MARIA STEIN, Ohio (WLIO) — A Mercer County Catholic church devastated by fire and later high winds will begin the process of being rebuilt.
The Archdiocese of Cincinnati announced that Freytag & Associates of Sidney has been selected as the architect for the design of the new St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Maria Stein.
A fire from May 20-25 severely damaged the building, though parishioners had hoped the remaining structure could be used in the reconstruction. In December, however, high winds caused the west wall to collapse, creating a public safety concern and prompting the diocese to demolish the remaining structure.
Salvage efforts preserved historical elements of the church, including stained glass windows, organ pipes, and the original cornerstone of the 175-year-old building.
