• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content

MarionMade

People, Places, Products, Programs

Visit Us On FacebookVisit Us On TwitterVisit Us On YoutubeCheck Our FeedVisit Us On Instagram
We Are Presidential!We Are Having Fun!We Are Generous!
  • Get Involved
  • About
  • Events
    • MarionMade! 5k Sign Up
  • People
  • Places
  • Products
  • Programs
  • Links
  • Contact

St. Mary Catholic Church

By MarionMade! on November 7, 2018

When Eber Baker founded Marion in 1822, a handful of Catholics lived in the area. By 1844, with a Catholic population of 100, Marion became a mission site and circuit-riding priests celebrated Masses in private homes. In 1854, the Huber Shop on Mill Street became the first permanent place of worship. On land purchased by Timothy Fahey in 1853, a new church was built and dedicated by Bishop Rosecrans. Before long, this building, measuring 70’ by 40’, could no longer serve the growing Catholic population and plans for the current church on North Main Street were underway. Built on land purchased by Father John Mackey, this magnificent edifice was completed in 1898.

Constructed of Berean sandstone, St. Mary Church was built in the Victorian Gothic style. Like many churches, St. Mary has undergone several renovations and repairs. The most recent renovation took place this year under the leadership of Father Thomas Buffer. This beautification included remodeling and gilding of the raredos, moving the tabernacle to its rightful place in the center, adding new side shrines for the church’s original statues of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Saint Joseph, elaborate decorative painting in the sanctuary, renovation of the priests’ sacristy, and replacement the school roof.

Along with the wish to create a beautiful place of worship for the faithful, the desire for education was ever-present. The first parish school opened in September 1875, also serving as the residence for three Sisters of Charity who taught there. A larger school was built in 1905 on Prospect Street and, in 1906, a new convent was built next door. By 1927, a new addition was needed on the school to meet the expanding Catholic population. St. Mary School, once the site of both elementary and high schools, continues to serve kindergarten through grade eight. The convent, now known as the Commons, is no longer the home of the sisters but provides office space for the staff and serves as a meeting place for parish activities.

An open house was held Nov. 11 to allow the community to admire the new sanctuary. St. Mary Church is located at 251 N. Main St.  The church office may be reached at 740-382-2118.

#MarionMade #WeAreFaithful

Recent MarionMade! Stories

  • Marion Public Library Promotes Lifelong Learning

    From newborns to senior citizens, the Marion Public Library (MPL) holds a variety of programs to promote lifelong learning. The library offers opportunities to learn from local experts, meet national award-winning authors and take a deep dive into timely topics such as the upcoming solar eclipse. “When lifelong learning is your mission, you are always […]Read More »
  • Kings Mill Golf Club

    Every place has a story–a story of the people who inhabited that place over many generations. The Kings Mill Golf Club is no different. Originally settled by Titus King in 1830, the King’s built a mill on the Whetstone River in southeast Marion County near Waldo. It was a natural fit–130 years later when John […]Read More »
  • Crum Strawberry Farm Served Up Sweet Memories

    Many local residents have fond memories of picking fresh, ripe strawberries at Crum Strawberry Farm on Marion-Edison Road. “I remember going out there every year as kids. My brother would pick one for him and then one for the basket,” said Kristi Butler of Marion. “I miss that place!” “My mom used to take me […]Read More »
  • Dan Sheridan

    Biking to Make a Difference Dan Sheridan, 61-year-old Marion resident, has completed two of his lifetime cyclist goals this summer.  Dan rode across the United States, from Seattle to Washington D.C., and he reached his 100,000 miles rode goal.   Dan was part of a 25-person group, cycling with the Fuller Center Bike Adventure, a program […]Read More »

Share Your MarionMade! Story

Click Here to share your story about MarionMade! people, places, products, and programs!
  • Get Involved
  • About
  • Events
  • People
  • Places
  • Products
  • Programs
  • Links
  • Contact

Marion Area Convention & Visitors Bureau Downtown Marion Love INC Marion Public Library Marion Area Chamber of Commerce Marion CANDO! Marion Community Foundation United Way of Marion County Marion Technical College

© 2025 · MarionMade! is a community initiative led by Marion Technical College · Website is powered by Neighborhood Image