OHIO - The 17th state to join the Union, possesses a history deeply intertwined with the westward expansion of the United States and the establishment of diverse communities. Identifying Ohio's single "oldest church" involves considering different criteria – the oldest congregation versus the oldest surviving church building. However, one venerable institution consistently rises to the forefront in these discussions: St. Joseph Catholic Church in Somerset, Perry County.
Ohio's Oldest Church? Exploring the Rich History of St. Joseph's in Somerset
This historic parish holds a significant place as arguably the cradle of Catholicism in Ohio.
St. Joseph's Catholic Church (Somerset): A Foundational Parish (1818)
The story of St. Joseph's begins with the arrival of German Catholic immigrants seeking a new life on the Ohio frontier.
- Founding: In 1818, led by Dominican friar Edward Fenwick (who would later become the first Bishop of Cincinnati), these settlers founded St. Joseph Parish. It is widely considered the oldest Catholic parish in Ohio (Source: Catholic Diocese of Columbus, St. Joseph Parish history).
- Dominican Connection: The parish has maintained a strong connection to the Dominican Order throughout its history, with Dominican fathers continuing to serve the community.
The First Catholic Church Building (1818 Log Structure)
Beyond being the oldest Catholic parish, St. Joseph's also holds a claim related to the physical structure of worship.
- Original Church: The original log church building dedicated in 1818 is recognized as the first Catholic church building constructed in Ohio (Source: Ohio History Connection, St. Joseph Parish history). This humble structure marked a significant milestone for the growing Catholic community in the region.
The Enduring Landmark (1843-1848 Structure)
While the original log church no longer stands, the current St. Joseph Catholic Church building is a significant historic landmark. Constructed between 1843 and 1848 in the Gothic Revival style, this beautiful brick church continues to serve the parish and stands as a testament to the faith and perseverance of its founders.
Considering Congregations vs. Buildings
It's important to distinguish between a congregation's age and its current building's age.
- Older Congregations: Other religious congregations were established in Ohio even earlier. For instance, the First Presbyterian Church of Chillicothe, organized in 1797, represents one of the oldest congregations in the state. However, their original church building no longer exists.
- Regional Context: Similarly, other churches hold regional distinctions, like St. Peter's Catholic Church in Cleveland (established 1853), the oldest church building in continuous use within the Diocese of Cleveland.
While pinpointing the absolute "oldest church" in Ohio depends on specific definitions, St. Joseph Catholic Church in Somerset holds an undeniable and prominent place in the state's religious history. It is recognized as Ohio's oldest Catholic parish and was the site of the first Catholic church building erected in the state (1818). Its enduring presence and the history embodied within its current mid-19th-century structure make it a vital landmark and a significant destination for those exploring Ohio's rich past.
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Sources
- Catholic Diocese of Columbus
- St. Joseph Parish - Somerset, OH Website
- Ohio History Connection
- Histories of Perry County and Somerset, Ohio
- Records of early Ohio religious institutions
- First Presbyterian Church of Chillicothe (for congregation history)
