 FIRST ONSITE crews began retrieving sacred items and removing large debris the day after the fire. Crews began sifting through and removing smaller debris June 23rd with the last of the fire debris removed on August 11th. Over 200 tons of debris was removed from the church along with scrap metal that has been recycled. Crews were not able to remove debris from the NW sacristy due to unsafe door headers and walls nor from the bell tower platform and above that was heavily damaged.
 While heavy storms and rain moved the Prayer Service inside, the Knights Hall was filled with warmth and dry, except for tears of both sorrow and gratitude shed for our beloved St. John the Baptist Church and those who came to our aide. Over 300 parishioners and guests, joined the St. John’s Choir giving praise and thanks to God in song, listening to the Word of God and reflections, blessing the firemen and first responders and offering prayers for all those who serve and protect us, especially those who came to our aid on May 29th.
Firemen and First Responder Thank You Reflections July 27, 2025 - Fr. Ken Schnipke, C.PP.S7/27/2025
Today we celebrate a famous trio, not Peter, Paul and Mary but the Feasts of Sts. Peter and Paul this weekend and the Nativity of St. John last week. We also have updates about the St. John Church fire.
The St. John the Baptist Church presider’s chair has been retrieved. The symbolism of the priest’s chair is derived from the bishop’s chair found in every cathedral. In fact, the word “cathedral” comes from a word that means “chair.”
Following the May 29th fire at St. John the Baptist Church, access to the interior of the church was limited due to safety concerns and the scope of the fire investigation. At the conclusion of the onsite fire investigation, FIRST ONSITE was given access June 23rd to remove debris from the church.
 A Prayer Service will begin at 1:30 PM in the St. John the Baptist Church South Parking lot on SR 119. Gathering follows at the Knights of St. John Hall. Please park in the Knights of St. John Hall parking lot.
We are forever grateful to the firemen, first responders, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, FIRST ONSITE and all others who came to our aid as fire ravaged our beloved St. John the Baptist Church. May God bless and protect you in your dedication and service to others.
Like so many of you, my heart sank as I watched the fire race across the roof of St. John’s church, the billowing black smoke clouding the sky and the flames of fire that leapt into the air, consuming and destroying everything in it’s path, first the roof and then the spire that eventually came crashing down in front of the church. We all know how powerful, destructive and devastating fire can be, but our faith tells us it can also be transforming.
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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. Archives
January 2026
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