St. Sebastian's Catholic Church

St. Sebastian's Church is a Gothic Revival structure built from pressed brick with a prominent spire, standing isolated in the Ohio countryside. The church features stone foundations and slate roofing, accompanied by a two-story brick rectory from 1905 that retains its original character.

The original church building burned down in 1903 during tensions between the parish and the neighboring community of Chickasaw. The current structure was rebuilt and completed in 1904 to replace the destroyed earlier building.

The church developed as a spiritual center for the local German-speaking community who built it. Its role in the Marion Catholic Community cluster shows how smaller rural parishes worked together to support their members.

The church sits at a rural road intersection and is easily spotted from the roadside. It is best reached by car since the area is not heavily populated or served by public transport.

The interior contains a High Gothic Revival reredos positioned beneath vaulted ceilings, displaying skilled craftsmanship from its construction period. This ornate altar piece is a rare example of elaborate Gothic detailing found in rural parish churches of that era.

Location: Ohio

Architects: DeCurtins

Architectural style: Gothic Revival

GPS coordinates: 40.44417,-84.51667

Latest update: December 14, 2025 11:04