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HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY 273
the service of God and the patronage of the Blessed Virgin, as Our Lady
of Sorrows. Bishop Gilmour, assisted by many priests, performed the
dedicatory ceremonies. This was a day of supreme joy for the zealous
pastor and his generous parishioners.
St. Mary's Church takes undisputed rank among the stately churches
in the diocese. Its dimensions are; length, 184 feet; width, 75 feet;
height of spire,' 200 feet. The architecture is pure Gothic, the material
of the foundation is Marblehead limestone, the superstructure Sandusky
blue, limestone, with Berea sandstone trimmings, and the groined ceiling
is supported by ten solid stone columns, ornamented with beautifully
carved capitals. The church has a chime of three fine bells, tAvo of which
were donated—the largest by Mr. C. Zipfel, the next in size by Mr.
J. Obbergefel; the third is the same that was used in the old church.
The interior of the church is fully in keeping Avith the imposing exterior.
The stucco work and stained glass windows show excellent taste.
The handsome pulpit was put in place shortly before the church Avas
dedicated. The first altars were for temporary use; they Avere replaced
by the present artistic ones in 1887. The confessionals and the stations
of the cross (all oil paintings) which grace the church were bought
in 1890, and cost $1,500. The best evidence of the generosity of St.
Mary's parish, and of the prudent management of Father Moes and his
building committee, is the fact that, although the church cost almost
$80,000, at the time of its dedication the debt was less than $10,000.
After completing the church, Father Moes directed his attention to
the betterment of the school, Avhich had become inadequate to the needs
of the large enrollment of children. Therefore, in 1887, at a cost of
about $5,000, he erected another building of stone, fronting on Decatur
Street, in the rear of the old church, and had it fitted up Avith the latest
school appliances. The old church AVIIS put in good repair and used for
Aveekly services until 1893.
Failing health forced Father Moes to resign in October, 1888. His
grand work AVIIS done, and he felt in need of rest. He returned to his
native Luxemburg, in November, 1888, Avhere he died full of years and
merit November 26, 1900. He Avas succeeded by the Rev. J. Heidegger,
AVIIO made a number of improvements, including a boiler house of stone,
for the heating plant of the church. It cost $4,000. The present pastoral
residence, a beautiful stone structure, fronting on Central Avenue,
commenced in 1891, AVIIS almost completed at the time he left St. Mary's
in March, 1893. The Rev. S. Rebholz Avas appointed his successor in the
folloAving month. He finished the interior of the residence at once. Exclusive
of its furnishings, it cost about $12,000 and is one of the best
appointed parish houses in the diocese; it is the fitting annex of the
adjacent church. During the same year tAVo additional altars AA'ere
placed in the sanctuary, making a total of five, all of Avhich were united
by ornamental fretAvork, leading to a Gothic superstructure on the main
altar. This Avas surmounted by an artistic crucifixion group, all combined
giving the sanctuary a harmonious effect.
It is due to Father Widmann, who became pastor in April, 1901, to
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