|
|
Parish History
St. Rose Church, St. Rose, Ohio is one of the 34 buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places. St. Rose Church was previously one of the points of interest during the tour of “The Land of the Cross Tipped Churches”.
The church is a magnificent building constructed of pressed brick with Bedford stone trimmings. It’s high and sharply pointed arches are of the Gothic style of architecture. The height of the steeple cross is 133 feet.
The church’s most spectacular beauty is from within where you will find extensive gold trim and ornate mosaic style painting. This rich trim is then set off by blue carpet throughout the church.
Founding of the Parish in 1839
The year 1839 marks the foundation of four parishes in the Mercer-Auglaize County area –St. Rose, St. Henry, Victoria (St. Joseph) and Wapakoneta. All available data points to the fact that St. Rose is the oldest of the four.
In tradition, both oral and written, the story is told which deals with the origin of the name. Once, when the Most Rev. John Purcell, Bishop of Cincinnati, was passing through the eastern part of Mercer County on one of his visitation tours, the dazzling beauty of the woodland scene enraptured him. Wild roses grew everywhere. He saw it as a garden designed and planted by the Creator. In admiration, the Bishop called the spot Rose Garden, and hence the little village that later sprang up in this section was given its name.
St. Rose Church, St. Rose, Ohio is one of the 34 buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places. St. Rose Church was previously one of the points of interest during the tour of “The Land of the Cross Tipped Churches”.
The church is a magnificent building constructed of pressed brick with Bedford stone trimmings. It’s high and sharply pointed arches are of the Gothic style of architecture. The height of the steeple cross is 133 feet.
The church’s most spectacular beauty is from within where you will find extensive gold trim and ornate mosaic style painting. This rich trim is then set off by blue carpet throughout the church.
The First Church
The first log church was erected at Rose Garden in 1844. Unimposing, as was the architecture of that first log church, it nevertheless stood out above the other log cabins that surrounded it, for it possessed a steeple and in the steeple a bell, which was purchased for the sum of $36.00.
Building of the Second Church
As the years went quickly by and in passing showed a yearly increase in the congregation, the log church became too small. On January 18, 1854, the second church was built at a cost of $6,000. and was built free of debt. In 1862, the first organ was installed for $690.00. At the same time, statues of St. Rose, St. John, St. Lawrence and the Good Shepherd, all imported from Europe, were purchased for $315.00.
Note: The inscription stone that was on this church is now found next to the sidewalk—at ground level—on the northwest side of the present church.
In 1905, when Archbishop Henry Moeller was on a visitation tour, he expressed his desire that a rectory should be built near the church so that the pastor could live among his flock. The building was completed on March 23, 1906.
Building of the Third Church (Present Church)
What was probably the most extensive improvement in the history of the parish was undertaken during the year 1910. In January of that year, it was placed before the congregation the necessity of building a new church. Erection of the third church began and was completed in 1911 for/or about $26,479.00.
Altars
The high altar was bought in 1913 at a cost of $1,565.00. The upper part of the rerodos contains a statue of St. Rose. On the east side is a Crucifixion scene and on the west side is a Resurrection scene. In the mensa are an Emmaus scene and various symbols of the passion. (Note: On the original altar, there were also statues of St. Peter and St. Paul and also two standing angels with lights. These were removed when the altar was lowered three steps. The additions to the high altar (and also the side altars) were bought in 1920.
In the mensa of the altar is the wood carved scene of Melchisedec offering bread and wine for Abraham. On the pulpit is a wood carve scene of Moses and the people gathering manna. (These two scenes had been the gates of the communion rail.) Recently parishioners made the wooden paschal candle stand, wooden flower and candle stands and other wooden chairs.
Special Points of Interest
Stations of the Cross: It is not surprising that many of the inscriptions found throughout the church (under the glass stained windows, statues, altars, tabernacle, etc.) are the same as the names found in the parish registry today. Among these are also the 14 Stations of the Cross, which adorn the outside walls.
Reconciliation Room: The confessional (now known as the Reconciliation Room) is beautifully carved and intriguingly designed. The history of the confessional is a mystery.
The Pieta: Near the front entrance of the church is the statue of the Pieta, which was purchased in 1914, with a pedestal, for $170.00. Also near the entrance of the church is a statue of St. Theresa, the Little Flower.
The Bells: In the tower, there are three bells, respectively weighing 1,000 lbs., 1350 lbs., and 900 lbs. These bells were purchased in 1932 for $543.26.
Summary
Under able pastors and parishioners, the church and its surroundings have not only been maintained in excellent shape but have been improved. Under their direction and generous donation, the cemetery wall was added to beautify it. The dedication and love, of the people of St. Rose Parish, for their church as manifested by the continual desire to make the place beautiful in appearance.
At St. Rose, we are proud of our leadership and ministering through various programs and committees such as the Cemetery Association, Parish Council, Ushers, Servers, CCD Program, Men’s Sodality, Ladies Sodality, Adult Choir, Youth Choir, Ministry to Homebound and Sick, Lectors and Eucharistic Ministers.
Religious Vocations
It was indeed a happy event in May of 1927, when the first St. Rose parishioner, Fr. Ferdinand Goettemoeller was ordained to the Priesthood. In the years to follow, vocations to the Priesthood and religious life from St. Rose included Fr. Melchior Lochtefeld (May 1931), Fr. Aloys Selhorst (May 1939), and Fr. Tobias Lochtefeld (May 1948). The following were baptized but not raised in St. Rose; Fr. John Anthony (May 1923), Fr. John Reichert (June 1927), Sister Angelica born Mary Lochtefeld (January 1873), Sister Agatha born Rosina Philomena Lochtefeld (March 1882), Sister Emma born Catherine Bernadine Lochtefeld (November 1917), and Sister Leonidas born Agnes Piekenbrock (August 1939).
Summary 1989 - 2014
It was a beautiful summer Sunday in June of 1989 when St Rose celebrated their 150thanniversary with a mass followed by a chicken dinner on the church grounds. Festivities included burying a time capsule, artifacts were displayed in church basement along with a craft show, a heritage style show in the church and games for young and old alike.
Fr. Ray Bauer C.PPS. continued shepherding our parish. We were continuing The Harvest process of combining with Cassella after Fr. Eilerman would retire. Combined council meetings’ discussions centered on living arrangements, mass schedules, and other details. For now the mass schedules remained the same.
The combining of St. Rose and Cassella happened in 1990 with the retirement of Fr. Eilerman from Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish. The transition went very smoothly with each parish cooperatively sharing a Saturday night and two Sunday morning masses on a rotating schedule, and a mixed weekday schedule.
Tragedy came in May of 1992 when Fr. Bauer suffered a massive heart attack and died at the Elks Golf Course after finishing his best game ever. A retired Army Chaplain, Fr. Fred Ryder C.PPS. was sent to minister to us until a replacement could be found.
Fr. Ryder’s love of children, the outdoors, and being with people helped us through our time of grief. He was often heard to say, “Either they need to assign me here or move me, because I like it here.” Then on August 12, 1992, the retired Chaplain became our loving, sandal-footed shepherd. Sunday masses always ended with the children leaning toward the center aisle so they could get their weekly hug or hand shake. Marilyn probably had to play an extra verse to allow time for Father to exit the church.
St. Rose parishioner, Delores Schlarman, felt a need for a Bereavement committee to help fellow parishioners cope with the loss of loved ones. So in the early 1990s, classes were taken and a committee formed which is still in existence. The duties of the committee have grown to include assisting with the planning of the funeral, presiding over prayer services at the funeral home and being present the day of the funeral mass. In 2010, the Bereavement committee took a leadership role in forming the Grief Share program which the Cluster now provides for its grieving members.
The gift of the Eucharist is a wonderful thing. Some ladies of the parish would bring communion to parishioners in the nursing homes, which expanded to cluster members, and then any Catholic who wanted to receive Communion that day. The nursing home visit group now includes members of all cluster parishes. The power of prayer was a well-known fact among the St. Rose parishioners. Sometimes the need for urgent prayer prompted the creation of a prayer chain so calls could go out for all to pray.
The ladies of the parish continued to be very active in the Ladies Sodality. They planned a number of parish festivities, coordinated annual church cleaning, and sponsored a lunch stand at public auctions. The need for additional funding prompted the Sodality to try a Parish Garage and Bake Sale. It was held for one week from Wednesday thru Friday during the month of March. It was very successful, well attended and was continued for a number of years.
The Men’s Sodality also saw the need for a fund raiser so they could continue financial contributions to the CCD program, student Right to Life March participants and other worthy causes. A Father’s Day BBQ chicken dinner sale was started in 1992. Rocky Bernard would set up in the church cemetery drive and with hard work and good fellowship, the successful event is continued still at this time.
Fr. Joseph Pax C.PPS. started the first Liturgical Committee. The committee, continued to be very inspirational and parishioners continued to be more active in parish life. A decorating committee kept the church attractive throughout the Liturgical Year. Banner Bees were held to make banners for church decorating.
The youth of the parish were active as well. The CYO program was involved in spiritual growth projects as well as recreational activities. The 1996-97 boys’ and 2010-11 girls’ basketball teams advanced to the state CYO tournament. Fundraisers included chili dinners and omelet breakfasts. For many years the CYO enjoyed trips to Kings Island and Mad River Ski Mountain.
The CCD program expanded to include a preschool Bible class that is held on a Sunday morning once a month. The other classes, which had previously combined two grades in one class, were divided so each grade would have its own teacher. Classes are held on Wednesday evening with two sessions.
In 1997, under the leadership of Gary and Ginny Kremer, St Rose Parish and CYO and the Marion Community created a performance of “Bill’s Nightmare on 119.” It was a re-enactment of a fatal drunk driving accident to teach youth and adult alike the dangers of drinking and driving and drugs. The performance took place in the schoolhouse, proceeded to the grounds behind the school, and ended with a number of acts in the church basement. Local Judges, Sheriff, Deputies, Firemen and Squad played cameo parts during the performances. It was a huge success with TV and local media coverage. Gary and Ginny Kremer received a proclamation from the State Highway Patrol for their commitment to community awareness.
The new millennium smoothly rolled around with the St. Rose Parish’s spiritual growth progressing as well. The structures and foundations of the church and rectory were in need of some attention and plans were made for the repairs. Unfortunately by the summer of 2000 another pressing issue had arisen. Fr. Ryder was diagnosed with cancer and would be taking a leave of absence for surgery, chemotherapy and recuperation at St. Charles Seminary.
Fr. Emil Labbe C.PPS. of St. John Parish became our interim administrative leader. Under his very competent leadership St. Rose continued to prosper. Fr. Labbe was influential in families sitting together during mass, instead of the children sitting in the front pews. It is a ritual that continues today. The rectory’s paint project was completed at that time to give it a fresh look. Fr. Ryder returned to his position as our priest in 2001 until his retirement in August of 2002.
Fr. Ken Schroeder CPPS became our new priest, in August 2002, and would start the next step in the clustering process by joining St. Rose, Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. John Parishes. Fr. John Zvijak C.PPS. joined our cluster as associate pastor. Both men were the reflection of Christ on Earth. From their inspirational masses to their interaction with the parishioners and the public, they created a welcoming environment. Fr. Zvijak remained with us until health problems made it unable for him to stay. Fr. Harry Cavanaugh C.PPS. became associate pastor in July 2003.
In 2004 the retirement of Fr. John Bensman from Precious Blood and St. Sebastian parishes caused the combining of all five parishes to form the Marion Catholic Community cluster. A rotating weekend mass schedule consisting of six masses among the parishes continues until this day reflecting the collaborative and cooperative efforts of the five parishes.
During the first decade of the new millennium, much renovation took place in our church. Large donations from private donors helped the parish replace the church lights, furnace and carpeting. The gravel drive in the cemetery was replaced with a paved circle drive. In 2007, the repainting of the interior of the church was completed. Sadly the beloved stenciling had to be eliminated, but the fresh new colors have made a wonderful backdrop for the celebration of the Mass. New lighting was added to spotlight all the alters, statues and the stained glass dome window. The stained glass windows were upgraded to make them more attractive and energy efficient. The Church basement has had different color schemes over the years. The 2009 basement improvement included new floor sealing, paint, and room dividers.
2008 brought the retirement of Fr. Ken and Fr. Harry. They had successfully clustered our five parishes and were now available to enjoy more free time at St. Charles Senior Living Center. Fr. Gene Schnipke C.PPS. became our pastor July 2008. He was joined by a few associate pastors over the years including Fr. Larry Wyen CPPS., Fr. Ron Wilker, and Fr. Ken Alt C.PPS. Fr. Tom Brenberger C.PPS. came in 2010 and continues to faithfully serve our cluster. 2013 brought the addition of Deacon Clif Perryman. Under their wonderful guidance, we continue to enjoy and expand our spirituality. We also enjoy their friendship and comradery as they make themselves available to young and old alike at many family and community gatherings.
The Cemetery Commission was kept busy in 2008, when Mother Nature decided to shake things up and moved many tombstones on their base. In 2013, Randy Knapschaefer constructed his Eagle Scout Project in St. Rose Cemetery by designing and building a memorial to the veterans with a flagpole and bench. In 2014, the final burial plot was purchased on the east side of the cemetery drive. The new assigning have begun on the southwest corner of the property.
Our organist and choir director of 38 years, Marilyn Holdheide, retired in July 2012. In 2000, her duties expanded when she was assigned organist at Nativity and director of the combined St. Rose and Nativity choir. Her retirement was celebrated with a surprise gathering at the Harvest Barn with current and past choir members. An appreciation party was held for the parish in the church basement. Jared Post, from St. Henry, became the first new organist and director St. Rose had in a very long time. He also fills the Church with beautiful music.
St. Rose Parish continues to grow and change. Our members have kept it an active and welcoming place to worship our Lord and feel part of an extended family. Many faithful members have passed on, but our faith helps us know that someday we will see them again when we are reunited with them and our complete Christian family in heaven.
PASTORS OF ST. ROSE PARISH
April 1839 – October 1845 Louis Navarron
November 1, 1845 – July 1846 Joban Van den Brock C.PPS.
July 1846 – December 1846 Johan Wittmer C.PPS.
January 1847 – December 1847 Johan Van den Brock C.PPS.
January 1848 – December 1849 Friederich Broenner
January 1850 – December 1850 Andrew Kunkler C.PPS.
January 1851 – May 1852 Sebastian Ganther C.PPS.
June 1852 – August 1857 Andrew Herbstritt C.PPS.
August 1857 – May 1861 Bernard Austermann C.PPS.
May 1861 – August 1866 Peter Wilhelmy C.PPS.
September 1866 – June 1867 Erhard Glueck C.PPS.
June 1867 – October 1874 (no picture) Antone Kramer C.PPS.
November 1874 – September 1875 Enhard Glueck C.PPS.
September 1875 – May 1879 Francis Buechel C.PPS.
May 1879 – May 1881 Enhard Glueck C.PPS.
May 15, 1881 – April 6, 1892 Caspar Schedler C.PPS.
April 1892 – February 1893 Henry Drees C.PPS.
March 1, 1893 – March 14, 1895 Aloys Malin C.PPS.
March 14, 1895 – January 1905 Caspar Schedler C.PPS
January 1905 – September 1, 1914 Liberat Schupp C.PPS.
September 1, 1914 – July 12, 1917 Albert Voag C.PPS.
July 12, 1917 – July 24, 1951 Raphael Schmaus C.PPS.
July 24, 1951 – June 27, 1956 George Pax C.PPS.
June 27, 1956 – June 26, 1957 Aloys Dirksen C.PPS.
June 26, 1957 – July 27, 1958 Aloysius Cook C.PPS.
July 27, 1958 – April 25, 1963 Walter Roth C.PPS.
August 28, 1963 – January 6, 1965 Aloys Dirksen C.PPS.
January 6, 1965 – August 2, 1976 Clement Goubeaux C.PPS.
August 2, 1976 – July 1983 Milton Ballor C.PPS.
July 1983 – May 1987 Joe Pax C.PPS.
May 1987 – May 1992 Raymond Bauer C.PPS.
May 1992 – August 2002 Fred Ryder C.PPS.
August 2002 – July 2008 Ken Schroeder C.PPS.
August 2002 – July 2003 John Zvijak C.PPS.
July 2003 - July 2008 Harry Cavanaugh C.PPS.
July 2008 – till present Gene Schnipke C.PPS.
July 2008 - May 2009 Larry Wyen C.PPS.
October 2009 –January 2010 Ron Wilker C.PPS.
January 2010 - July 2010 Ken Alt C.PPS.
July 2010 – till present Tom Brenberger C.PPS.
The church is a magnificent building constructed of pressed brick with Bedford stone trimmings. It’s high and sharply pointed arches are of the Gothic style of architecture. The height of the steeple cross is 133 feet.
The church’s most spectacular beauty is from within where you will find extensive gold trim and ornate mosaic style painting. This rich trim is then set off by blue carpet throughout the church.
Founding of the Parish in 1839
The year 1839 marks the foundation of four parishes in the Mercer-Auglaize County area –St. Rose, St. Henry, Victoria (St. Joseph) and Wapakoneta. All available data points to the fact that St. Rose is the oldest of the four.
In tradition, both oral and written, the story is told which deals with the origin of the name. Once, when the Most Rev. John Purcell, Bishop of Cincinnati, was passing through the eastern part of Mercer County on one of his visitation tours, the dazzling beauty of the woodland scene enraptured him. Wild roses grew everywhere. He saw it as a garden designed and planted by the Creator. In admiration, the Bishop called the spot Rose Garden, and hence the little village that later sprang up in this section was given its name.
St. Rose Church, St. Rose, Ohio is one of the 34 buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places. St. Rose Church was previously one of the points of interest during the tour of “The Land of the Cross Tipped Churches”.
The church is a magnificent building constructed of pressed brick with Bedford stone trimmings. It’s high and sharply pointed arches are of the Gothic style of architecture. The height of the steeple cross is 133 feet.
The church’s most spectacular beauty is from within where you will find extensive gold trim and ornate mosaic style painting. This rich trim is then set off by blue carpet throughout the church.
The First Church
The first log church was erected at Rose Garden in 1844. Unimposing, as was the architecture of that first log church, it nevertheless stood out above the other log cabins that surrounded it, for it possessed a steeple and in the steeple a bell, which was purchased for the sum of $36.00.
Building of the Second Church
As the years went quickly by and in passing showed a yearly increase in the congregation, the log church became too small. On January 18, 1854, the second church was built at a cost of $6,000. and was built free of debt. In 1862, the first organ was installed for $690.00. At the same time, statues of St. Rose, St. John, St. Lawrence and the Good Shepherd, all imported from Europe, were purchased for $315.00.
Note: The inscription stone that was on this church is now found next to the sidewalk—at ground level—on the northwest side of the present church.
In 1905, when Archbishop Henry Moeller was on a visitation tour, he expressed his desire that a rectory should be built near the church so that the pastor could live among his flock. The building was completed on March 23, 1906.
Building of the Third Church (Present Church)
What was probably the most extensive improvement in the history of the parish was undertaken during the year 1910. In January of that year, it was placed before the congregation the necessity of building a new church. Erection of the third church began and was completed in 1911 for/or about $26,479.00.
Altars
The high altar was bought in 1913 at a cost of $1,565.00. The upper part of the rerodos contains a statue of St. Rose. On the east side is a Crucifixion scene and on the west side is a Resurrection scene. In the mensa are an Emmaus scene and various symbols of the passion. (Note: On the original altar, there were also statues of St. Peter and St. Paul and also two standing angels with lights. These were removed when the altar was lowered three steps. The additions to the high altar (and also the side altars) were bought in 1920.
In the mensa of the altar is the wood carved scene of Melchisedec offering bread and wine for Abraham. On the pulpit is a wood carve scene of Moses and the people gathering manna. (These two scenes had been the gates of the communion rail.) Recently parishioners made the wooden paschal candle stand, wooden flower and candle stands and other wooden chairs.
Special Points of Interest
Stations of the Cross: It is not surprising that many of the inscriptions found throughout the church (under the glass stained windows, statues, altars, tabernacle, etc.) are the same as the names found in the parish registry today. Among these are also the 14 Stations of the Cross, which adorn the outside walls.
Reconciliation Room: The confessional (now known as the Reconciliation Room) is beautifully carved and intriguingly designed. The history of the confessional is a mystery.
The Pieta: Near the front entrance of the church is the statue of the Pieta, which was purchased in 1914, with a pedestal, for $170.00. Also near the entrance of the church is a statue of St. Theresa, the Little Flower.
The Bells: In the tower, there are three bells, respectively weighing 1,000 lbs., 1350 lbs., and 900 lbs. These bells were purchased in 1932 for $543.26.
Summary
Under able pastors and parishioners, the church and its surroundings have not only been maintained in excellent shape but have been improved. Under their direction and generous donation, the cemetery wall was added to beautify it. The dedication and love, of the people of St. Rose Parish, for their church as manifested by the continual desire to make the place beautiful in appearance.
At St. Rose, we are proud of our leadership and ministering through various programs and committees such as the Cemetery Association, Parish Council, Ushers, Servers, CCD Program, Men’s Sodality, Ladies Sodality, Adult Choir, Youth Choir, Ministry to Homebound and Sick, Lectors and Eucharistic Ministers.
Religious Vocations
It was indeed a happy event in May of 1927, when the first St. Rose parishioner, Fr. Ferdinand Goettemoeller was ordained to the Priesthood. In the years to follow, vocations to the Priesthood and religious life from St. Rose included Fr. Melchior Lochtefeld (May 1931), Fr. Aloys Selhorst (May 1939), and Fr. Tobias Lochtefeld (May 1948). The following were baptized but not raised in St. Rose; Fr. John Anthony (May 1923), Fr. John Reichert (June 1927), Sister Angelica born Mary Lochtefeld (January 1873), Sister Agatha born Rosina Philomena Lochtefeld (March 1882), Sister Emma born Catherine Bernadine Lochtefeld (November 1917), and Sister Leonidas born Agnes Piekenbrock (August 1939).
Summary 1989 - 2014
It was a beautiful summer Sunday in June of 1989 when St Rose celebrated their 150thanniversary with a mass followed by a chicken dinner on the church grounds. Festivities included burying a time capsule, artifacts were displayed in church basement along with a craft show, a heritage style show in the church and games for young and old alike.
Fr. Ray Bauer C.PPS. continued shepherding our parish. We were continuing The Harvest process of combining with Cassella after Fr. Eilerman would retire. Combined council meetings’ discussions centered on living arrangements, mass schedules, and other details. For now the mass schedules remained the same.
The combining of St. Rose and Cassella happened in 1990 with the retirement of Fr. Eilerman from Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish. The transition went very smoothly with each parish cooperatively sharing a Saturday night and two Sunday morning masses on a rotating schedule, and a mixed weekday schedule.
Tragedy came in May of 1992 when Fr. Bauer suffered a massive heart attack and died at the Elks Golf Course after finishing his best game ever. A retired Army Chaplain, Fr. Fred Ryder C.PPS. was sent to minister to us until a replacement could be found.
Fr. Ryder’s love of children, the outdoors, and being with people helped us through our time of grief. He was often heard to say, “Either they need to assign me here or move me, because I like it here.” Then on August 12, 1992, the retired Chaplain became our loving, sandal-footed shepherd. Sunday masses always ended with the children leaning toward the center aisle so they could get their weekly hug or hand shake. Marilyn probably had to play an extra verse to allow time for Father to exit the church.
St. Rose parishioner, Delores Schlarman, felt a need for a Bereavement committee to help fellow parishioners cope with the loss of loved ones. So in the early 1990s, classes were taken and a committee formed which is still in existence. The duties of the committee have grown to include assisting with the planning of the funeral, presiding over prayer services at the funeral home and being present the day of the funeral mass. In 2010, the Bereavement committee took a leadership role in forming the Grief Share program which the Cluster now provides for its grieving members.
The gift of the Eucharist is a wonderful thing. Some ladies of the parish would bring communion to parishioners in the nursing homes, which expanded to cluster members, and then any Catholic who wanted to receive Communion that day. The nursing home visit group now includes members of all cluster parishes. The power of prayer was a well-known fact among the St. Rose parishioners. Sometimes the need for urgent prayer prompted the creation of a prayer chain so calls could go out for all to pray.
The ladies of the parish continued to be very active in the Ladies Sodality. They planned a number of parish festivities, coordinated annual church cleaning, and sponsored a lunch stand at public auctions. The need for additional funding prompted the Sodality to try a Parish Garage and Bake Sale. It was held for one week from Wednesday thru Friday during the month of March. It was very successful, well attended and was continued for a number of years.
The Men’s Sodality also saw the need for a fund raiser so they could continue financial contributions to the CCD program, student Right to Life March participants and other worthy causes. A Father’s Day BBQ chicken dinner sale was started in 1992. Rocky Bernard would set up in the church cemetery drive and with hard work and good fellowship, the successful event is continued still at this time.
Fr. Joseph Pax C.PPS. started the first Liturgical Committee. The committee, continued to be very inspirational and parishioners continued to be more active in parish life. A decorating committee kept the church attractive throughout the Liturgical Year. Banner Bees were held to make banners for church decorating.
The youth of the parish were active as well. The CYO program was involved in spiritual growth projects as well as recreational activities. The 1996-97 boys’ and 2010-11 girls’ basketball teams advanced to the state CYO tournament. Fundraisers included chili dinners and omelet breakfasts. For many years the CYO enjoyed trips to Kings Island and Mad River Ski Mountain.
The CCD program expanded to include a preschool Bible class that is held on a Sunday morning once a month. The other classes, which had previously combined two grades in one class, were divided so each grade would have its own teacher. Classes are held on Wednesday evening with two sessions.
In 1997, under the leadership of Gary and Ginny Kremer, St Rose Parish and CYO and the Marion Community created a performance of “Bill’s Nightmare on 119.” It was a re-enactment of a fatal drunk driving accident to teach youth and adult alike the dangers of drinking and driving and drugs. The performance took place in the schoolhouse, proceeded to the grounds behind the school, and ended with a number of acts in the church basement. Local Judges, Sheriff, Deputies, Firemen and Squad played cameo parts during the performances. It was a huge success with TV and local media coverage. Gary and Ginny Kremer received a proclamation from the State Highway Patrol for their commitment to community awareness.
The new millennium smoothly rolled around with the St. Rose Parish’s spiritual growth progressing as well. The structures and foundations of the church and rectory were in need of some attention and plans were made for the repairs. Unfortunately by the summer of 2000 another pressing issue had arisen. Fr. Ryder was diagnosed with cancer and would be taking a leave of absence for surgery, chemotherapy and recuperation at St. Charles Seminary.
Fr. Emil Labbe C.PPS. of St. John Parish became our interim administrative leader. Under his very competent leadership St. Rose continued to prosper. Fr. Labbe was influential in families sitting together during mass, instead of the children sitting in the front pews. It is a ritual that continues today. The rectory’s paint project was completed at that time to give it a fresh look. Fr. Ryder returned to his position as our priest in 2001 until his retirement in August of 2002.
Fr. Ken Schroeder CPPS became our new priest, in August 2002, and would start the next step in the clustering process by joining St. Rose, Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. John Parishes. Fr. John Zvijak C.PPS. joined our cluster as associate pastor. Both men were the reflection of Christ on Earth. From their inspirational masses to their interaction with the parishioners and the public, they created a welcoming environment. Fr. Zvijak remained with us until health problems made it unable for him to stay. Fr. Harry Cavanaugh C.PPS. became associate pastor in July 2003.
In 2004 the retirement of Fr. John Bensman from Precious Blood and St. Sebastian parishes caused the combining of all five parishes to form the Marion Catholic Community cluster. A rotating weekend mass schedule consisting of six masses among the parishes continues until this day reflecting the collaborative and cooperative efforts of the five parishes.
During the first decade of the new millennium, much renovation took place in our church. Large donations from private donors helped the parish replace the church lights, furnace and carpeting. The gravel drive in the cemetery was replaced with a paved circle drive. In 2007, the repainting of the interior of the church was completed. Sadly the beloved stenciling had to be eliminated, but the fresh new colors have made a wonderful backdrop for the celebration of the Mass. New lighting was added to spotlight all the alters, statues and the stained glass dome window. The stained glass windows were upgraded to make them more attractive and energy efficient. The Church basement has had different color schemes over the years. The 2009 basement improvement included new floor sealing, paint, and room dividers.
2008 brought the retirement of Fr. Ken and Fr. Harry. They had successfully clustered our five parishes and were now available to enjoy more free time at St. Charles Senior Living Center. Fr. Gene Schnipke C.PPS. became our pastor July 2008. He was joined by a few associate pastors over the years including Fr. Larry Wyen CPPS., Fr. Ron Wilker, and Fr. Ken Alt C.PPS. Fr. Tom Brenberger C.PPS. came in 2010 and continues to faithfully serve our cluster. 2013 brought the addition of Deacon Clif Perryman. Under their wonderful guidance, we continue to enjoy and expand our spirituality. We also enjoy their friendship and comradery as they make themselves available to young and old alike at many family and community gatherings.
The Cemetery Commission was kept busy in 2008, when Mother Nature decided to shake things up and moved many tombstones on their base. In 2013, Randy Knapschaefer constructed his Eagle Scout Project in St. Rose Cemetery by designing and building a memorial to the veterans with a flagpole and bench. In 2014, the final burial plot was purchased on the east side of the cemetery drive. The new assigning have begun on the southwest corner of the property.
Our organist and choir director of 38 years, Marilyn Holdheide, retired in July 2012. In 2000, her duties expanded when she was assigned organist at Nativity and director of the combined St. Rose and Nativity choir. Her retirement was celebrated with a surprise gathering at the Harvest Barn with current and past choir members. An appreciation party was held for the parish in the church basement. Jared Post, from St. Henry, became the first new organist and director St. Rose had in a very long time. He also fills the Church with beautiful music.
St. Rose Parish continues to grow and change. Our members have kept it an active and welcoming place to worship our Lord and feel part of an extended family. Many faithful members have passed on, but our faith helps us know that someday we will see them again when we are reunited with them and our complete Christian family in heaven.
PASTORS OF ST. ROSE PARISH
April 1839 – October 1845 Louis Navarron
November 1, 1845 – July 1846 Joban Van den Brock C.PPS.
July 1846 – December 1846 Johan Wittmer C.PPS.
January 1847 – December 1847 Johan Van den Brock C.PPS.
January 1848 – December 1849 Friederich Broenner
January 1850 – December 1850 Andrew Kunkler C.PPS.
January 1851 – May 1852 Sebastian Ganther C.PPS.
June 1852 – August 1857 Andrew Herbstritt C.PPS.
August 1857 – May 1861 Bernard Austermann C.PPS.
May 1861 – August 1866 Peter Wilhelmy C.PPS.
September 1866 – June 1867 Erhard Glueck C.PPS.
June 1867 – October 1874 (no picture) Antone Kramer C.PPS.
November 1874 – September 1875 Enhard Glueck C.PPS.
September 1875 – May 1879 Francis Buechel C.PPS.
May 1879 – May 1881 Enhard Glueck C.PPS.
May 15, 1881 – April 6, 1892 Caspar Schedler C.PPS.
April 1892 – February 1893 Henry Drees C.PPS.
March 1, 1893 – March 14, 1895 Aloys Malin C.PPS.
March 14, 1895 – January 1905 Caspar Schedler C.PPS
January 1905 – September 1, 1914 Liberat Schupp C.PPS.
September 1, 1914 – July 12, 1917 Albert Voag C.PPS.
July 12, 1917 – July 24, 1951 Raphael Schmaus C.PPS.
July 24, 1951 – June 27, 1956 George Pax C.PPS.
June 27, 1956 – June 26, 1957 Aloys Dirksen C.PPS.
June 26, 1957 – July 27, 1958 Aloysius Cook C.PPS.
July 27, 1958 – April 25, 1963 Walter Roth C.PPS.
August 28, 1963 – January 6, 1965 Aloys Dirksen C.PPS.
January 6, 1965 – August 2, 1976 Clement Goubeaux C.PPS.
August 2, 1976 – July 1983 Milton Ballor C.PPS.
July 1983 – May 1987 Joe Pax C.PPS.
May 1987 – May 1992 Raymond Bauer C.PPS.
May 1992 – August 2002 Fred Ryder C.PPS.
August 2002 – July 2008 Ken Schroeder C.PPS.
August 2002 – July 2003 John Zvijak C.PPS.
July 2003 - July 2008 Harry Cavanaugh C.PPS.
July 2008 – till present Gene Schnipke C.PPS.
July 2008 - May 2009 Larry Wyen C.PPS.
October 2009 –January 2010 Ron Wilker C.PPS.
January 2010 - July 2010 Ken Alt C.PPS.
July 2010 – till present Tom Brenberger C.PPS.