2021 Lenten Pilgrimage Week 15
Week 15, on to Shelby and Preble Counties:
St. Michael, Ft. Loramie
History & Description
The Ft. Loramie area dates to 1749 when the French explorer Pierre- Joseph Celoron and his detachment made camp along the Loramie creek. It was here that the French Chaplin Fr. Joseph Peter Bonnecamps said, what is suggested to be, the first Mass in the Archdiocese. The ensuing years brought both Native Americans and settlers to the area. The growing Catholic community built the first log church in 1838 as mission church from Minster. The first pastor of St. Michael's was Rev. Wilhelm Bigot and in 1874 and was given the task of building a church for the growing German community. The new church was consecrated on October 2, 1881 by Bishop Elder. An interesting piece of history is that the statues for the church were ordered from Europe. However, the ship bringing them sank and all was lost.
Miles = 252
Reflection
Am I able to adapt to the rapid change in the modern society and still maintain my commitment to Jesus Christ?
Total Miles - 420
Visitation, Eaton
Starting in 1853, the first Catholic Masses in Eaton were held in a private home by Fr. Carey. In the History of Preble County Ohio, 1881, it notes that “A building was fitted up as a church and for a time the society was in a prosperous condition; but the interest flagged, and the financial support became less strong”. After that Masses were held at the home of Michael Ryan. Eventually Masses resumed on the upper floors of a building on Main St. The present church was built in 1879 and dedicated on August 24th. The Irish railroad workers and surrounding farmers were most likely parishioners during the founding of the parish.
The 1879 building is still being used and has undergone several remodels, the last in 1956.
Miles = 168
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