It is a NOBLE endeavor to reflect on the meaning embodied in the lives of generations of parishioners. 1859 was a time not unlike our own, nonetheless the great challenges of that time were met by faith just as we too respond in faith to our future.

How It All Began

In the mid-1800s a number of Catholic families moved into the area that is now known as Yoder in Pleasant Township. Most came from Germany, but others hailed from France, Ireland and England as well as other parts of Europe. Some of these early potential parishioners were from the following families: Vachon, Miller, Harber, Sorg, Freiburger, Schuhler, Christman, Heckber, Andorfer, Harkenrider, Minich, and Kirkhoff. Many of our current parishioners have direct ties to these founding families.

CELEBRATING THE

FIRST MASS

The Catholic bishop recognized the need to provide spiritual aid to these families. In 1858, Bishop John Henry Luers, the first bishop of the Diocese of Fort Wayne, assigned Father Jacob Mayer to help the Catholic families in Pleasant Township. Father Mayer said the first Mass in the area in the house of Fred Weaver, then on the northeast corner of I-469 and Bluffton Road. Sixteen families participated in the celebration of Mass. Thereafter, Father Mayer visited the area on the third Friday of every month.

BUILDING THE CHURCH

In 1859, Christian and Mary Magdalene Miller donated three acres of land on the east side of the Bluffton Road for the parish plot. Mrs. Miller asked to have the parish be established under the name and patronage of St. Aloysius. Since she and her husband donated the land, her wish was granted. In 1859, Father Mayer erected a small frame church, 29 x 36 feet on the site. In 1875, with 65 families now in the parish, a sacristy, spire and new roof were added. The baptismal font, which is still in use today, was purchased in 1895 for the cost of $118, which equates to over $4,000 today.