Center for Archival Collections

Introduction | Agency History | Order of Microfilming

 Introduction

The records of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 1901 - 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 Chris Vasko of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church.

The collection consists of baptisms*, first communions, confirmations, marriages*, interments and deaths. 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 September 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

In 1899, the Catholics in the South Side of Lima expressed a desire for a parish in their section of town. A site for the parish was purchased that same year.

In 1901, St. John the Evangelist parish received their first resident pastor, Reverend Frederick Rupert. In the same year the church purchased a three-story building to temporarily hold services. The cornerstone for their new building was laid in late 1901.

In 1912, the parish began building their current church, but it was not completed until 1924. While the church was under construction, the congregation held mass in their new basement.

The number of members in the congregation of St. John the Evangelist have been declining steadily since the 1960's. During the height of membership, in the 1950's, there were almost 4,000 members.

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 47 - 50.

 Order of Microfilming

Roll 1

1. Baptisms, 1901 - 1914
2. Baptisms, 1914 - 1925
3. Record Book, 1901 - 1956
   • First Communions
   • Confirmations
4. First Communions, 1957 - 2001
5. Confirmations, 1934 - 2000
6. Interments, 1901 - 1993
7. Deaths, 1993 - 2001

Roll 2 (RESTRICTIONS APPLY)

1. Baptisms, 1925 - 1941
2. Baptisms, 1941 - 1953
3. Baptisms, 1953 - 1960
4. Baptisms, 1960 - 1971

Roll 3 (RESTRICTIONS APPLY)

1. Baptisms, 1971 - 2001
2. Marriages, 1901 - 1942
3. Marriages, 1942 - 1974
4. Marriages, 1974 - 2001

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