MARIA STEIN, Ohio (WLIO) — Piece by piece, more than 125 years of history is coming down in Maria Stein.
Crews have begun the full demolition of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church after strong winds earlier this week caused most of the west wall to collapse. Officials say the damage compromised the structure’s integrity, creating a risk that the church’s tower could fall onto State Route 119.
Workers were on site carrying out a controlled demolition, a process expected to continue through the weekend. While the building itself cannot be saved, crews are making efforts to preserve the church’s front entrance facade and decorative stonework where possible.
The decision comes months after a fire in May caused extensive damage to the historic church. Some parishioners and community members stood by, watching the demolition and reflecting on memories made inside the church.
“It was a beautiful church with beautiful woodwork, a beautiful vaulted ceiling and beautiful stained glass windows,” said Chris Keller, a parishioner at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church. “At least some of the work was done by local people back in the 1800s when the church was built. Money for the stained glass windows was put up by local people whose names appeared on the windows. There was a sense of comfort, sanctity and piety when you were in the church. Seeing it torn down now is tough.”
Crews will continue demolition through the weekend. Drivers traveling along State Route 119 should expect closures as work continues.
