St. John the Baptist Church update

Devastating fire ravaged St. John the Baptist Church, Maria Stein, Ohio, on May 29.  

Crews began retrieving sacred items and removing large debris the day after the fire.  By June 23, they were sifting through and removing smaller debris, and the church was cleared by Aug. 11. Over 200 tons of debris was removed from the church, along with scrap metal that has been recycled. Salvage and restoration efforts continue with the windows, organ pipes, and sacred items.   

Insurance adjusters and building consultants specializing in restoration have been reviewing the structural assessment and researching the cost to rebuild St. John Church as it was as well as the cost to replace. They are hoping to have preliminary numbers and options by the end of August. The St. John Building Committee is researching possible architects to identify one who can help work with the Archdiocese, insurance adjusters, building consultants, and other professionals to envision and understand the future options for St. John Church, present those options to the St. John parishioners, and help parishioners discern and decide the best path forward through consensus building. 

A recent structural assessment revealed that the walls are generally strong, but a portion of the upper side walls, a significant portion of the northwest wall, and the upper portion of the bell tower would need to be disassembled and rebuilt. Other reinforcement would likely need to occur in the basement and foundation walls. 

The organ console, façade, and mechanical parts were destroyed, but a significant portion of the pipes were protected in a basswood case. The organ pipes will be removed and stored in the rectory until possible restoration begins. With the removal of the scaffolding, the windows can be removed and begin the restoration process. Door frames at the main entrance and side entrances, some of the priest sacristy cabinets, and the two side altars may be usable in the future church. The large crucifix over the choir loft needs to be removed.   

St. John the Baptist Church is one of eight churches that form the Christ Our Light family of parishes served by five C.PP.S. Missionaries. Average weekly attendance is nearly 5,000, with each of the thirteen weekend Masses at 90% to 110% occupancy. It’s a vibrant and growing community of faith.   

We held a firemen and first responder thank you prayer service and gathering on July 27.  The St. John Community is grateful for all the prayers, support, and concern that has been offered locally, throughout the Archdiocese and across the country.   

For further updates and information on how you can support the recovery efforts at St. John the Baptist, go to https://www.marioncatholiccommunity.org/st-john-recovery.html.

Fr. Ken Schnipke, C.PP.S.
Pastor, Christ our Light Family of Parishes