Gruenwald Convent

Gruenwald Convent is a two-and-a-half-story brick building set on a stone foundation with three bays across its main front in Mercer County. The structure stands out in the rural landscape through its straightforward, solid design.

The convent was built in 1854 under the direction of Francis de Sales Brunner and was one of six religious establishments founded by the Missionaries of the Precious Blood in the region. This construction was part of a broader Catholic expansion movement in Midwestern Ohio.

The building reflects how German Catholic communities organized their settlements in Ohio and belongs to a group of churches with distinctive spires. This architecture shapes the landscape today and shows how religious communities shaped their surroundings.

The building sits about half a mile south of Cassella on Cassella-Montezuma Road and is now a private residence. Visitors should note that this is private property and can only be viewed from outside.

This building is one of only two convents that kept its original architecture intact, while others from the same period were altered over time. This preservation makes it a rare example of construction from that era.