The Early Years

After the disastrous floods of 1883 and 1884, many of the families of St. Anthony and Holy Trinity parishes left their homes in the valley and settled in Price Hill.  The migration began in 1883 and continued in a steady stream throughout the years 1884 and 1885.

In the minutes from the primary meeting of held May 20, 1883 the following was recorded:

“Owing to the crowded conditions of St. Lawrence Church and to the increasing Catholic population of the congregation, some of its members living in the eastern portion thereof, thought it advisable to have a nearer place of worship if only to accommodate those who were greatly discommoded and consequently a meeting was called in Mt. St. Mary Seminary Parlor (Warsaw and Grand) at which were present about twenty men.  Upon motion of Mr. Wm. O’Brien, Mr. Anthony Spellmire was chosen chairman and S. W. Hollen, Jr., Secretary.

“The chairman stated the object of the meeting to be, to secure a place of worship in eastern portion of the congregation when early Mass services could be held.

“On motion the chair was authorized to appoint a committee of five to wait on Father Schoenhoft, the Most Reverend Archbishop, and J. B. Mannix, assignee, to see if the Seminary chapel could be procured for above mentioned purpose and report at the next meeting.  The chair appointed the following committee, viz.: Wm. O’Brien, S. W. Hollen, Jr., John Ruppert, Anthony Spellmire and George Gerke.  Mr. Ed. A. Foy was substituted for Mr. Gerke, the latter declining to serve.

“On motion it was resolved to adjourn to the following Sunday, May 27^th at 4 o’clock P.M.”   - S. W. Hollen, Jr., Secretary

This committee obtained consent from Archbishop William Henry Elder to organize, providing it received a bond of $1500 to secure proper revenue and maintenance for the church.  The lot belonging to Mr. Hyman on the south side of Price Avenue ($40 per front ft. 100 x 145) between Grand and Hawthorne was bought and sketches of plans were made and submitted by Theodore Richter, Architect.  The new parish took from St. Lawrence the whole section East of what is now Elberon Avenue.

Rev. John H. Menke was appointed first pastor and met with the building committee on January 13, 1884.  On January 20, a congregational meeting was held in the seminary chapel to select the Board of Church Wardens.  This Board of Church Wardens and the Pastor were responsible for all major decisions in the parish.  This group was the forerunner of today’s Parish Council.  The second object of this congregational meeting was to select a name for the newly organized parish.  There were 27 votes cast.  The four names upon which to vote were, “St. Alphonsus (presented by Father Menke), “St. Leo”, “Holy Family” and “St. Cecilia” (presented by others).  A vote was taken and resulted as follows:

St. Alphonsus – 1

            St. Leo – 4

            Holy Family – 10

            St. Cecilia – 11

None of these names having received a majority, another ballot was taken:

The Holy Family – 15

St. Cecilia – 12 

On motion the name of “The Holy Family” was unanimously adopted.

Mr. W. H. Clark submitted a bid of $8,344 for the total construction.  On motion it was resolved that the contract be awarded to Mr. Clark at a revised amount of $7,987.  (Reductions were made on painting, glazing, slate and carpenter work.)

1st Church Cornerstone

The cornerstone was laid on May 11, 1884.  Mr. Peter Neff offered the free use of Library Hall for the occasion.  Building of the church progressed rapidly and on the 24^th day of August, 1884 the Church of The Holy Family was dedicated.  The total cost of the new Church was $8,060.61.

Education was a high priority of Holy Family Parish.  Beneath the Church were two rooms where the first organized classes were held.  Beginning in 1884, several months before the classrooms were ready for occupancy, the children attended school at the Seminary where the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati taught them.  Sister Delphina Hannon, Sister Rosette Higgins, and Sister Carlotta Freeman were the original religious teachers.  The first grade at this time numbered 8 and the total enrollment reached approximately 30.  During these early days the Sisters resided at Cedar Grove (Seton High School) and came each morning in a Conestoga wagon.  Because of the small enrollment the children often enjoyed field trips to the zoo.  Father Menke arranged for transportation in a brewery wagon.

In 1884, the first fund raising event took place in Holy Family Parish.  A program of musical entertainment profited $193.  By 1898 the Young Ladies Sodality held the first lawn festival netting $904.36.  By 1916 the famous Thanksgiving Sale had been established providing over $2,000 extra income a year.  The first festival, as we know it today, was held in connection with the 50^th Anniversary of the parish in 1934.  Booths were constructed on the parish grounds and cards and lotto were played.  Over the years the festival grew.  New attractive wooden booths were constructed in 1980 after using pipe booths for over 40 years.  Today, booths and tents are rented and many new attractions like children’s games and Bid-n-Buy have been added.  The festivals have become more successful over the years.

Father Menke had living accommodations in the church building.  On May 30,1886, a proposal was made to rent a house for the pastor for $400 a year.  The proposal was declined because it was decided that the pastor’s quarters were in “good sanitary condition” in a “good sanitary location.”  At the Board Meeting on September 4,1898, Father Menke announced that he secured and moved into the house on 8^th St. East of Hawthorne, at a monthly rental of $25.

It soon became evident that the church was too small for the growing numbers of parishioners.  In September 1890, it was determined more seating was necessary in Church.  The matter of increasing the seating capacity was discussed and it was resolved that the gallery should be extended.  In the spring of 1892, Father Menke engaged in estimating what it would cost the congregation to put up a retaining wall on the corner of Price and Hawthorne Avenues, or if it would be more expedient to plan for the distant future and select a new site for a Church.

On Sunday, August 22, 1897, Father Menke tendered his resignation as Pastor of Holy Family Church on advice of his physician.  A testimonial celebration was given in honor of Father under the direction of the Church Wardens and $200 was presented to Father in gratitude for all the services he had rendered to Holy Family Parish.  He had been Pastor for 13 years.

Father Menke died on November 11, 1897, at the age of 45 shortly after his retirement.  His funeral was held on November 16, in Holy Family Church.

Some of the “firsts” in Holy Family Church included:

First Baptism              Michael Tracy                                                                      March 9, 1884

First Funeral Richard Cleary (cause of death: Consumption)           died Feb. 25 1884, Funeral Mass Feb. 28, 1884

First Wedding            Joseph Berry married Caroline Schmidt                       June 11, 1885  

1^st First Communion Class     June 4, 1885

Wm. Hogan                 (all 12 years old)

Henry Moenning

Theodore Lichtenstein

Frank Nordhaus

First Confirmation                     June 14, 1885

Archbishop Wm. H. Elder

23 people confirmed

The founding of some of the parish organizations:

Sodality of the Blessed Virgin Mary………..1884

Young Ladies Sodality………………………1884

St. Joseph Men’s Society……………………1885

St. Elizabeth Altar Society…………………...1885

Children of Mary……………………………...1885

St. Aloysius Junior Acolytical                       

            Society (servers)……………………...1886

Children’s Guardian Angel Society……..….1888

St. Monica Altar Society…………………..….1897

Calvarian Society………………………….….1898

League of the Sacred Heart……………...….1898

Purgatorial Society………………………..…..1898

Sodality of Christian Mothers...........................1898

Society of Holy Family………………………...1898

St. Anthony Young Men…………………….....1898

Orphan Auxiliary…………………………….....1904

Rosemary Society………………………..........1905

Mt. Carmel Scapular……………………......…1913

Holy Name Society….........................................1913

St. Vincent de Paul……………….....................1914

St. John Berchman Acolytical

Society (servers)……………………..................1917

The work of construction fell beneath the watchful eye and careful hand of Father Drufner on September 1, 1897.  In July of 1898, the Board decided expansion was necessary, that steps must be taken to relieve the crowded conditions, especially of the school.  Mr. Hannaford, the architect, stated that the cost would be much cheaper to purchase new grounds.  The majority of members seemed to favor going west instead of east.  The following pieces of property were suggested: Keeshan property on Hawthorne near Warsaw; corner of Chateau; 8^th and Summit, corner of Hawthorne, Phillips and Considine.  The most favorable lot was found in September 1898.  The lot was on the west corner of Purcell and Price Avenues ($30 per front foot).  The intention was to build a school only and the question of a new church would not be discussed for some ten years.  However, the contract for the property at Purcell and Price was never validated.  In February 1899, an option for the purchase of the Halsey S. Hubbard property on Price Avenue for church purposes was submitted to the Archbishop for consideration.

Having completely paid the debt on the church by January 1900, a congregational meeting was then called in March of 1900 for the proposed addition to the present church and school buildings.  In May of 1900, the Board approved the purchase of the property known as the “Squire Residence” located at the Northwest corner of Hawthorne and W. 8^th Street for the pastoral residence at a cost of $7,000.

In the summer of 1900, the Board contemplated the purchase of land on Price Avenue.  The area was 50 x 100 ft. situated between the Church and Library Hall.  Two years later in the summer of 1902, the lot was purchased for $1,400.  After several months of negotiating, Holy Family Parish bought the Library Hall Building located on the southwest corner of Grand and Price for $7,300.  This transaction took place in June 1905.

As the parish grew, it was necessary to enlarge the sacristy and add new classrooms.  Improved forms of heat, light, and communication were added to the pastoral, school, and church buildings.  More Masses were added to the weekend schedule to fulfill the spiritual needs of the congregation. In 1907, the first assistant pastor, Father George Meyer, was assigned to Holy Family to help serve the approximately 430 families that were then living in the area.  Father Meyer assisted until August 1908.

Father Drufner’s incessant labors and devotion to duty finally threatened to undermine his health, and at the command of his physician, Father went abroad in April 1907, for a four-month vacation.  Father’s replacement for this time was Father Constantine Vogelman, C.PP.S. Father Drufner returned in July to a great welcome.  Among the friends to greet Father upon his arrival in New York was his honor, Mayor Dempsey, mayor of Cincinnati and Holy Family parishioner.  An article in the Cincinnati Enquirer, July 27, 1907, aptly describes the celebration:

“There is more red fire, more marching, and more excitement generally on Price Hill tonight than the night Ed Dempsey was elected Mayor from this part of the city,” was the comment of a spectator during the reception home last night from his European trip of Reverend Albert E. Drufner, pastor for over ten years of the Church of the Holy Family.  The Board of Trustees met the train, which was nearly one hour late, at the depot with open carriages.  Father Louis A. Tieman, of St. Rose Church, and Father Anthony Runnebaum, who returned from Europe three weeks ago, were with Fr. Drufner, having gone to Dayton to meet and welcome him and Rev. Charles Hahne, who also returned yesterday from Europe.

“When the signal was given at the foot of the incline plane, the red fire, which was continued out Eighth Street and Hawthorne Avenue clear to the Church, was started, the returning pastor and party were greeted with prolonged cheering.  The procession was immediately formed, with the Saint Joseph Society, composed of men and carrying a large United States Flag, in the lead.  Following them came the Guardian Angels Society, with 12 little Guardian Angels dressed in white and wearing wreaths of flowers and carrying a big unmasted flag.  St. Rose Sodality composed of young unmarried women, St. Monica Altar Society, and the Christian Mothers’ Society followed. St. Anthony Society, composed of boys, was also in line in full force, 15 members carrying a big flag.

“When Price Avenue was reached there was a storm of flowers from a double line of boys and girls extending from the church doors where Rev. Constantine and a number of acolytes in vestments stood waiting.  The church and altar were decorated with hundreds of lights and flowers.  After solemn benediction of the Blessed Sacrament, with Father Drufner officiating, the entire congregation joined in singing the ‘Te Deum.’ ”

After his trip, Father resumed his heavy work schedule.  An additional 73 ft. piece of land was purchased in November 1908, on the east side of Hawthorne Avenue, south of Holy Family’s property.  He directed the remodeling of the school building (Library Hall) that was begun in September of 1909. 

When renovation of the school building was completed, the Most Reverend Archbishop Henry Moeller dedicated what became known as Holy Family School on Palm Sunday, April 9, 1911.  At this time the school enrollment reached 325 students with a faculty of 8 Sisters of Charity.  The school was under the direction of Sister Adrianna Finneran.   

Father Drufner taught chant to the students after an encyclical on music was published.  He also taught Latin to the students of the upper grades, so they would not be embarrassed when they went to Cedar Grove where Latin was being taught in the seventh and eighth grades. 

Sister Adrianna insisted that the students be dismissed from school to the tune of “Marching through Georgia,” while Sister Cecile played the piano.

It was evident from the beginning, that the Parish Hall was dedicated mainly for academics. The Board received two requests for use of the Hall.  The first was for a political rally that was eventually denied.  Later, Father Drufner stated that Mrs. Krell and Mrs. Waroff had inquired about renting Parish Hall for a performance entitled, “The Wild Men of Borneo,” and had told them he would leave it to the Board.  Unanimously rejected !!!

In the beginning of the school year, 1911, a controversy arose over the telephone in the school building.  The Bell Co. wanted to change the phone in school from a residence phone (5¢ a day) to a business phone (10¢ a day).  Disagreement ensued and Father Drufner ordered the Bell Phone Co. to remove the phone from School!

With the completion of the Holy Family School Building, it was decided to start a parish recreation and social center attractive to all parishioners.  Out of the many enthusiastic meetings held in the winter of 1910-1911, the Holy Family Gymnasium Association evolved.  The space under the school building at the corner of Price and Grand was converted into recreation rooms.  Pool tables were purchased and two bowling lanes were installed adjacent to the rooms.  The first manager of the gym clubrooms was Mr. Larry Dougherty. 

In 1911, Father Drufner once again went abroad.  The Most Reverend Archbishop appointed him his representative to the International Eucharistic Congress held in Madrid, Spain.  Father Drufner left June 1, 1911, and was absent from the parish for about two months.  This appointment was a great honor for Father and for Holy Family parish.

Construction of the Present Day Church

One of Father’s last projects was a major one – initiating progress on a new church building.  A congregational meeting was held October 22, 1911, to discuss the possibility of a new church because the original structure was not large enough to accommodate the 540 families of the parish. In the early months of 1903, Father Drufner wisely had established a “sinking fund” – a series of special collections that would be applied toward the building of a new church when necessary.  The fund reached $31,386.65 in 1911.  However, after outstanding bills were paid on the school renovation with this fund, at the time of the October 22^nd meeting, there was about $3,600 cash on hand.  At the next Congressional Meeting, November 1, 1911, Father Drufner suggested a Building Association Plan.  He stated his plan could raise $100,000 in two years by issuing 4,000 shares at $25 per share payable in weekly installments of 25¢ per week.  It was the intention that all members of the Parish subscribe according to their means and income.  To those who subscribed and paid cash for their shares they would have the honor of having the shares placed in the box at the laying of the cornerstone of the new church.  This plan was unanimously accepted.  On November 13, 1911, a Board of Control was elected to direct the building of the church.  G. W. Grimmelsman, Jos. Hummel, Dr. R. J. O’Donnell, Paul Verkamp, J. P. Heister and Henry Weber were elected.  It was specially noted in the Board’s minutes that women were allowed to vote twice in the procedure.  They were called upon for a rising vote after the men had voted unanimously for a new building.  Secondly, women were permitted to vote for the members of the Board of Control.

Father Albert E. Drufner died suddenly on Sunday, July 21, 1912, at the age of 53.  On Wednesday, July 24, the Church Wardens, acting as pallbearers, brought Father‘s body from the pastor’s house to the church.  The funeral was held in Holy Family Church on July 25.  Father will always be remembered for his untiring efforts in the expansion of Holy Family Parish, but mostly for his complete dedication to the work of Christ.

Father Anthony Runnebaum took over the great task of building the new Church.  In November 1912, a plan was submitted to the Board to consider the purchase of a 150 ft. fronting on Eighth Street from the corner of Hawthorne east for the purpose of the new church and to avoid the building of some “objectionable structure” on the corner.

Mrs. Klosterman, owner of some land nearby, offered to give free of charge all the earth from her lot above street level to be used in filling in the Church lots and, in addition, she would give the Church $50 if her lot were leveled.

In August 1913, Father appointed the building committee with assistance of the Board.  Committee members were Fred Duwel, J. D. Templeton, E. J. Babbitt, Edw. Schochtemeyer and George Bauer.  In October, 1913, the building permit was granted from the city and Mr. J. F. Sheblessy was secured as architect.  Ground was broken for the new church, October 9, 1913.  Preceding the ceremony was a procession of 400 school children and a large number of the congregation and interested people of Price Hill.

The children sang hymns and patriotic songs while Father Runnebaum prepared to turn the first spade of earth.  Blueprints having been drawn, construction on the new church began in January 1914.  The cornerstone was laid in the summer of that year.

During this time, the life of the parish continued. In the summer of 1913, bids were received for the Joseph Sprang House.  The bid of D. Harrison of $5,500 was accepted, conditional that he remove the house from the land at his expense.

The parish continued to grow.  In 1914 there were 767 families.  The regular income received from pew rent then was $2,842.25.  There was an additional amount of $4,050.96 acquired from transient sittings.  One of the problems facing the Board from the beginning of the Parish and continuing on was the necessity of encountering delinquent pew renters.

School enrollment in 1914 was 473.  There were 9 Sisters of Charity and one “female secular,” Agnes Foley.  This is the first time a name of a lay teacher appears in the church records.

Numerous complaints prompted a change in the Church music department.  It was decided upon motion to engage Edward Fehring, as organist at a salary of $600 a year.  John Fehring, brother to Edward, had served as organist at Holy Family and later became renown as music director at Mt. St. Mary Seminary.

The Parish thrived on watching the progress of construction on the new Church.  The Emil Frei Art Glass Co. of St. Louis was responsible for the figure-windows, which were done by a staff of artists under the personal direction of Emil Frei.  The windows in the sanctuary of Holy Family Church depict the four great sacrifices of the Old Testament – Cain and Abel, Noah after the Flood, Abraham and his son, Isaac, and Melchisedech’s Sacrifice.  The main windows of the Church picture the five Joyful Mysteries and events in the life of the Holy Family: The Flight into Egypt, The Presentation of Mary in the temple, the Death of St. Joseph, Wedding Feast of Cana, and the Assumption.  This Company won the Grand Prize at the Louisiana Purchase Exposition in 1904 for ecclesiastical artwork.

The Estey Organ Company of Vermont built and installed the pipe organ.  August Wahoff, a bricklayer of 40 years experience, did the brick and ornamental terra cotta work.  The Altar, Statuary, Communion Railing, Pedestals, Angel Holy Water Fonts, Baptismal Font, and all bronze work in the sanctuary were furnished by the Fredrick Pustet Co. designed by their artist and carved under the supervision of their own architects in Pietrasanta, Italy.  The main altar contained the statue of St. Peter and St. Paul.  Placed on one side altar were statues of St. Joseph, St. Aloysius (patron saint of altar boys), and St. John Vianney (patron saint of parish priests).  On the other side altar were the statues of the Blessed Mother, and St. Rose of Lima.

Additional contracts were awarded to local individuals and companies:

The L. Schreiber & Sons Co. – ornamental iron and bronze structural steel.

L. H. McCammon Bros. – suppliers of ornamental terra cotta.

Charles Aull – Electrical equipment

Frank Folz – Foundation

D. Harrison & Co. – General Contractors.

Cassini Mosaic & Tile Co. – tile, terrazzo and marble floors.

J. B. Schroeder – Hardware.

Finnerty & Sons – Plasterers.

David Hummel – Masonry.

Wm. Hillenbrand – Plumbers.

E. Greiwe & Bro. – Tin Slate & Tile Roofers.

American Glass & Beveling Co.

Philip Carey Mfg. Co. – Roofing.

John Torbeck – Painter.

The Church construction was completed in late May 1916, as preparations for the dedication were being finalized.  On Trinity Sunday, June 18, 1916, the Most Reverend Henry Moeller, Archbishop of Cincinnati, dedicated the new Holy Family Church at services beginning at 9:00 a.m.  The exterior and interior walls of the Church were blessed while the choir sang the “Asperges” and the “Miserere.”  The altar was consecrated at 9:30 a.m. with “Gregorian Water” which contained ashes, salt, and wine and was originally prescribed by St. Gregory the Great for the consecration of an altar.  After the blessing the relics were placed in the altar.  The altar was then incensed and anointed with Holy Chrism and the Oil of Catechumens.  A Pontifical Mass, celebrated at 10:30 a.m. was the climax of the ecclesiastical ceremonies.

The two speeches “Catholic Patriotism” and “The Catholic Church and Society” were part of the Civic and Patriotic Programs held in the afternoon.

The new Holy Family Church was built of the Romanesque Renaissance style of architecture having a seating capacity of 760 and was erected and equipped at an approximate cost of $175,000.00 carrying, comparatively speaking, the small debt of $50,000.  The first Mission in the new church was held October 1-15, 1916, in thanksgiving for the successful completion of the church.

In July of 1917, Father Runnebaum received permission from the Archbishop to purchase the Duwel Property on Grand Ave. for the sum of $2,100.  This land was added to the piece of property on Grand purchased in 1914 from Mr. Resch for $250.

Disaster struck the country and Holy Family Parish in 1918.  By October, the influenza epidemic had reached such proportions that the Board of Health ordered the church closed for all services.  There were 72 funerals during that year.

The Holy Family Gym Association flourished during this time.  Boys baseball, basketball and football teams were formed and took the name of Holy Family “Tigers.”  Girls gym classes were also initiated.  In 1915, the Holy Family Gym Team won the city baseball pennant in the newly formed Catholic Athletic League.  This team brought great enjoyment to the parishioners who watched them play at Dempsey Park on Sunday afternoons.  Some trophies won by these teams are still on display in the gym clubrooms, and one of the original pool tables is still in use.  The Gym Association was forced to close in late 1917 due to the fact that World War I called many to the service of the country.

Father Anthony Runnebaum died at the rectory, Tuesday evening, March 11, 1924, as a result of a paralytic stroke that occurred Sunday afternoon, March 9.  Father had officiated at several baptisms Sunday, after which he was at home talking to a friend when he was seized by the fatal ailment.  His funeral was held in Holy Family Church on March 17.  Father will be remembered for the construction of Holy Family Church, as we know it today.

NEW CHURCH

1^st Baptism – December 25, 1915                               Florence Elizabeth Brindley

1^st Marriage – January 8, 1916                                    Carl George Weber (Cinti) and                       Martha Elizabeth Mechlenborg (Cinti)

1^st Confirmation – November 19, 1916                      81 boys, 70 girls, 2 men, 5 women                Archbishop Henry Moeller

The New School, Rectory and Convent

Monsignor Geers assumed responsibility for Holy Family Parish in April 1924 with dreams of more construction and renovation.  In May propositions were made as to the possibility of a new Parish House and additional school building.  Monsignor Geers consulted a professional about testing the ground at Price and Hawthorne.  Kunz & Beck, Architects, were engaged to draw plans and specifications for the contemplated construction.  In July, alterations were planned for the old school building and a boiler room was added.  At the same time 200 pledges were received amounting to approximately $32,500 to improve the heating system in the Church.  In the fall of 1924, the old church building was razed and the blueprints for the new building were submitted.  The new school building was completed in 1925 and construction began on the present rectory at 814 Hawthorne in April of the same year. 

In May 1925 alterations were made at 915 Grand Ave. (janitor’s house).  Furniture for the school and the rectory was purchased; and a loudspeaker system was installed in the church; the present schoolyard (then a dump) was padded and filled at this time. 

In November 1926, construction began on the Sisters’ Convent at 3006 W. 8^th St. the convent was built to house 16 Sisters.  When it was originally built, there was no provision for a chapel.  Bishop Albers later granted permission and Mr. Robert Maly, Sr. made the altar and wooden tabernacle.  The first Mass was celebrated December 6, 1931. 

The old Parish House at 3104 W. 8^th St. was sold for $8,850.96 in July 1927.

In September 1926, a group of young men asked permission to reopen the gym clubrooms and reorganize the association.  After some cleaning and painting, the clubroom doors were reopened.  Mr. Charles Foster became the second Gym Club Manager.  In 1927, toward the completion of the convent, the Gym Club members made a valuable contribution to the Sisters.  New bowling lanes had been purchased for $1,000 each.  The old lanes were cut and carried to the schoolyard by members of the Gym Association and laid to form a boardwalk from the new convent to the school building over the cinders that formed the schoolyard.

In 1928, Norb Boehner was elected to the Gym Board of Directors.  With the help of businessman Jack Marmer, they formed a boxing program.  Such greats as Ezzard Charles boxed in the “Old School Auditorium.”  The boxing program flourished until about 1939 when the Selective Service Act drained the flow of young men from the program.  During the 1928-29 season the Holy Family Eagles basketball team won 37 games in succession.  Some years later the Holy Family “Celtics” had a very fine basketball team winning many trophies.  During the depression and “hard times” the Gym Clubrooms provided an ideal place for young people to meet.

In 1928, there were 825 families in Holy Family Parish.  By 1930, that number dropped to 638.  This was due largely to the formation of a new Parish, Our Lady of Grace, in 1929.  The new Parish consisted of 85% of Holy Family parishioners.  When questioned by the Archbishop as to the drop in attendance, Monsignor Geers wrote, “In 1928 we had about 825, in 1929 I could not tell you, because Our Lady of Grace Parish was formed in the confines of Holy Family.  In fact the number of families cannot be given.  Many children we have in school and we do not see the parents.  They go to the cathedral or where they can hear the shortest Mass.”  By 1934, the parish had grown to 850 families once again.

1930 was a year of serious financial depression and a great drought plagued the mid-West the entire summer.  Holy Family Parish was not immune to the economic set back.  The balance on hand going into 1930 was $7,335.48.  The amount forwarded into 1931 was $1,899.65.  Despite these conditions the school was made to comply with recommendations from the Board of Health: more fire escapes, better window glass, improved lighting and ventilation.

Silver and Golden Anniversaries

In 1933, in preparation for the 50^th anniversary of the Parish, there was a collection of gold and silver to be used as a Jubilee gift to the Church.  65 ounces of gold, 65 ounces of silver, over 100 precious stones (large and small) were collected from parishioners.  This material was used in a Monstrance made by the Andrew Messmer & Co. of Cincinnati with the permission of the Archbishop.

Holy Family Parish celebrated its Golden Jubilee, Sunday, October 14, 1934.  The Most Reverend Archbishop Urban Vehr, Archbishop of Denver, and son of Holy Family, participated in the ceremony along with Archbishop John T McNicholas and Bishop Albers.  The Rt. Rev. Louis Nau preached the sermon.  All the priests who celebrated their first Mass at Holy Family were either in the ceremony or in the sanctuary.

Monsignor Geers often requested by letter favors for the parish from the Archdiocese.  In 1936, he asked permission for a Midnight Mass; in 1937 for schoolyard improvement; in 1940 for a “bingo, a very moderate one—50¢ bingo—we did not play Bingo, heretofore, for our neighboring parishes were more in need than we at Holy Family;” and in 1945 he asked for church improvements: “we promised our people that we would make such improvements (roof, lightning, radiator covers) as soon as we could get the necessary materials.”  Monsignor was warned about his last request because materials available after the war were thought to be inferior. 

Throughout Monsignor Geers’ years at Holy Family, he was very concerned about the spiritual development of the people.  He provided for Parish Missions often:

1927 - Father Steinbrunner

Father Dillon

1932 - Father J. M. Stanton

1935 - Father J. M. Stanton

1942 - Father F. Mooney

Father G. Brenkus

The Gym Association flourished during this time under the leadership of Norb Boehner.  He formed a grade school Athletic program that included boys baseball, basketball, football and track teams.  Uniforms and equipment were financed by proceeds of the Gym Clubrooms.  He formed an intramural summer softball league that played first at Wilson Park and then at Dempsey Field under the lights.  In the spring of 1942, the 7^th and 8^th grade girls were CYO Volleyball Champions.  In May 1942, Norb Boehner died suddenly and Eddie Stevens took over in 1943.

During the years of the World War II, activity around the Gym Club came to a standstill.  There were 240 men from Holy Family in the service.  At this time the Gym Club Rooms were remodeled.  New flooring was installed, a new bar was made and relocated to its present position, a “walk-in” cooler was installed, and the rooms painted and decorated.  The bowling lanes were resurfaced and kept in good shape.  All was ready when the boys returned from the service in 1945.

The Most Reverend Henry Grimmelsman, a Holy Family boy, was consecrated as Bishop of Evansville on December 21, 1944 at Worthington.  He celebrated Mass at Holy Family on New Year’s Eve, 1944.

After World War II

After World War II, Gerhard Lamers began the redecoration of the Church.  His method was thus: taking a large sheet of paper, he would draw in chalk or pencil the initial drawing.  He would then dot it with pencil holes and laying it on the surface to be painted, these holes would give the basic outline for the work.  On removing the paper, he would then color and shade the picture.  In the center dome he painted the 12 Apostles surrounding Christ the King.  Among the doctrines and practices of the Church symbolized by the painting are the seven sacraments, four cardinal virtues, the eight beatitudes, the Apostles Creed, the Crucifixion, the Resurrection and the Ascension.

After 22 years of service at Holy Family, Monsignor Geers died November 11, 1946, at the age of 86.  The Church was still being decorated and his funeral was held under the scaffolding.  He will always be remembered for his love and concern for Holy Family and its people, and his kindness earned him the title “Pied Piper of Holy Family.”

Monsignor John E. Kuhn became Pastor of Holy Family Church, December 10, 1946.  The parish at that time had 1,500 families and a school enrollment of 518.

One of the organizations of much influence in Holy Family Parish was the Catholic War Veterans that started in 1947 when the young men returned home from World War II.  The first Commander of Holy Family Post 1492 was Fred Murdock.  The Women’s Auxiliary began in 1954 with Patricia Eby as first President.  By 1965, there were 125 members.  John J. Martin, a member of the Post and Holy Family Parish, was the State Commander at this time.  His sudden death prompted the Post to change its name to the John J. Martin Post, 1492.  The Catholic War Veterans were concerned for the betterment of Veterans’ affairs and they continued to aid the youth of the community.

In 1947 and 1948, Monsignor Kuhn began work to improve the complex.  He installed cushion kneelers, landscaped the property, purchased new vestments, and began work on the 8^th Street church steps.  Monsignor received permission from the Archdiocese to decorate the chapel in the convent and he installed a new metal safe tabernacle, antependium and veil.  A total of $2,500 was spent on painting the school interior in 1947.

In January 1948, the project of remodeling the basement of the Church was begun.  Joseph Neyer, a specialist in Church construction, enlisted the services of 24 high school boys from Holy Family Parish for the job.  The boys were told they would earn 50¢ an hour and would learn a useful trade.  When the Rookwood Pottery disposed of its stock, Neyer figured that some tile might be used in the hall.  For a mere $75, he bought a load of “culls” or rejected pieces.  The boys went through the culls and sorted matching pieces.  Many chipped and warped pieces were cut to match.  They worked out patterns, and then laid the tile.

Adorning the walls behind the counter are several pieces of sculpture made from Rookwood tile.  They were 60 years old but the public had never seen them.  These pieces, having been rejected by the sculptors, were saved by youngsters who worked for Rookwood Pottery in the late 1880’s.  These young employees buried them on the hillsides of Mt. Adams. Neyer was one of these youngsters and, later, remembered where some of the pieces had been buried.  He then relocated, cleaned, and polished them. These pieces adorned the walls of the hall.  

February 14, 1949, was the formal opening of Holy Family cafeteria.  The basement of the church, some 7,000 square feet, in area was converted into a cafeteria, kitchen, storerooms and lavatories.  A striking feature of the cafeteria was the rear walls and counter done in Rookwood tile.  The kitchen and lavatories were equipped with Sperti Health Lamps as were the 7 ft. by 10 ft. walk-in box and deep freeze.  A sterilizer for glasses was included.  Some 250 children were served meals daily that were prepared by the women of the parish who followed the dietary program arranged by the Archdiocesan lunch program.  The cafeteria served as an important adjunct to parish affairs, dinners and bazaars.

The Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima was erected between the Church and convent on W. 8^th St. Stone used in this shrine came from the excavation of the church basement.  Much of the work was voluntary on the part of the parishioners.  More material and stone from the excavation was used later in the formation of the Victory Garden next to the rectory (known today as the Memorial Garden).

In the spring of 1949, Hawthorne Ave. from Price Ave. to W. 8^th St. was widened 5 ft. to relieve congested traffic.  New curbs and sidewalks were built at parish expense.  The City of Cincinnati defrayed the cost of grading, paving, and sewer work on the street.  The street level was raised 13 inches preventing water seepage into the rectory and church basement.  Monsignor Kuhn requested the city provide an additional foot of sidewalk for the convenience of church processions from the school building and rectory.  By Act of City Council, an alleyway, 10 feet between the Church and the rectory, was declared vacated, thus giving the church title to the narrow strip from Hawthorne to Grand Ave.  Both the street widening program and the vacation of the alleyway were affected through the good offices of John Dempsey, a member of the parish.

Improvements in the school continued.  In April 1949, the entire school (16 classrooms and auditorium) was equipped with Sperti Health Lamps.  In April of 1951, The St. Monica Ladies Sodality had a public address and intercommunication system installed in the school buildings at a cost of $1,275.00.  Archbishop Karl J. Alter during his first official visit to Holy Family Church confirmed 164 of the school children and 20 adults on Nov. 29, 1951.

In preparation for an addition to the rectory, garages and retaining walls were built for $4,766.00 in 1952.  Work was begun in the fall of 1953, on the rectory addition and improvement.  A new wing to the north contained a living room, bedroom, bath and library.  It was constructed of brick and stone to match the existing rectory.  A brick and stone veranda connecting the church and rectory was begun at the same time.  A stone carving of the Holy Family (5 x 4 ft.) by Cincinnati sculptor, Ernest Haswell, occupied the front wall center.  The total cost of renovation was $35,676.20, and it was competed in April 1954.  In June of 1956, work began on Monsignor Kuhn’s long dreamed of parish garden.  The garden included the Stations done in wrought iron, and a large statue of Christ enshrined in bronze.  These were placed in a perfect setting of rare bushes, trees, flowers and shrubs.  The Catholic War Veterans maintained this garden.

Holy Family School became known throughout the community.  In March of 1956, St. Michael’s Fighting Army Civics Club appeared on WCET and initiated a series of programs dealing with the teaching of civics in the Catholic School. In the fall of 1956, a NO—Damage Club, aimed at preventing destruction, won praise from all in the vicinity.  Christmas carols rang out over the neighborhood frequently that Christmas season of 1957.  Voices – Holy Family Students on tape—came from the tiny balcony above the convent porch.  Spotlighted on that balcony was a large plywood Nativity scene.

During the summer months of 1956, improvements were made in school. Corkboards above the blackboards and large bulletin boards for displays in the main halls were installed.  Floors in all the rooms were refinished with asphalt tile.  In 1957, the schoolyard was resurfaced; lines sectioned the yard in play spaces and baseball diamond.  The cafeteria was repainted and redecorated to match the beautiful floor laid in 1956.

The spiritual life of the people was increased by a week of preaching and prayer in preparation to the Sacred Heart.  This program was presented by Father Jacob, S. J. and Father Hertobliese, S. J.  The week culminated with the dedication of the school and each classroom to the Sacred Heart.  The annual Catholic Students Mission Crusade Rally in 1957 was held at Holy Family.  New Eucharistic fast regulations made it possible to end the program with Mass after breakfast and meeting.  In November 1958, two Franciscans, Father Gregory Diebold and Father Valens Waldschmidt conducted a parish mission.

The school year, 1959-1960, found the enrollment at Holy Family the largest in years; over 700 children were enrolled in September.  Some of these children came from St. Michael School that did not reopen that year.  School improvements that year included a new audio-visual room equipped with the latest in filmstrips and projectors, statistiscope and accompanying materials.  A remedial reading program was provided.

Solemn High Mass on December 6, 1959, commemorated the 75^th Anniversary of the founding of the Parish.  During Solemn Benediction in the afternoon, the Parish was consecrated to the Holy Family.  A reception was held after the service for Monsignor Kuhn before he assumed his new responsibilities as Pastor of Saint Lawrence Church.

The school children bade farewell to Monsignor Kuhn, who had been Pastor at Holy Family for 13 years, with a program in the auditorium on December 7, 1959.  Various classes and spokesmen for the 700 children thanked Monsignor Kuhn in verse and song and presented him with a Spiritual Bouquet and other remembrances in appreciation for all that he had done.  Monsignor Kuhn remained Pastor of St. Lawrence Church until his retirement when he was named Pastor Emeritus of St. Lawrence.  He died on November 4, 1973.  He will be remembered at Holy Family for his many remodeling projects and the physical beauty of the parish plant.

Father Fredrick Bien was transferred from Our Lady of Grace Church to Holy Family December 10, 1959.  On December 21, Monsignor John Kuhn installed the new pastor.  Father Bien made his first official visit to the school on December 16, 1959.  A “Welcome Broadcast” over the school’s public address greeted the new pastor and assured him of the prayers and cooperation of the faculty and student body.

Emphasis on the school CSMC continued in the early 60’s.  Canned goods collections, “potato marches,” rallies, adoption of “pagan babies,” exhibits, family projects, were all a part of the three point plan of prayer, study, and sacrifice.  Students and teachers traveled to Notre Dame University in the summers for CSMC Conventions.

Father Bien’s concern for the youth of the Parish resulted in the growth of the Scouting Program. This involved several hundred young people led by adults of the Parish.  Great emphasis was placed on developing the Youth Club.  High School students became involved in service projects throughout the community.  Henry J. Radel established a Scholarship Fund for students entering Elder and Seton High Schools under the guidance of Father Bien.

There were considerable repairs and improvements made throughout 1960.  In July new boilers were installed in the church and school at a cost of $15,000.  In November the façade of the church was repaired for $17,055.00.  A Statue of the Holy Family was donated and placed in the rear of the church.  The average Sunday attendance was 2,348 people that year.  A piece of property on the southeast corner of Grand and W. 8^th St. (50 x 120 ft.) was sold in 1961.

In 1962, the canopies and 16 church doors were replaced for $6,000.  Handrails for the front steps were ordered in December.  Father Bien stated, “The handrails are to be made of iron, but the cost suggest they may possible be made of gold.”  In July of 1963, restrooms were repaired, the auditorium painted and the floor refinished, classrooms and office were painted.  Ten Formica top tables were purchased for the cafeteria.  In November, acoustical tile and new lights were installed in the cafeteria.  The kitchen was enlarged.  By December of 1963, the heating system in the whole plant was replaced and converted to gas.  The church organ was in great need of repair.  Father Bien wrote in the September 13, 1964, church bulletin, “Many of the parishioners have in recent years left the parish to move out to the western sections of Price Hill.  It makes it difficult to keep this plant in decent repair and to bear the expenses of conducting church and school.”  Father managed, though, by using the proceeds from the very successful Monday Night Bingo.  He supported the Bingo through his poetry.  This example appeared in the Bulletin, May 7, 1961:

Little Miss Muffet

Sat on a tuffet

Holding her Bingo card.

She prayed to St. Jude

And all the saints wooed

Clutching her Bingo card.

She won one at last

And ran home right fast

Praising her Bingo card.

Her prayers quickly said

She jumped into bed

And dreamed of her Bingo card.

After 47 years as organist and choir director at Holy Family, Professor Leo Thuis retired May 31, 1964.  Mr. Thuis was the composer of a number of Masses and motets.  One of his Masses was played at Holy Family in 1953 on the occasion of his Golden Jubilee as an organist.  He never missed a service and was always on time.

Second Vatican Council Changes

In the fall of 1962, prayers were urged for the success of the Second Vatican Council being held in Rome.  In the following years the effects of this Council were to be felt in the parish.  In 1963, an evening Mass was said for the first time on Friday, March 29.   In May of 1964, the correct Communion response to the “Body of Christ” was “Amen.”  In April 1965, panels containing the numbers of the hymns to be sung at Mass were placed on pillars at both ends of the railing.  The statues of St. Anthony and the Sacred Heart were removed from the sanctuary and placed in the rear of church.  In December of 1965, the new marble altar facing the people was installed and the Communion Rail lowered.  A parishioner made this possible through the donation of $15,000.  Bishop Edward McCarthy consecrated the new altar on October 23, 1966, prior to the Confirmation service that evening. 

In September 1964, first grade students attended public school.  Holy Family School enrollment dropped from 650 in 1963 to 504 in 1964.  The Cincinnati Board of Education rented three classrooms.  Even though enrollment was dropping, the school was kept in very good condition.  New lighting fixtures were placed in all the schoolrooms in July 1965.  Repairs were made to both the church and school roofs.  Classrooms were renovated, iron fences were sanded and painted; window frames and sashes were replaced and painted, and the blacktop repaired.  A new school library was established and catalogued in October 1966.

In November 1966, the Lay Committee of Advisors for Temporalities was formed and the Parish Council and Board of Education were preparing to be activated.  In December 1966, new lighting in the church was needed for the people to accompany the priest in Mass prayers.  A pulpit was placed in the sanctuary apart from the altar for reading Scripture.  A new sound system aided the people in hearing better the “Word of God.”  Ecumenical Services were initiated with neighboring Christian Churches.  All of the changes prescribed by the Second Vatican Council prompted this poem to appear in the Bulletin:

        Latin’s gone, peace is too;

        Singin’ and shoutin’ from every pew,

        Altar’s turned around, priest is too;

        Commentator’s yellin “Page 22”.

        Communion rail’s going’, stand up straight!

        Kneelin’ suddenly went out of date.

        Processions are formin’ in every aisle;

        Salvation’s organized single file.

        Listen to the lector; hear how he reads;

        Please stop rattlin’ those rosary beads

        Padre’s lookin’ puzzled; doesn’t know his part

        Used to know the whole deal in Latin by heart.

        I hope all changes are just about done;

       That they don’t drop Bingo before I’ve won.

Father Frederick Bien died suddenly on St. Patrick’s Day, Friday, March 17, 1967.  On the following Monday, his body was led into church by Bishop Edward McCarthy and the priests and congregation sang Vespers.  Archbishop Alter, Monsignor Kuhn, Father Alfred Stockelman, Father Roddy, Father  Goeckeler, and other priests concelebrated the Funeral Mass on Tuesday, March 21.  This was the first Concelebrated Funeral Mass in the Archdiocese.

During his pastorate, Father Bien used the church bulletin effectively in conveying his wishes, his pleas, his dreams, his feelings, his sense of humor, and his love for God and Holy Family.  It was only fitting then, that Father Joseph Robinson in the April 16, 1967, bulletin, eulogized Father Bien so aptly:

“He heard a sermon once on the glory of God and wanted to dedicate his life to that purpose.  This is what brought him into the priesthood.  Only God really knows how hard he worked to fulfill this, his life’s ambition.  Only God knows how many people know and love him more, and how many people are in heaven because of the efforts of Father Bien.”

Father Joseph A. Robinson acted as interim pastor prior to Father Joseph Meinerding’s appointment as pastor to Holy Family Church in June 1967.  Monsignor John Kuhn installed Father Meinerding as pastor on June 25.  Father Meinerding fulfilled his role as leader by ably guiding the people through many liturgical changes.  He encouraged the emergence of the people as lectors, commentators, servers, and participants in the Offertory Procession.  On October 22, 1967, the Canon of the Mass, including the words of Consecration, was said in English for the first time.  Father Meinerding helped the people understand another change of the Second Vatican Council.  Father wrote, “The Mass is a living sacrifice, a ‘now’ sacrifice, it must be a vital part of our lives today, and all this is much easier to realize if we pray it and live it in words that we can understand.”

The changes in the liturgy affected the convent also.  In 1968, the convent chapel was renovated.  The altar was converted so the priest could face the Sisters.  A new rug and draperies were purchased, pews were renovated, and new glass windows were installed.

The school, which included 378 students, took advantage of State Bill 350 by obtaining various audio-visual aids.  The Teacher’s Lounge was equipped, new lavatories were installed and the cafeteria was painted.  The Board of Education, which was formed in 1967, helped with the financial management of the school.

From June to August 1968, the rectory was improved to meet living standards for the priests and housekeeper.  A modern kitchen was installed, new carpets, draperies, living room and dining room furniture were purchased.  Father also installed new vestment cases and renovated the priests’ sacristy in church. 

In the fall of 1968, due to declining collections, an Offertory Participation Program was initiated.  The success of the program could be seen in the increased collections.  The St. Vincent de Paul Society was involved in helping the poor at the time.  The Society assisted 223 people, dispensing $2,939.40.

The Parish and School were consecrated to the Sacred Heart.  The culminating ceremony was the Enthronement in individual homes on Sunday, November 17, 1968, at 2:30 p.m.  While the parishioners were reciting the prayers in their homes, Father Meinerding was doing the same at the foot of the altar.  At this time, many of our Holy Family boys were involved in Vietnam, and one of them sent home a bust of the Sacred Heart, hand carved by a Philippine native.  The statue was placed in the school office as a reminder of someone “who cared.”

A new dimension was added to the Parish Christmas celebration.  The choir was able to purchase new choir robes.  They made a record in October which was released in December entitled “Holy Family Choir Sings for Christmas 1968”.  The choir consisted of the school children, and adults from the parish under the direction of Miss Clare Schwach, organist.

In the spring of 1969, the future of some Parish Organizations was questioned.  The possibility of combining the St. Monica’s Ladies Sodality and the Men’s Holy Name Society was studied through out the summer.  On September 10, the first of the combined meetings was held.  The Holy Family Parish Society became an active organization.  It provided many opportunities for social interaction, and it held many fund raising affairs during the years.  Each year the Society sponsored monthly coffee hours, Breakfast with Santa, Halloween Fair and Christmas Boutique.  The Society often provided financial backing for many needs of the parish and school.

Research was also being done to determine the feasibility of making the Board of Education the nucleus of the Parish Council, and thus, eliminating one extra monthly meeting.  However, by September 1970, the two organizations were set up independent of each other.

Father Meinerding directed more liturgical changes.  On Palm Sunday, March 22, 1970, missalettes were used for the first time and the Penitential Rite of the Mass took on a new dimension.  Saturday evening Mass for fulfilling the Sunday obligation was permitted and begun in June.  From the founding of the parish, pew rents had been taken until the 1940’s.  At that time the envelope system was introduced and a special collection for seat money was taken.  In April of 1970, the seat collection was discontinued.

In the summer of 1970, parish custodian, John Sullivan, retired after 30 years of service to Holy Family.  He was faithful in keeping the plant in order and the grounds clean.  The school children were instrumental in keeping the surrounding areas clean.  The school declared an Earth Day in the spring of 1970 and was commended for its clean up efforts by Mayor Eugene Ruehlman.

The parish became more concerned with Social Justice issues.  Housing, health programs, increased involvement in civic organizations, and awareness of minority groups were a part of this new movement.  The Campaign for Human Development was a collection started by the Archdiocese to help finance some these programs.

The Sixth Synod of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, known as Synod ’71 was a series of discussions of documents covering 11 areas of Catholic Life on the parish level.  The document was approved in May of 1971, and promulgated in October 1971, in connection with the 150^th Anniversary of the Archdiocese.  The goal of the document was to emphasize the concept of co-responsibility, in which all the people of God contribute their special gifts to form the Church Community.  One of the first effects of Synod ’71 in the parish was the installation of lay distributors of Holy Communion on May 26, 1971, at the Eucharistic Day Celebration.

A parish census was begun December 19, 1971, and completed in January 1972.  The results of the census showed an increase in people due to previously incomplete census records.  Actually the parish was still losing people due to the changing neighborhood.  There were 650 families, the average attendance at Sunday Mass was 1070.  This showed a decrease of 500 people in the last four years.

During this year of 1971, new draperies and curtains were added to the newly painted auditorium and 300 steel chairs were purchased for the cafeteria. 

One of the last acts of Father Meinerding’s pastorate was the election of Parish Council members.  Until this time, the entire parish had not elected the members.  On June 15, 1972, Father Meinerding was appointed Pastor of St. Charles Borromeo, Carthage.  He later retired from this pastorate and died on April 10, 1993.  Father Meinerding will be remembered for his efforts in implementing the changes of the Second Vatican Council.

Addition of Our Lady of Grace

On June 15, 1972, a co-pastorate was formed with the neighboring parish of Our Lady of Grace.  On July 9, Monsignor Francis Kennedy at Holy Family installed Father Robert Strassell and Monsignor James Lunn at Our Lady of Grace installed Father Raymond Wiemeyer.  Both new pastors lived at Holy Family Rectory.

Shortly after the co-pastorate was formed, the parish elected Parish Council Commission members.  A meeting was held of interested parishioners to discuss the possibility of a guitar Mass in the future.

In the fall of 1972, school enrollment had declined to 186 students.  This number included the returning first grade.  This first grade included students from Holy Family and Our Lady of Grace.  In October, a committee was formed of the Sisters of Charity who staffed Holy Family School, and the Sisters of Mercy who staffed Our Lady of Grace School, to begin the process of consolidation of the two schools.  The Parish Councils of both parishes approved the consolidation in January of 1973.  An open meeting was held on February 25, to explain and answer questions concerning the merger.  Over 300 parishioners from both parishes attended the meeting.  In June, the combined Board of Education was formed, consisting of 3 members from Holy Family and 3 members from Our Lady of Grace, and in September the consolidated school opened.  Grades 1, 2, 3, 4 had class in Our Lady of Grace building, and grades 5 thru 8 in the Holy Family building.  The Principal was Sister Mary Clarissa, R.S.M.  The churches rented a bus from a private company to transport the children.  Both pastors assumed responsibility for the school.  In September 1973, the Holy Family-Our Lady of Grace Athletic Association was formed.

Father Strassell oversaw the following repairs at Holy Family in 1974: the Persian rug that had been removed from the sanctuary was replaced in January, the roof of the old school building was repaired in February, the church interior was painted and cleaned in June, and the gym floor refinished in October.

Family Life Worship, a Lenten program with emphasis on the family, was presented in March 1974.  The possibility of a parish mission was discussed later in December.  Preparations were made for the Holy Year to be celebrated in 1975 throughout the world.

Within the community in 1974 several projects were discussed: the possibility of a city recreation center and a senior citizen center and program.  In April 1974, severe tornadoes hit Saylor Park and Mack.  Holy Family responded through a special collection for the tornado victims.

More improvements were needed in 1975.  The cafeteria was painted and new curtains were purchased.  The roof on the new school building was replaced in October.  As a result of these improvements the financial needs of the parish increased.  An Archdiocesan financial program known as the Increased Parish Support Program was introduced in the parish in 1975.  It was very successful, helping to increase the weekly collections.  Along with this increase came the promise of more parishioners through the construction of the Senior Chateau on the Hill apartment complex during the summer of 1975.

In keeping with the American celebration of the bicentennial, the parish commemorated the founding of the United States.  In September of 1975, Elizabeth Ann Seton was proclaimed the first native-born American Saint.  A special Mass was held at Holy Family in her honor.  In November, a Mass and Bicentennial Program and display reflected the history of America and the parish.  In April, the school children traced the history of America through song and dance.  A Mass in honor of the dignity of working America was held on the Feast of St. Joseph the Worker in early May.  The Players Guild, an organization of parishioners formed in the 1940’s to provide parish entertainment, presented the Variety Show, “Spotlight on America,” May 1 and 2.

A series of “firsts” presented themselves in 1976.  The first meeting of the Adult Social Club took place in February.  The first meeting concerning the entrance of Our Lady of Perpetual Help students into Holy Family School was held during that winter.  These students entered Holy Family School for the first time in September.  The first Archbishop’s Fund Drive was in March.  The first Anointing of the Sick Service was held in April and the first Confessional Room was completed that spring. 

During this time Father Strassell saw to the needed repairs of the parish.  The schoolyard was resurfaced in the summer of 1976, the classrooms in the new school building were painted, and the church interior painted in the summer of 1977.  Even though preparations were made in the summer, the winter of 1976-7 and 1977-8 brought temperatures of minus 25 degrees and blizzard conditions resulting in huge fuel bills for the parish.

On May 29, 1977, Father Raymond Wiemeyer celebrated his 25^th Anniversary of Ordination with a Mass and reception at Our Lady of Grace Church.  Seven months later he was appointed Pastor of St. Matthias Church, Forest Park, effective January 1978.  This ended the co-pastorate.  The school remained consolidated, Father Strassell remained the pastor of Holy Family Church and Father James Garland became the pastor of Our Lady of Grace. 

Father Wiemeyer eventually retired from his position as pastor of St. Matthias.  Father Garland was ordained Auxillary Bishop of Cincinnati in 1984. He was appointed the Bishop of the Diocese of Marquette in 1992.  

Father Strassell, seeing a need for renewal of Parish Council, contacted Sister Mary Rose Geckle to explain her program of Parish Effectiveness to the Parish Council in December 1977.  The program, having been approved, the first meetings were held the weekend of February 11 and 12, 1978.  During the weekend, 25 parishioners studied the future needs of the Parish in relation to past history.  These dedicated parishioners agreed to meet with Sister Mary Rose monthly for one year to continue this research of the future needs of Holy Family.  In the spring of 1978, 200 parishioners attended a meeting to express their views on the necessities of the parish.  In July, a parish wide survey was distributed to evaluate parish worship, education, and parish life.  In the fall the surveys were studied and recommendations were made.  Commissions were formed, goals and objectives for these commissions were outlined and representatives were elected.  The new Parish Council made up 5 commissions - liturgy, temporalities, education, communication, parish life and service – was activated in February 1979.

On August 13, 1978, Father Strassell celebrated his 25^th Anniversary of Ordination.  Mass and reception were held at Holy Family Church.  Father Strassell reflected, “The parish is stabilized and we are hopeful that young families might move in to rehab some of the older homes.”  The October count that year showed an increase in attendance from 750 to 762 in 1978, the first increase in the past 20 years.

The Gym Clubrooms were in much need of repair.  In September 1972, money was raised to install automatic pin-spotters for the bowling alleys.  This project having been completed, total renovation of the bar area and clubrooms was begun.  In 1977, Eddie Stevens died suddenly after 34 years of service, and the new bar was dedicated in his honor.  In April 1980, a Gym Club Reunion was held in honor of Eddie Stevens.  Donald Feldkamp became the new gym manager.  The trophy room was completed in late 1982.

The Holy Family Gym began parish outings at Wilson Park in 1911.  The event was discontinued some years later.  In 1974, Father Strassell rejuvenated the event and moved it to Mt. Echo Park.  It became known as the Parish Family Picnic, featuring horseshoe tournament, tug-of-war, softball game and water balloon toss.  

Attempts were made to renew the parish and neighborhood spiritually.  Mission Outreach, a door-to-door approach to seek the unchurched, was conducted in the spring of 1975.  A Program of Evangelization to visit non-churchgoers, distribute literature, and invite people back to Church took place in the spring of 1979.  An interfaith celebration was held in June of 1979.  Scripture classes were made available to the parishioners in the years 1979-1980.  A modern songbook “Glory and Praise” was introduced in the liturgy and taught by the organist, Carolyn Witterstaetter.  Home Masses were begun in December 1979, and continued until July 1980.  An evening of recollection was presented on Family Life in the fall of 1980.  Prayer Groups and Days of Recollection were organized in the late 1970’s.  The involvement of the men and women of the parish as commentators, lectors, communion distributors, ministers to the sick and needy continued to grow.  The opening of the Senior Chateau in June of 1979 and the increased number of elderly in the parish resulted in the hiring of a pastoral minister.

As a result of these attempts, the parishioners voiced a call for spiritual renewal.  Father Strassell and the Parish Council chose Father James Langenkamp, C.P.P.S. and the Precious Blood Renewal Team to guide the parish through a renewal-mission.  From January to March, 1981, a Parish team of 30 men and women prepared the people for the week of renewal, March 8 -12.  The parish experienced a week of prayer, scripture and song with the theme, “I Am the Bread of Life,” in its first renewal since 1958.  Father Norman Langenbrunner held a follow up program, “A Series on Christian Growth and Awareness” in September 1981.

Stemming from the spiritual renewal came an increased involvement in ministry.  The St. Vincent de Paul Society was one of the first societies formed in the parish.  This Society was very vital in supplying the financial and material needs to the less fortunate of the area.  Special collections and canned goods drives helped them in their ministry.  In December 1980, the parishioners participated in a Christmas “Giving” Tree project.  Over 250 gifts were placed under the Christmas tree in the sanctuary for the needy.  The project was repeated with continued success the following years and continues each Advent to this day.  In the fall of 1981, the Parish Society formed a network of telephone captains to inform the parishioners of parish activities.  A continued need for various parish ministries resulted in the formation of the CLAS Program, Committees of Love and Service.  The program, made up of parishioners, was formed in July of 1982 to serve such needs as transportation and shut-in awareness.  Mr. Raymond Kroger, ordained a Permanent Deacon of July 3, 1982, assumed his responsibilities in the ministry of Holy Family Parish.  Concerning ministry Father Strassell said, “By Baptism we’re born into the Christian community, we have a new family, and as members of this community, we are supposed to care about and help one another.”

Improvements in the parish plant continued.  In the fall of 1979, the steps on both sides of the church were replaced.  In the summer of 1980, the wood-balancing wheel of the Church bell was rebuilt after 65 years of use.  Also, that summer, a chapel was constructed in the old baptistry in the rear of Church and named the “Family Room” (now known as the Prayer Room).  A new rug was placed in the sanctuary in September 1980.  Frank Kopp, Holy Family maintenance man, was often instrumental in completing repairs around the church property.  After suffering a heart attack, Frank retired in November 1981, having served Holy Family faithfully for over a decade.

Parish Centennial Celebration

Preparations began in April 1980, for the parish centennial celebration to begin in June of 1983.  Committees were formed to organize the year of celebration.  A tentative schedule of events was established in November of 1980 and a meeting of all the parish organizations was held in January 1981.  The “100 Club” was established to raise funds for the centennial expenses.  A centennial booth appeared at the parish festival in June 1981, for the purpose of raising enthusiasm for the coming jubilee.  In January 1982, a bulletin board was erected in the vestibule of Church to display historical memorabilia of the parish and community. The logo was chosen from student entries in April 1982.  The calendar of events was finalized in the fall of 1982.  The history was written in July and August of 1982.  The layout of the centennial booklet was completed in the spring of 1983.  The Church was redecorated at this time.  The opening event of the centennial year was the Homecoming Festival in June 1983.  Activities followed throughout the coming year including a Centennial Commemorative Program given by the school children, a parish day at the Red’s game, and a Holy Family parish family picnic.  The Centennial Celebration climaxed with Jubilee Mass and dinner in May 1984.

In June 1985 Jim Kiffmeyer, a son of the parish, was ordained to the priesthood.  Fr. Jim celebrated a Mass of Thanksgiving on Sunday June 9^th followed by a reception for parishioners in the cafeteria. 

In October 1985 Father Strassell was appointed Pastor of St. Veronica Church in Hamilton.  A good-bye Mass and reception was held so Father could thank the people of Holy Family for the 13 years he spent with them.  On November 3, 1987, Father Strassell died of cancer and his funeral was held at Holy Family Church.  He will be remembered for his efforts at spiritually renewing the parish and leading it through its most significant anniversary celebration.

Father Robert Putnick was appointed Pastor of Holy Family in 1985.  A parish newsletter was begun in late 1984 as part of the Centennial celebration.  This newsletter provided information and articles about parish life.  It was quite successful and continued in publication until May 1992 when the information was incorporated into the bulletin.  A Guidebook and Directory was later developed in 1995 that continues today.  Its purpose is to help parishioners know all of the opportunities for involvement in the parish and to provide a listing of parishioners and parish organizations. 

Further improvements were made to the physical plant including new windows in the rectory, convent and cafeteria; a new boiler in the Old School Building; a new sound system in church; and new storage cabinets in the cafeteria.  The biggest improvement came in June 1989 when the cafeteria was air-conditioned.  It was now possible to have Mass in the cafeteria in the summer months when the heat would rise to dangerous levels in the Church.  This improvement was helpful for many of the parishioners who found the oppressive heat difficult to bear especially in the modern day age of air-conditioning.

Our Lady of Grace and Our Lady of Perpetual Help Added

The years 1988 and 1989 brought much change to the parish as well as mergers.  Two neighboring parishes, Our Lady of Grace and Our Lady of Perpeutal Help closed and merged with Holy Family Parish.  Father James Meade, pastor of both Our Lady of Grace and Our Lady of Perpetual Help, was asked to reside at Holy Family with Fr. Putnick to assist with the transition.  Establishing the position of co-pastors for the unification of Holy Family parish was integral for the representation of all and the success of the merger.  Br. Joe Meierdirks, a Marianist brother, also helped with pastoral affairs in the parish from April 1989 until April 1995.

In July 1989 the last Mass was held in Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church and a welcome Mass at Holy Family for these parishioners was held on July 16.  The last Mass at Our Lady of Grace Church was held on August 13, 1989.  At the 11am Mass on Sunday September 17, 1989 Archbishop Pilarczyk presided and blessed the newly merged parish family at Holy Family Church. 

A meeting was held on May 30, 1989 of parishioners from all three parishes to discuss what artifacts from the closing churches should be brought to Holy Family Church.  Holy Family was honored to receive items from both merging parishes.  The tabernacle from Our Lady of Grace was placed in the Prayer Room and the statue of Our Lady of Grace was placed in the back of Holy Family Church.  The majestic organ located at Our Lady of Perpetual Help was moved to the choir loft, an Icon of Our Lady of Perpetual Help was positioned on the rear Church wall, and the bells from the church now ring from the spires of Holy Family.  Holy Family’s bell was taken down and placed in a niche in the rear of Holy Family Church.  This bell founded in 1884 was the original bell from the first Holy Family Church.

In July 1990 Fr. Jim Meade was appointed Pastor of St. John parish in West Chester and Fr. Putnick assumed total responsibility for the newly united parish. 

The Monday night Bingo that had been so popular for many years was closed in January 1991.  It was moved to Wednesday night and combined with Sacred Heart, Seton and St. Michael by way of intercom.  The proceeds from the bingos went to St. Michael Church and outreach programs.  The bulletin board that had been used to display Centennial memorabilia was changed to a board with removable letters to list parish organizations and meeting nights. 

Fr. Putnick retired from his pastorate and left Holy Family on June 30, 1991.  After almost 8 years of retirement he died on January 7, 1999.  His funeral was held at Holy Family Church.  Fr. Putnick and Fr. Meade will be remembered for their efforts to unite three parishes in fellowship and love.

Father Mark J. Burger was appointed Pastor July 1991and was responsible for making many needed changes in the parish.  During the late 1980s the school changed its name from Holy Family-Our Lady of Grace School to Price Hill Catholic School to better represent the consolidation of several parishes and the emerging neighborhood.  In the 1991-92 school year the decision was made to change the name back to Holy Family School since the mergers were successful in bringing all the parishes together and the name “Holy Family” better reflected the mission of the church and the school. 

By this time the Janitor’s house on Grand Avenue had fallen into disrepair and had not been occupied for a number of years.  A proposal was made to teardown the old house but the cost of $10,000 was prohibitive.  Instead, the St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry that had operated out of the Old School Building was moved in January 1993 to the Janitor’s house.  Eventually, the Food Pantry was re-named the Cliff Steinbach Food Pantry in memory of Cliff Steinbach, a man who was instrumental for many years in making the Food Pantry a reality and for his many kindnesses to the poor in the area.  When the St. Anne Ministry Center was completed in October 2002 the Pantry was moved to the basement of the Ministry Center.  The Janitor’s house was then razed and the empty lost was landscaped.

For Easter 1993 new Glory and Praise songbooks were purchased and the old songbooks were given to needy parishes in the Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky areas.  Additionally, Fr. Mark introduced spiritual growth programs to the parish with the formation of Prayer Groups, a daily Holy Hour, and a program named Blueprints.  His ability to teach and preach provided opportunities for yearly Parish Retreats and Bible Studies. 

The Addition of St. Michael Church

In the early spring of 1994 St. Michael Church in Lower Price Hill became a chapel of Holy Family parish.  This was done in order to keep St. Michael’s open.  However, in 1998 St. Michael Church was closed by the Archdiocese.  The pastoral care of this community became the responsibility of Holy Family parish.  Eventually, in April 2001 the Statue of St. Michael from the façade of St. Michael Church was set in concrete and placed in the Memorial Garden at Holy Family.

Finally, the stained glass windows from St. Michael Church were sold in July 2004 to St. Joseph Church in North Bend for their new church building.  The responsibility for the remaining property at St. Michael’s was transferred from Holy Family to the Archdiocese and other agencies in January 2008.

Fr. Mark worked to establish a parish leadership team by creating the positions of Pastoral Musician and Director of Ministry.  In September 1994 Joeline Lecture was hired as Organist/Pastoral Musician.  Several years later she wrote a song for Holy Family entitled “Lord, Make Us Your Holy Family.”  Very popular among the people the song is sung at almost all major liturgical celebrations to this day.

The Stephen Ministry, a program that trains lay people to minister in times of crisis was founded in October 1994.  Since the only priest now living at Holy Family was Fr. Burger, the second floor of the rectory was converted to offices and a conference room to accommodate the new lay leadership in the parish.

Under the signature phrase, ‘Remember the Past and Secure the Future,’ the Capital Fund Drive was established allowing for many over-due buildings and grounds improvements.  Beginning in August 1994 the Memorial Garden was restored and engraved bricks were sold to fix the walkway that allowed this endeavor to be self-supporting.  In May 1995 a new statue was placed in the “A-frame” shrine in the garden.  The renovated Memorial Garden and other church gardens were blessed on October 6, 1996.  Today, the Memorial Garden continues to be a place of beauty and pride for the parish with individuals still purchasing bricks and donating flowers and lighting. 

Additional projects included a new roof on the rectory in January 2001.  The church boilers were replaced, the church roof and the outside dome refurbished, and new school lavatories and sewer lines were installed in March 2001.  New railings for the front steps of church and the Holy Family Medallion were installed in the cement in front of the center door of the church by summer 2001.  The Restoration Fund was established to raise funds to restore the Church to its original splendor.  The Development Committee of Parish Council introduced the Sacrificial Giving Program for the purpose of fostering a deeper understanding that “all we are and all we have is a gift from God” and placing “our emphasis on maturing and nourishing these gifts by committing them first to the Lord.” 

Holy Week Services were cancelled in April 2001 due to a citywide curfew as a result of civil unrest and riots.  The Archdiocese mandated the cancellation in order to cooperate with city officials.  As a result, the Chrism Mass at the cathedral and the Holy Thursday Evening Mass were moved to the daytime hours.  The Easter Vigil Mass on Holy Saturday night was not held.  Catechumens and those being accepted into full Communion in the Catholic Church were initiated at Masses on Easter Sunday morning.  The peace was restored to the city within a week but many would never forget the impact this had on the most significant events of Holy Week that year.

It was at this same time that plans were underway for the conversion of the convent into a ministry center.  The Sisters of Charity pledged $200,000 to this convent conversion.  The sisters also agreed to move out of the convent in the summer of 2001 so that the necessary construction could begin.  On Saturday July 28, 2001 at the 4pm Mass Bishop Carl Moeddel celebrated the Mass to recognize the Sisters of Charity and their ministry to Holy Family Church and School since 1884.  Sr. Timothy Ann Schroeder retired from full-time teaching at this time after 30+ years of dedicated service to Holy Family.  Thankfully, several sisters remained teaching in the school and continue to teach in the school today.  Holy Family will be forever grateful for the lasting effects the Sisters of Charity have had and the loving service they have shared with generations of Holy Family parishioners and students.

Work continued throughout the coming year on the convent including the fashioning of office spaces from the former bedrooms used by the sisters.  The dining room was converted to the pastor’s office, the two front parlors became the offices for the secretary and Business Manager, the common wall between the community/living room and small chapel was removed to make a much larger chapel for weekday Masses and other prayer services, and the kitchen was left in tact.  The Food Pantry was moved to the basement and a new access door and ramp were built.  New lighting, plumbing, bathrooms, and painting completed the project in the late summer and early fall of 2002.  The center was named the St. Anne Ministry Center after St. Anne, the mother of Mary and the grandmother of Jesus—after all it was to be in keeping with the parish’s identity—the “Holy Family.”

Fr. Mark Burger was instrumental in converting the convent to the St. Anne Ministry Center—his final project.  He was appointed Pastor of St. John Church in West Chester in June 2002, just a few months short of the opening of the Ministry Center.  He will be remembered for his efforts to increase lay involvement and to provide a center for ministry and outreach to the community.

Father Steve J. Angi was appointed Pastor of Holy Family Parish in the summer of 2002.  On August 15, 2002, the Feast of the Assumption of Mary, Fr. Steve presided at his first Mass as pastor.  He came from a two-year missionary assignment in China and was warmly welcomed at Holy Family.  Fr. Steve was a man on the move!  Along with his daily jogs through the neighborhood, he made it a point to attend all the meetings of the different ministries and organizations in the parish, and participated in all parish events.

Soon after Fr. Steve arrived the elevated walkway to the sacristy on the parking lot side of the church had to be taken down due to poor structural shape.  It was replaced in the fall of 2002 at a cost of $30,000 that was generously provided by an anonymous donor.

More changes occurred in the fall of 2002.  In October 2002 Baptisms were performed at Sunday Mass each month on the third Sunday of the month on a rotating basis.  On Saturday November 16^th the Ministry Center was opened and dedicated by Bishop Carl Moeddel following the 4 pm Mass.  In late November a new driveway and Grand Avenue entrance to the property was constructed.  The new entrance was flanked with the old lampposts from the front of the church that had been replaced with new ones. Finally, in December a “Prayer Requests” book was placed in the back of Church near the Prayer Room so that the many Prayer Groups could pray for the intentions of the parishioners.

A Memorial Fund was established in January 2003 to honor both the deceased and living.  It was set up as a perpetual Memorial fund.  A Memorial Mass was to be offered each month for all enrolled.  A list of those honored was published in the May and November bulletins each year.  The funds provided altar and liturgical supplies.

Fr. Steve led the parish not only in continued spiritual growth but also in its commitment to the temporal needs of its members.  He led the parish in its involvement in civic affairs and social causes.  A monthly Youth Mass was started; the sacraments of Anointing of the Sick, and some Marriages were celebrated at the regular Sunday Masses in addition to Baptisms.  Fr. Steve continued to build the parish staff by hiring a youth minister, a pastoral associate/director of liturgy, and two part-time parish nurses to care for the health needs of the parishioners.  A parish Business Manager was added to oversee the administrative duties of the parish and to prepare the parish for the future when Holy Family will share a pastor in the regional paring with St. Lawrence and Resurrection parishes.

More renovations came in 2003 including the replacement of the cafeteria tables and chairs.  The biggest project came with the announcement of the coming renovation of the Church.  There was a complete renovation of the precious artwork in the interior of the church including the stained glass windows.  This was the first renovation and preservation effort since the church interior was painted in the late 1940s.  The work closed the Church from January through April 2004.  During the project the weekend Masses were held in the cafeteria, School Masses took place in the School Auditorium, and funerals and weddings were celebrated at other area churches.  Evergreen Studios of New York City did the artwork.  Vanderhoff Studios cleaned, repaired, re-leaded, and outfitted the windows with new opening vents.  The lights were rewired and new fans were installed.  The total cost of the project was $500,000.  Grants from foundations, pledges from parishioners and friends, and a loan from the Archdiocese helped to pay for this most ambitious project.  The results were stunningly beautiful and will last for years to come.

In the late spring and early summer of 2004 a process of planning for the future with fewer priests was begun.  Discussions in the Archdiocese and the St. Lawrence Deanery led to a plan for the development of regions.  Eventually, it was determined that Holy Family, St. Lawrence and Resurrection parishes would make-up one of the eleven regions outlined in the St. Lawrence Deanery.  As the number of priests in the Archdiocese dwindles these three parishes would someday share a priest and the laity would be responsible for much of the leadership in the parishes.  No parish in the future is to be closed rather it is the purpose of the Regional Plan to keep all three parishes open and operational.

First Spanish Masses Celebrated

In January 2005 the Spanish ministry in Cincinnati began a prayer group in Holy Family School Auditorium on Sundays and held music practices throughout the week.  Eventually, Mass was celebrated in Spanish on Sundays.  On September 25^th at 3pm in the cafeteria a Mass was celebrated to share fellowship between Holy Family parishioners and the Spanish ministry.  The Bishop of San Marcos was in attendance as well as 170 other people. 

The grade school produced a number of athletic championships in March 2005.  The 7^th and 8^th grade Boys Basketball team was 1^st in the league and 1^st in the city tournament.  The 5^th and 6^th grade Boys Basketball team was 2^nd in the league and 1^st in the city tournament.  The 5^th and 6^th grade Girls Basketball team was 1^st in the Our Lady of Lourdes tournament.

In July 2005 Harriet Miller who had worked for 33 years as bookkeeper/finance manager retired.  She was going to move to St. Louis but sadly she died in August.  She had served both Holy Family and Our Lady of Grace parishes.

In 2006, Fr. Steve was asked by the Archdiocese to begin studies in Canon Law.  In the summers of 2006 and 2007, he attended classes at Catholic University in Washington D.C.  During the school year he took classes over the Internet connected to the university. 

The first Energy Run/Walk was held on September 30, 2006.  The purpose of this event was to raise funds to help defray the winter energy bills.  The run/walk was successful and future “marathon” events were held for several years.

Two new and very noticeable improvements came in 2007.  In March an “angel” (as the parish fondly called all anonymous donors) gave new songbooks entitled “Gather” and books that contain the readings for Mass to be placed in the pews.  There was no longer a need for missalets that had been used since the early 1970s.  Each year new books that contain the readings needed to be purchased.  This saved the parish the cost of the quarterly missals that had been purchased.   In December a new expanded Sunday Bulletin was introduced.  This new bulletin allowed for up to 8 pages of information and no longer necessitated the addition of loose pages or handouts.  The parishioners were treated to more information, spiritual stories, theological insights, and even comic strips.  The new bulletin was well received.

Fr. Joe Bragotti, a Comboni missionary, served both St. Michael and Holy Family parishes beginning in 1995.  In January 2008 Fr. Joe left for Guatemala.  A Mass was celebrated in his honor and to send him on his way on Sunday January 6^th the Feast of the Epiphany.  The church was extremely crowded with parishioners, his friends and family, and representatives from the Archdiocesan Mission Office.  It was a fitting tribute to a man who had given so much to the two parishes.

In March 2008 the gymnasium floor was named Mike Moehring Court shortly after Mike’s death.  Mike had been a member of Holy Family for over 40 years.  For 35 of those years he had coached many teams for Holy Family School.  Many children in the parish benefited from Mike’s generosity and untiring spirit.

125th Anniversary of Parish

Preparations began in January 2007 for the parish’s 125^th Anniversary celebration to begin in June of 2008.  Known as the Quasquicentennial (which is the Latin for 125), a committee was formed to organize the year of celebration.  In the parish bulletin, tidbits of history under the title “Quasquicentennial Quips and Quotes” were published weekly from June 2007 through May 2009.  A tentative schedule of events was established in August 2007 and parish organizations and individuals were contacted to direct some of the events.   The “125 Anniversary Raffle” tickets were sold to raise funds to defray the cost of the anniversary celebrations.  The logo with the motto “We Live Our Name” was chosen from student entries in March 2008.  The calendar of events was finalized, the history was written, and the layout of the Quasquicentennial booklet was completed in the spring of 2008.  A Quasquicentennial booth appeared at the parish Homecoming Festival in June 2008, for the purpose of raising enthusiasm for the 125^th jubilee. This was the opening event of the yearlong celebration that also included a parish picnic, parish day trips, and various dinners and socials.  The Quasquicentennial Celebration climaxed with Jubilee Mass and dinner in May 2009.

Father Steve agreed to go to Catholic University full-time beginning in May 2008 thus ending his term as pastor of Holy Family.  He said good-bye to the people who responded by giving him the gift of replacing the steps that lead from the church to the schoolyard/parking lot.  Indeed a fitting gift for a man who did much to renew and replace the physical plant of the parish.  He will be remembered for moving the parish forward with energy, vision, and purpose.

In May 2008, Fr. James Kiffmeyer was appointed to Holy Family.  Leading the parish as it began its 125^th Anniversary/Jubilee year.  And so, another new era in the parish’s storied and colorful history was about to begin.

In August of 2012 Fr. Len Wenke was appointed as Parochial Administrator.

May the future history of Holy Family Parish be as glorious as its past!