St. Charles Seminary, place in Ohio listed on National Register of Historic Places
St. Charles Seminary is a large brick building in Mercer County founded in the mid-19th century and listed on the historic register. The main structure spans three stories and stretches 370 feet (113 meters) with wings on each side, along with a chapel built by local craftsmen.
Missionaries acquired the land in 1861 and named it after St. Charles Borromeo, with the first class of fifteen seminarians beginning their studies. A larger main building was constructed in the 1920s, able to house up to 120 students and dedicated in 1922.
The name comes from St. Charles Borromeo, a saint connected to priestly training and formation. The community here worked together on farms, in orchards, and on daily tasks, creating a sense of shared purpose and dedication.
The site is reached via quiet country roads in Mercer County in a peaceful rural setting. The location is well-maintained and accessible, with ramps and elevators for visitors, while the chapel and grounds are available for walking and events.
The property was once home to the Emlen Institution, a school for African-American and Native American students founded with funds from Quaker Samuel Powers Emlen Jr. This school later left the land before missionaries established the seminary in 1861.
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