Saint Agnes Catholic Church

The Parish community of Saint Agnes and it's Pastors have served the west side of Elyria since 1914.......

The history of Saint Agnes Parish

90 years of faith

O Lord, you have been our refuge through all generations. Psalm 90:1

The history of St. Agnes Parish cannot be written without reference to Saint Mary Church in Elyria . for it is from them, that Saint Agnes finds its roots and beginnings. With the growth of Catholics, the following was in a letter written to the Right Reverend John P. Farrelly, Bishop of Cleveland, dated

Rt. Rev. Dear Bishop ––

In accordance with your desire, the undersigned committee went to Elyria yesterday and with the Rev. B. J. Mooney, Pastor of St. Mary’s Church in that City, and two of his councilmen visited the property proposed to be purchased at the site of the new church.

We respectfully submit that in our judgment it is admirably adapted to the wants of a new Congregation. It is situated at the intersection of Lake Avenue and Bath Avenue--- just a little over a mile from St. Mary’s Church. It will be centrally located in the parish to be established on the dismemberment of St. Mary’s and even though that may not be for even a considerable time, it would, we think be advisable to secure the site at once. Property values will be no less than they are now, and it is thought they will enhance very considerably in the near future.

The land is somewhat irregular in outline. It has a frontage of 297 feet on Lake Avenue and an average depth of about 200 feet! There are two small houses on the grounds, one of which might be useful for a short time, but is of no permanent value. There is a new house on a small lot adjoining and besides this house and lot, a small triangular piece of land. This triangle can be had for $50. Both of these, we think, should be secured together with the proposed purchase. This would give the Church the entire frontage of the square on Lake Avenue . This is a fine thoroughfare with a good class of residence, a double street car line. It is well shaded, paved has water, sewage and electricity and the property is most desirable. The price too is thought to be reasonable ($6,000) –– a somewhat smaller sum may buy it.

            Respectfully submitted,

+ James O’Leary

+ P. J. O’Connell

Things progressed very rapidly, as on

On March 6, 1915 a house and lot was purchased on Dewey Avenue to serve as the first rectory. On April 3 excavation began for the church. Verna Bauer was one of the first members of the parish. When it came time for her to marry, her wedding was celebrated at St. Mary’’s, because she did not want to be married in a basement. Eugene Meyers’ parents were the first to be married at St. Agnes. Ruth Cullen was the first baby to be baptized.

The cornerstone of the church was laid on July 25, 1915 , by Msgr. T. C. O’Reilly. The church building of Italian Renaissance architecture is a replica of the original Saint Agnes Church in Italy . Built of red brick with stone trim, the exterior is plain, the only ornamentation being a wheel window over the carved portico in front. The interior follows the style of the Roman basilica, with eighteen columns with decorated capitals supporting arched entablatures. By the time workers got to the sanctuary area, money had run out and a simple sanctuary wall was built. It is believed a rounded apse with columns was planned for but never realized. The wooden white altar and two bisque figures of angels, were presented by St. Agnes Parish of Cleveland .

In 1915, the Sisters of St. Joseph opened the three- room school with 68 students, in four grades. In 1919, there were 25 pupils in the first graduating class.

On September 13, 1917 , Father Edward A. Reilly was appointed second pastor, as Father McFadden was made Rector of St. Mary Seminary. Father Reilly added two rooms to the school building. The Altar & Rosary Society donated the pipe organ. The organ and paintings of the angels were designed and placed in European style, in direct copy of the ancient Cathedral churches in Europe . The organ was dedicated on Easter Sunday. Father added two rooms to the school building and built the present rectory. In 1923, there were three classmates in the first and second grade. Eventually, they were ordained as priests: Father Jim Fortman, Father Bob Knuff and Father Francis Wolf.

On July 9, 1931 , Father Leo Brissel was appointed. During this time the great depression was in progress and many people were without food and clothing. Father Leo took no salary, but spent his meager savings to buy coal, food and clothing for his parishioners. A lot of men were out of work and one man had a chance for a job, but didn’t have any shoes, so Father Brissel took off his shoes and gave them to the man. He was revered and loved by the people of St. Agnes Parish for his generosity and kindness. During his pastorate, in 1949, another parish was formed in Elyria Township , which drew over 100 families from St. Agnes to St. Vincent de Paul. . A great and saintly man, Father Brissel died November 17, 1951 .

Our fourth pastor, Father James M. Gallagher was appointed on May 15, 1951 . The parish had grown so much, he was told to increase the Sunday Masses from two to four and to build an additional school. During Father Gallagher’s pastorate, the parish purchased seven houses on Dewey Avenue and one house on Bath Street . All were razed with the exception of one house, which was moved to a vacant lot down the street; another house was moved across BathStreet to become the janitor’’s house and one house next to the convent. On the property, a new school was built (the building that still remains behind the church). There was some excitement on Monday, September 17, 1953 . A two-alarm fire broke out in the entrance of the church. There was some heat and smoke damage. As a result, a new baptismal font was installed on the north end of the entrance. Father Gallagher became ill and passed away on April 6, 1966 .

He was succeeded by Father Edward Gallagher on April 28, 1966 . After leaving here in November, 1966, he was on sick leave until his death on November 5, 1982.He was followed by Father Mark K. Blinn, who was appointed the sixth pastor on June 15, 1968 . During the Christmas season, men of the parish sold Christmas trees to help fund the sports programs for the school. The church was in need of a complete renovation. The interior of the church was cleaned, painted and remodeled with all labor donated by members of the parish, over a three year period. Father Blinn left St. Agnes for his new assignment, in 1972.

On January 10, 1973 , The Rev. Robert McCafferty was named seventh pastor. Father started the Guitar Mass with the young people of the parish. This gave a break to the organist, Mrs. Frances Moore, for one of the Sunday Masses. Parish Council was started and a community Room was built in the school building. After 60 years, declining enrollment of the school and the economic situation of the neighborhood, Father McCafferty had to close the school. Pupils were transferred to St. Vincent de Paul.

Reverend Charles J. Ryba was named the eighth pastor of Saint Agnes Parish, on June 30, 1982 . Father Ryba took on the enormous task of renovating, painting and remodeling the church for the 75^th anniversary in 1989. Father was instrumental in community outreach programs. Under his guidance, a ““hot meals program”” was instituted. Volunteers of St. Agnes and Lake Avenue UCC worked together to feed the needy of the west side of Elyria . The school building was leased to the County for office space and was eventually torn down as were the two houses that served as the convent. Father Ryba was made pastor of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in Columbia Station in 1993. 

Reverence Lawrence Jurcak, a ““son of the parish”” was named the ninth pastor on May 1, 1995 . He had been preparing for this as a youth. Rumor had it that he and Bob Kowalski played ““mass”” at the Jurcak home. While pastor, he also served as Adjutant Judicial Vicar in the Diocesan Tribunal and later as Clergy Personnel Director. Father Jurcak began an extensive homebound and hospital ministry. In 1995, the remaining school building was remodeled, air-conditioned and renamed the ““Catechetical Center ”” and the Community Room was renamed the ““McCafferty Room.”” In 1996, Father Jurcak was asked to take on full-time work at the Diocesan Offices and moved to the Cathedral.

Reverend Michael D. Ausperk was appointed tenth pastor on June 17, 1996 . He also served as chaplain at Elyria Catholic High School . Along with a group of adults and teens, Father was instrumental in forming Elyria Teens for Christ. The church hall and kitchen went through an extensive renovation during his tenure. Father Ausperk welcomed the talents of Brother Leonard Siwerka, also a ““son of the parish””. Brother Len retired at St. Agnes and with his culinary talents, he oversaw the bereavement meals. Father Ausperk was innovative in his outreach to the community. Advent of 1996, he used a billboard inviting the community to celebrate Christmas season with Saint Agnes.

On November 6, 2000 , Father Albert A. Krupp was named our eleventh pastor. After being in El Salvador seven years, he thought it was time to come home to Lorain County . He and his dog, Chula, have brought new life to the parish. A new Constitution was written for the Pastoral Council, which gives emphasis to prayerful discernment both in its formation and in its operation.  The Finance Council was revamped, and the Oktoberfest was resurrected.  To emphasize community, Father Al thought it would be wonderful to serve breakfast after the Easter Vigil Mass. How surprising to have 150 people eating breakfast at 11:45 p.m. This is just an extension of his family and community efforts. He continues to provide the quality Christian service and religious presence to the people of the west side of Elyria .

On October 25, 2001 , Brother Leonard died in his room in the rectory.  It was a sad time for the entire parish.  Brother Len had been the spirit and the force behind our funeral lunches and a regular visitor to the hospital and to shut-ins in their homes.

A significant moment came in our 90^th anniversary year when, on May 22, 2004 , Bruce Tennant was ordained a deacon by Bishop Pilla.  The first permanent deacon in the history of the parish, his ordination and membership on the parish staff signify a new and significant moment in our history.  Both he and Rita Bowen, completing her certification as a Pastoral Minister in the very near future, have newly renovated offices in the rectory, thanks to the generosity of the Holy Name Society and the Altar and Rosary Society.  Both will serve the parish well as we focus on the future. 

Ninety years of faith has blessed the community of Saint Agnes.  Grateful for God’s blessings, we ask that He continue to bless our efforts to do His holy will.  

And may the gracious care of the Lord our God be ours; prosper the work of our hands for us!  Prosper the work of our hands!  (Psalm 90:17)

“90 years of faith . . . still focused on the future”

 Pastors of Saint Agnes

 Reverend J. A. McFadden June 14, 1914 to September 13, 1917

Reverend Edward A. Reilly  September 13, 1917 to July 9, 1931

 Reverend Leo Brissel July 9, 1931 to April 16, 1951

Reverend James M. Gallagher  May 15, 1951 to April 6, 1966

 Reverend Edward J. Gallagher April 28, 1966 to November 11, 1966

 Reverend Mark K. Blinn June 15, 1967 to August 1, 1972

Reverend Robert F. McCafferty January 10,1973 to June 30, 1982

Reverend Charles J. Ryba  June 30, 1982 to March 15, 1993

Reverend Lawrence Jurcak  May 1, 1995 to June 18, 1996

 Reverend Michael D. AusperkJune 18, 1996 to July 20, 2000

 Reverend Albert A. Krupp November 6, 2000 to present

Click on the name of the pastor for more information about him.