Blog Archives

Bell Tower Demolition Marks Turning Point in Future of St. John the Baptist, Maria Stein

1/7/2026

PRESS RELEASE
Today, the bell tower of St. John the Baptist Church in Maria Stein is being carefully demolished following the collapse of the west wall of the church on Monday, December 29, 2025. Seven months after a fire ravaged St. John the Baptist Church, the west wall of the church collapsed last week due to high winds and the declining condition of the remaining structure.

St. John the Baptist Church Demolition Update 1-6-26

1/6/2026

FIRST ONSITE and Sunesis has advised that heavy equipment is being transported Tuesday morning and assembled onsite in the afternoon. Controlled demolition of the tower will begin Wednesday morning.

St. John the Baptist Church Demolition Update 1-3-26

1/3/2026

FIRST ONSITE and Sunesis has advised that ODOT has not yet released the transport permit for the heavy equipment due to 6 bridges that must be inspected along the proposed main route and alternate route to the site. ODOT anticipates having these inspections completed by Monday afternoon. The carrier is on standby to begin transport Tuesday Morning and operational staff to begin assembly of the equipment. Controlled demolition of the tower will follow.

St. John the Baptist Church Demolition Update 1/2/26

1/2/2026

Sunesis Environmental, working through FIRST ONSITE, began controlled demolition of St. John Church on Friday, January 2nd. A large excavator was used to demolish the West and North walls, including the Northwest work sacristy and storage area above. They were able to preserve the original marker from the 1849 & 1889 churches.

On May 29, 2025, there was a devastating fire at our beloved and historic St. John the Baptist church in Maria Stein, OH. This page is where pertinent updates about the recovery efforts will be shared. We ask that you would support us with your prayers! If you would also like to financially support the recovery efforts you may do so online using the link above.

Categories

RSS Feed

Contact Us
The Marion Catholic Community
7428 State Route 119
Maria Stein, OH 45860
Phone: (419)-925-4775
Residence: (419)-925-2030
Office Hours: Monday-Thursday 8:30a-4:30p Friday 8:30a-12:30p

Mission Statement
The members of the Marion Catholic Community, given life through the Holy Spirit in Baptism, are called together as a community of faith to praise and worship God our Creator and to proclaim in word and deed the Gospel message of Jesus Christ.
As members of the Body of Christ we strive to serve all to provide an atmosphere of hospitality which enables all to respond fully to the life-long challenge "to do right and to love goodness, and to walk humbly with your God." Micah 6:8

The recovery of st. john the baptist parish​

Bell Tower Demolition Marks Turning Point in Future of St. John the Baptist, Maria Stein

St. John the Baptist Church Demolition Update 1-6-26

St. John the Baptist Church Demolition Update 1-3-26

St. John the Baptist Church Demolition Update 1/2/26

​Archives

Categories

The recovery of st. john the baptist parish

Archives