St. Peter Parish Celebrates 150 Years

St. Peter Catholic Church in North Ridgeville is celebrating 150 years as a parish this year.

St. Peter’s first mass as a parish took place with the first mass on December 25, 1875.

This year’s sesquicentennial celebration is bringing much excitement to the community.

Father Robert Franco has served as pastor for the last 15 years at St. Peter as well as sister parish, St. Julie Billiart (also in North Ridgeville) for the past two years. He follows the dedicated efforts of previous pastors and associates.

“I am grateful that God has provided and sustained us for 150 years and I look forward to continuing the good news of Christ for our parish as long as God gives us,” says Fr. Franco.

A highlight of the 150th year celebration was the appearance by North Ridgeville Mayor Kevin Corcoran at Mass on Jan. 4. Mayor Corcoran presented a proclamation to the church. The proclamation shares the colorful history of the parish in a timeline (also shared on these pages).

St. Peter has many religious and social activities throughout the year. To highlight the anniversary year there is something extra each month.

Both St. Peter and St. Julie Billiart Churches serve the North Ridgeville Catholic community and strive to be of assistance to all North Ridgeville residents through many activities such as the monthly Community Dinners, home and nursing home visits and spiritual outreach programs.

Father Franco notes that there will be a Spring groundbreaking for a parish hall, kitchen and elevator to be completed in 2026.

He adds that St. Peter School and parish school of religion and adult education help one and all to know Christ. The celebration of the Eucharist and the other Sacraments (as well as the encouragement to personal prayer), help us to love Christ. The parish family seeks to work and pray together to follow Jesus Christ’s command to love one another as He has loved us.

PROCLAMATION

WHEREAS: in the 1870s, thirty-two Catholic families came together for the purpose of raising funds for a parish; on July 25, 1875 the first cornerstone was placed and on December 25, 1875 the first celebratory mass was delivered by Father Jacob Heidegger the first appointed administrator; one year after the church’s dedication, the congregation opened its school built for 45 pupils; and

WHEREAS: in 1879, the St. Peter community was given parochial status and Father Victor Haussner was named its first pastor and served until his death in 1881; the church status then wavered between parochial and missionary with a turn-over of priests until 1909 when the community was permanently given parochial status and a new pastor, Father Jospeh Trapp was appointed; and

WHEREAS: in 1907, the school closed with only 24 students; in 1910, a new school was erected with 86 eager students looking to gain knowledge from the Sisters of Notre Dame staff; and

WHEREAS: on June 15, 1914 tragedy struck the community when a fire destroyed the church; the dedicated parishioners continued to worship as masses were relocated and held in the school; and

WHEREAS: in 1923, under the leadership of new pastor, Father John Rhein, the present church was built and dedicated on May 27, 1923 and the current rectory erected in 1925; in 1926 beautiful stained-glass windows from Germany were installed in the church; and

WHEREAS: by 1959, the school’s enrollment grew to 435 pupils; under the leadership of Father Edward Halloran who served as the pastor from 1959 until 1967, arranged for the present school and the new convent, the current Parish Center, to be built along with making many church renovations; and

WHEREAS: in 1975, under pastor Father Liam Kitt, an addition to the school and a new gymnasium was completed; in 1980 Father Thomas Hyland commences as the longest pastor tenure ending in 2003 with numerous accolades from church restoration to a new home for Sisters of Notre Dame with the former home becoming the Parish Center; and

WHEREAS: in 2009, Father Robert Franco appointed as the 15th pastor of St. Peter Church and he continues to serve today; under his leadership the Building on the Rock Capital Campaign kicked off in 2022 to raise the funds necessary to meet the current needs by building a new social hall and other parish improvements; the maintenance facility was completed in 2024 with a projected start date of this year for constructing the new social hall; and

WHEREAS: many individuals and organizations have played major roles in the progress of the St. Peter Catholic Church over the last 150 years and its members continue to look to the future and build on a glorious past.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Mayor Kevin Corcoran do hereby congratulate the St. Peter Catholic Church on their 150th Jubilee Year and wish you the very best in continuing your vision of members worshiping together, growing spiritually, serving others, building community and giving cheerfully. Thank you for being such an integral part of our community.

– Mayor Kevin Corcoran, January 4, 2025