Center for Archival Collections

Introduction | Agency History | Order of Microfilming

 Introduction

The records of St. Mary Catholic Church, 1876 - 2001, were transferred for microfilming to the Center for Archival Collections, Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, Ohio 43403, in August 2001, with the cooperation of Reverend Joseph M. Schmelzer of St. Mary Catholic Church, Van Wert, Ohio.

The collection consists of baptisms * , first communions, confirmations, Book of the Elect, marriages * , deaths and interments. Due to inconsistencies in pagination and transcription of data, researchers are encouraged to refer to all volumes within each series. (See order of microfilming for a detailed list of these records.)

This register and this collection was prepared by Jennifer Golis in August 2001.

* There is a seventy (70) year access restriction on baptism and marriage records. No restrictions apply to the remainder of this collection.

 Agency History

Beginning in 1867, the Catholics of Van Wert, Ohio were served by the priest of Delphos. In 1869, Father Hoeffel from Delphos purchased two lots in Van Wert. On one lot was a frame house that was used as a temporary place of worship for the newly established St. Mary Catholic Church. With the purchase of a building to worship in Van Wert was now considered a Mission, not a Station. In 1876, the small congregation completed a brick church. St. Mary received their first resident pastor in 1876. Between 1876 and 1912, fifteen pastors served this parish. In 1915, the parish built their second church. In 1965, their current church was completed. St. Mary parish has continued to grow steadily since it was established.

Mossing, Lawrence A. S.T.D. History of the Diocese of Toledo. Northern Ohio - West Section Missionary and Parish History. Diocese of Toledo. Toledo, Ohio. 1985. Pages 183 - 188.

 Order of Microfilming

Roll 1

1. Record Book, 1876 - 1918
   • Baptisms
   • Confirmations
   • Marriages
   • Deaths
2. Record Book, 1904 - 1927
   • Baptisms
   • Marriages
   • Interments
3. First Communions, 1920 - 2001
4. Confirmations, 1922 - 1991
5. Confirmations, 1993 - 2001
6. Book of the Elect, 1988 - 2001
7. Interments, 1918 - 2001

Roll 2 (RESTRICTIONS APPLY)

1. Baptisms, 1918 - 1947
2. Baptisms, 1947 - 1953
3. Baptisms, 1953 - 1982
4. Baptisms, 1982 - 2001
5. Marriages, 1919 - 1967
6. Marriages, 1968 - 2001

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