The recovery of St. John the Baptist Parish
From Saint John the Baptist Parish:
St. John the Baptist Church Fire Update October 25, 2025 |
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What is happening with St. John the Baptist Church?
Verdin Bell Company out of Cincinnati is currently assessing the bells. The large bell has a visible crack, likely caused by the intense heat of the fire followed by the rapid cooling from water used to suppress it. A cracked bell won’t resonate properly; it will sound like a dull thud. While welding may be possible, the results are uncertain. One option may be to melt it down and recast it in its original form. The two smaller bells appear intact but will be sandblasted to check for hidden cracks or structural weaknesses. |
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Window Creations has been engaged to assess, remove and store the stained glass. The windows are scheduled to be removed in early November and stored. Their team has expressed hope that many elements can be restored or replicated.
The organ console and electronics were destroyed, but approximately 1,040 of the 1,323 organ pipes remain undamaged, which hold significant value. They are under contract to be removed by Lima Pipe Organ before winter. They will be carefully cleaned and assessed to determine whether any can be reused in a future instrument. There is risk of falling debris, especially in the choir area. The AOC and FIRST ONSITE are mitigating the risk by building a scaffolding system with planking on top to protect from any falling debris. The scaffolding will provide safe passage to remove the pipes and will be used to remove the large cross remaining in the choir loft above the organ.
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The side altars, from a distance, appear to be in good condition. However, closer inspection revealed extensive cracking and heat damage to the wood, making them likely unsalvageable. We are photographing and exploring scanning technology that will allow for possible recreation of the altars in a future church. The beautiful main entry doors, frames and stained glass transom windows will be removed early November, preserved and stored for possible use in the future church. |
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We are hoping to use scanning technology to preserve and create molds of the decorative detail on the top and bottom of the columns and other items that may be used in the new church. Once that is complete, we will look at recycling the steel in the columns. The remaining bell apparatus in the parking lot will also be recycled.
There are over 200 items on the content list. Members of the building committee and other parishioners have been reviewing the content list making sure it is complete and researching the estimated value of each item. A restoration specialist was onsite October 14th and is hopeful that many of the items can be restored, possibly even the tabernacle.
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Winter is coming, what is being done to protect the remaining church structure?
A primary concern and consideration is further damage that could occur to the remaining structure over winter months. In particular, water penetrating open brick walls from the top and freezing and thawing which could cause further damage to the bricks and walls. The AOC and FIRST ONSITE are contacting companies with structural engineers to assess if parts of the church may be reusable and if so, what that would look like and if there are reasonable and cost efficient options for partial demolition, tarping and protecting those areas. For example, could part of the tower and front entrance facade/wall be saved and reused? Could bricks and materials from other parts of the building be reused in rebuilding new? Might there be some other options for salvaged bricks and other materials such as decorative elements, fundraising, etc.? The AOC and FIRST ONSITE are assessing these possibilities. Hopefully we will have an architect in place soon who can also provide input on possible parts of the building that may be reused/salvaged. The goal is to have more time to discern the future options of St. John Church, if parts of the existing structure may be re used and if so, how best to protect those areas over the winter months. |
How can I learn more about what is happening with St. John the Baptist Church?
The St. John Building Committee is preparing a Question & Answer Session Sunday, November 9th from 6:30 – 8:00 PM in the Marion Local High School Gym for all St. John the Baptist parishioners to discuss the ongoing recovery and future of our church. This gathering will provide updates on where things currently stand in the recovery process, outline anticipated next steps, and provide space for questions and reflections. It’s important to note, no design has been drafted. The Building Committee remains in the early stages of discernment, with its current focus on understanding our options as shaped by the insurance settlement process. We look forward to coming together in hope, transparency, and shared commitment to the future of our beloved church.
What guidelines will be followed for designing the future St. John the Baptist Church?
The design and construction of a new church follows guidelines of the Catholic Church found in the US Conference of Catholic Bishops document “Built of Living Stones: Art, Architecture, and Worship.” These guidelines are intended for use by architects, liturgical consultants, artists and contractors engaged in the design and construction of a church. They are also helpful to those who wish to understand the Catholic Church’s tradition regarding church buildings, the arts, and architecture. Information sessions explaining Built of Living Stones will be offered Nov. 25th & Dec 9th, 7 – 8:30 PM at Precious Blood Church. We invite all St. John parishioners to attend. These guidelines will be followed for the design and construction of St. John the Baptist Church.
Presenter: Fr. Jeff Kemper is a priest of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati who has served as a pastor, Dean of Mount St. Mary’s Seminary & School of Theology, Cincinnati and as Director of the Office for Divine Worship and the Sacraments. Fr. Kemper was pastor during the design and construction of St. John the Baptist Church, Harrison, OH dedicated in 2019.
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- Fr. Ken Schnipke, C.PP.S, Christ Our Light Family of Parishes
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