Saint Ann Church at 310 Third Avenue, Chesapeake, OH 45619 US - History of St. Ann Church

From Sunday Mass in a small log cabin to numerous services in a large and beautiful structure--this is the story of St. Ann Parish in Chesapeake, Oh. The origin of St. Ann seems almost legendary in its tale of dedication and unselfish determination. It began in early 1949, when the late Bishop John King Mussio sent the late Father Maurice Smith to survey the area concerning the possibility of establishing a parish within certain boundaries. On March 22, 1949 the parish was officially established, and was to be called St. Ann. The first administrator of the newly formed parish was Father Donald Nuss, who quickly initiated plans to build a church and rectory on property purchased from the Kellerman family. Built on the rear of the property, the church was ready for occupancy in April 1950. This achievement could not have been possible without the inspiration and diligent efforts of many. Following that period for many years there was a succession of priests assigned to St. Ann. Time and space prohibits mentioning all of them by name, but each one contributed uniquely and immeasurably to the development of the parish. However, three accomplishments in particular deserve individual attention: *The formation of the Catholic Woman's Club in 1955 by Father Harold Goschke. *The first Mortgage Burning Ceremony and establishment of a building fund by Father William Cornelius in the early 1960's. *An extensive remodeling program to update the church and rectory in 1964 by Father Francis X. McCarthy. This remodeled structure served St. Ann's congregation for years. Father Richard Truszcynski brought the parish into the 70's. Father Truszcynski was succeeded by Father Terrance Travis in 1974. Father Travis accelerated plans for building a new and larger church at the front of the property facing Third Avenue. In 1976, a Ground-Breaking ceremony was held, truly setting the gears in motion toward the fulfillment of a long awaited dream. The first mass in the beautiful new edifice was celebrated in August of 1977, with the dedication by Bishop Mussio. The following month, after some remodeling the "Old Church" was converted to a parish hall--our very first. In September 1978, Father Thomas Graven was assigned as St. Ann's first full-time pastor. On August 9, 1980, the second Mortgage Burning celebration in St. Ann's history was held. Our parade of progress continued, and plans for an elaborate expansion program were devised. In June 1983, construction began to modernize and expand the parish hall and rectory structures to include an upper level addition, larger living quarters for the rectory, and renovation of the lower hall. Dedication of our new building by Bishop Albert H. Ottenweller took place on December 3, 1983. In 1991, Father Thomas R. Nau succeeded Father Graven and made extensive updates to the sound system and lighting in the church. He also purchased the lot in front of the rectory. In 1996, Father James M. Bryant was assigned to St. Ann. Under Father Bryant, the lot next to the church was purchased and the rear lot was paved. Next, Father James Dunfee was assigned, and during his brief tenure, extensive renovations to the sanctuary were made: the floor was lowered, carpet was replaced with tile, a ramp was installed, and the side altar and tabernacle were placed behind the main altar under the crucifix. In addition to acquiring new kneelers, the pews were refurbished, new missal racks were added, and there was new carpeting for the floor. New lights were installed and existing ones were enhanced for better illumination throughout the church. Father Charles Moran, our present Pastor, is an inspiration to all who know him. Beside daily mass and Wednesday evening prayer and rosary, there is adoration of the Blessed Sacrament on First Fridays of each month. He shepherds his people with gentle strength, compassion and affectionate understanding--reaching out to us and our needs with his own style of sensitive spirituality. Today St. Ann is a thriving parish, with its parishioners experiencing a close community relationship. Yes, St. Ann has grown physically, but more importantly, it has matured in wisdom and spiritual sensitivity, to become a parish vibrantly alive.

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