Findlay in Hancock County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
St. Michael Parish
150th Anniversary, 1839 – 1989
— A Holy Heritage in Hancock County —
Photographed By Joel Seewald, February 29, 2020
1. St. Michael Parish Marker
In commemoration of 150 years of service to Catholics in Findlay and Hancock County.
St. Michael Parish officially began as a station of the Tiffin St. Mary Parish in 1839. Masses were celebrated in the homes of John Engelmann and John Julien. The first church, built on the corner of West Hardin and Cory Streets in 1856, was dedicated to St. Michael the Archangel. This church was destroyed by fire on February 14, 1866.
The cornerstone for this, the second church, was laid by Bishop Rappe on Sunday, August 19, 1866.
Between 1881 and 1889 the parish doubled in size following the discovery of natural gas in the county. The church was enlarged in 1889.
Another church building was erected on the east side of town in 1965 to accomodate growth. In the 150 years from 1839 to 1989 the parish grew from a few families to 7000 persons.
As of 1989, St. Michael Parish is still the only Catholic parish in Hancock County.
Dedicated September 24, 1989
Erected 1989 by St. Michael Parish.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Churches & Religion. A significant historical date for this entry is February 14, 1866.
Location. 41° 2.386′ N, 83° 39.58′ W. Marker is in Findlay, Ohio, in Hancock County
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Great Karg Gas Well January 20 1886 (approx. 0.3 miles away); The Ohio Oil Co - Marathon Oil Co / Gas Boom Era (approx. 0.4 miles away); Hancock County Veterans Memorial (approx. half a mile away); Congressional Medal of Honor Recipients (approx. half a mile away); War Savings Stamps (approx. half a mile away); Outstanding Renovated Building, 1980 - 1986 (approx. half a mile away); Hancock County Courthouse (approx. half a mile away); Site of Fort Findlay (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Findlay.
Regarding St. Michael Parish. This building is known as the St. Michael Parish Downtown Chapel. The parish is now based at its third church on the east side of town at 750 Bright Road.
Photographed By Joel Seewald, February 29, 2020
2. St. Michael Parish Church and Marker
Photographed By Joel Seewald, February 29, 2020
3. St. Michael Parish Cornerstone
Credits. This page was last revised on July 31, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 9, 2020, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. This page has been viewed 350 times since then and 52 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 9, 2020, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.
