ST. MARY, LANCASTER, OHIO
St. Mary of the Assumption Church in Lancaster, Ohio was built in 1863 during the height of the US Civil War by German Catholic immigrants. Ironically, Lancaster is the home of both General William Tecumseh Sherman and his brother, the great Ohio Senator John Sherman. Standing high on a hill, it is a beacon of the Catholic faith as you enter this idyllic town. The parish itself was founded in 1820 and is celebrating its bicentennial year.
With a goal of $2.5 million, the One Faith, One Family, One Hope Campaign surpassed its goal with over 40% of the parish community participating in this very exciting campaign
St. Mary parish serves 1,300 families today, many who are third and fourth generation parishioners. A vibrant parish community with many ministries and a very successful school, the parish came together in 2018 to raise needed funds for a major interior restoration of the Church and other parish capital repairs in preparation for the 200th anniversary.
With a goal of $2.5 million, the One Faith, One Family, One Hope Campaign surpassed its goal with over 40% of the parish community participating in this very exciting campaign. Fr. Craig Eilerman did a superb job as pastor leading his people during the campaign in a very prayerful and faith-filled effort. Focusing on a “Decision of Faith,” the people of St. Mary of the Assumption parish gave generously and faithfully in support of the restoration.
Today, the Church has been returned to its original beauty, the Blessed Sacrament has been returned to the main altar and new restroom facilities and other internal changes have been completed. The Church reopened in August 2019 on the feast of the Assumption to kick off its year-long celebration.
