The Historic Church of St. Patrick

Our founding pastor Father Edward Anthony Hannin, born in Ballymote, Ireland, was one of 8 children with his older brother a priest at their home parish in Ballymote. When Father Hannin was 26, he came to the U.S. and entered St. Mary's Seminary in Cleveland, Ohio. He was ordained in 1856 at age 32 serving as the Bishop's Secretary. At 36 years old Father Hannin was assigned to organize a parish in Toledo in 1860. His goal was to help the poor Irish immigrants have a community that centered around God and not alcohol. It was a formidable challenge, for in early 1860s the city was busy constructing the Miami and Erie Canal with the work of the Irish immigrants, and those laborers were more interested in saloons than churches. 

The first church was built and dedicated on St. Patrick's Day 1863. In 1891, the church became unsafe and was taken down. The Parish Hall was used as a temporary church while the present church was constructed. In May 1892, the foundation was laid for the new church, and on December 25, 1900, The Historic Church of Saint Patrick was used for the first time!

Since then, The Historic Church of Saint Patrick has faithfully and lovingly served the poor. First we cared for the Irish and Italian immigrants, and now the residents of the city of Toledo who lived in the neighborhood surrounding the church.

On September 9, 1980, the church steeple was hit by lightning and set ablaze. Thanks to the gallant efforts of 45 firefighters from the Toledo Fire Department, the fire was contained to the bell tower area. The steeple collapsed and fell through the roof into the narthex. The church organ and interior suffered significant water and smoke damage. Soot covered the entire church. 

In 2006, a devoted and longtime parishioner, Margaret Tank, left the bulk of her $6 million estate to The Historic Church of Saint Patrick. The funds were earmarked specifically for restoration of the the church and replacement of the missing steeple. Work started immediately and was completed for Easter Mass 2007! 

Today our parish continues to be a centerpiece for Downtown Toledo with parishioners attending from every zip code in the city and visitors from all over the nation. Our challenge today is preserving the Irish heritage that started our community and to care for the magnificent structure with which Father Hannin blessed us. As we prepare to celebrate The Historic Church of Saint Patrick's 125th Anniversary, restorative work is ongoing. At preset the original wood Bell Tower lovers at the base of the steeple are being replaced along with much needed roof and masonry repairs. 

Your generosity will provide the funds we need to preserve this Irish Gem!