was a mission parish of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Ottoville until Rev. Henry Wickmann was appointed its first resident pastor on June 25, 1900. The first parish cemetery was on the south side of the church until October 11, 1901 when Rev. Wickmann purchased four acres of land along Plank Road for a new cemetery. Shortly after that, all the graves were exhumed and moved to this new location.
In 1904, the parish built a parochial school where the children could attend classes from the first grade through the third year of high school. To finish their senior year, they had to go to Ottoville or Kalida. The high school closed in the 1930’s although the elementary remained open until 1966. During this time, the Precious Blood Sisters staffed the school and lived in a two-story brick convent across the street. This convent was par of the parish until it was sold on January 14, 1970.
On the two lots directly across from the church, trees were planted and dedicated to all the men from the parish who served during World War I.
Rev. Wickmann retired on February 18, 1942 and Rev. Carl Willacker became the next pastor until May 25, 1954. Under his guidance the parishioners began to make plans for anew and larger church. But wasn’t until Rev. Louis Huffman was appointed pastor on May 25, 1954 that these plans were accomplished. In August of 1957, the 40-foot by 90-foot original from church was torn down and its contents stored for future use.
The cornerstone was laid on June 15, 1958. The 104-foot by 46-foot church was constructed of concrete blocks, brick exterior walls, wooden arches to support he wood deck ceiling with blue and gray ceramic wall behind the altar. This church has a seating capacity of 262 people. ON August 22, 1958, the sixtieth anniversary of the parish, Bishop Rehring celebrated the Solemn Pontifical Blessing and Dedication of Saint Barbara’s new Church.
After Rev. Huffman left on May 18, 1961, Rev. Richard Morman served as pastor until June 21, 1967. Rev. John Hanasack became the pastor from June 22, 1967 to August 30, 1967. The next pastor was Rev. Virgil Riedlinger from September 8, 1967 until his retirement on June 24, 1976. Rev. Herman Scherger became pastor on June 24, 1974 and served the parish until July 1, 1986. During this time a new Altar of Sacrifice facing the body of the church and pulpit was placed in the Sanctuary.
On July 1, 1986, Rev. Herman Fortman was appointed pastor until his death on March 18, 1994. In the spring of 1989, the 86-year-old school building was torn down. On May 25, 1989, ground breaking for the new parish center measuring 105-foot by 50-foot began. This air-condition hall has a seating capacity of 205. A crucifix and a fire alarm bell from the old school were hung in the hall. Most of the new hall and kitchen contents were donated by parishioners. A storage building was built on the South side of the parish center. He also had the church isles carpeted and pews upholstered.
Rev. Al Miorin was appointed pastor from July 1, 1994 until his retirement on July 1, 1997. Rev. Chris Vasko was appointed administrator of St. Barbara’s until July 1, 2001. Saint Barbara’s celebrated its 100th anniversary on August 22, 1998. Bishop Hoffman officiated at the Centennial Mass and Dedication of the new outdoor shrine to Saint Barbara.
In 2000, the wooded lot north of the rectory was initially prepared for a prayer garden. However, this quiet, peaceful and relaxing areal was not finished until after Rev. Robert Kill was appointed pastor of St. Barbara’s on July 1, 2001. On September 19, 2004, the prayer garden with its Station of the Cross, memorials and shrines which surround a large statue of the Madonna and Child was formally Dedicated and Blessed by Bishop Blair.
In January of 2004, a new bell tower and carillon was installed at the northeast corner of the church. The original 106-year-old-bell with a new electro-mechanical ringer was installed near the top of the tower along with three carillon speakers mounted behind the grill work. By summer a lighted church sign and sidewalk past the front of the bell tower were completed.
From this parish with only 143 families, there have been three priests, and twenty nuns called to the Religious life. Their names are: Rev. Joseph Plumpe, Rev. Sylvester Schnipke, Rev. Robert Knoepfle, Sr. Ermelinda Burgei, Sr. Gertrude Broll, Sr. Leandra Droll, Sr. M. Helmcamp, Sr. M. Aidana Janka, Sr. Berchmans Knippen, Sr. Clara Knippen, Sr. Wilhelmina Knoepfle, Sr. Joyce Langhals, Sr. Anne Langhals, Sr. M. Hilaria Maas, Sr. M. Regina Mass, Sr. Leonissa Miller, Sr. Marguerite Miller, Sr. Pius Miller, Mother Nathalia Smith, Sr. Theona Smith, Sr. M Marcella Stroetker, Sr. M. Alexine Webken, and Sr. Barbara Webken.
Through the years Saint Barbara’s has been a vibrant parish with organizations and activities benefiting parishioners young and old.
-Written by Donna J. Burgei for the Putnam County, Ohio History and Families book