The only Catholic Church in Toledo was St. Francis de Sales, serving all nationalities. German immigrants petitioned Bishop Louis Amadeus Rappe for a pastor and parish of their own. In January 1854 Father Charles Evrard was appointed as pastor. St. Mary School on Orange Street opened in September 1874. The Ursuline Sisters were teaching in the church basement, but three years later the Sisters of Ntore Dame took their place.
In 1876 the number of pupils increased rapidly, seven classes growing to 16 by the 1890s. More staff was needed, and Sisters came from Germany to fill the positions. Many challenges faced them. A fever broke out, claiming the life of Sister Marina Lammers, a teacher in the upper grades. Over the next few years more sisters became ill and suffered a long time. Many Sisters struggled with the English language.
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I love hearing the history: the events and the people God has used in the ministry of the Sisters of Notre Dame! Thank you so much for sharing.
Such dedication in such difficult circumstances. I’m glad I had the privilege of teaching at St. Mary’s. When teaching there, the school was evaluated by staff from Maumee Country Day School. That school staff admitted that the Notre Dame’s St. Mary’s individualized program was somewhat even better than theirs!