St. Veronica Parish History

The first steps of organizing the new parish in Hamilton began on January 13, 1894, the feast of St. Veronica. Its need was recognized by Cincinnati Archbishop Henry Moeller who placed the matter in the charge of Father Francis Varelmann, the pastor of St. Joseph Church. The advent of big industry in the section known as East Hamilton was the direct cause of the need for this new Catholic parish, which attracted people of German descent.

The Daily News of June 4, 1894, headlined the first celebration of the new Catholic parish. “Immense throngs of people witness an imposing ceremony. Cornerstone at the new St. Veronica Church laid.” The article went on to describe that “the Church will be a handsome structure and will cost $5,000 when completed; $4,000 of which has already been collected in cash.”

Fifty families with some sixty children made up the initial membership of St. Veronica. This number was expected to increase to at least one hundred families as people moved into the East Hamilton area. At the same time, it was arranged that two Notre Dame Sisters would take charge of the school.

The Church was crowded on the morning of December 2, 1894. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass was celebrated for the first time in East Hamilton by Father Henry Proepperman. On May 2, 1895, Archbishop William Henry Elder dedicated the new church building. The Catholic Telegraph chronicled the event. “Large delegations were present from Cincinnati and the dedication was witnessed by thousands. After the celebration, Archbishop Elder spoke to the people, offering his sincere congratulations. He included in his talk an emphatic condemnation of intemperance and profane language. These two prevalent vices of that time were pointed out in their true light and the faithful were asked to strengthen themselves against these occasions of sin.” Two years later St. Veronica received its first resident pastor, Father George Geers. Under his direction the house at the corner of Kahn and Hensley was built.

At the turn of the century, the parish began to increase in number and size to the extent that the Church and school were no longer adequate to handle the people. Its growth presented the problem of enlarging the present building or of building a whole new structure. The pastor, Father Henry Kues, gifted in planning and managing, was able to enlarge both school and church to care for the growing congregation. Two additional school rooms were added, the church was moved to occupy the entire second floor, the church steeple was heightened by 26 feet and three new bells were bought. Contracts were also placed for twenty new art glass windows and several life-sized statues were also purchased. This entire project cost $11,000.

In October, 1910, Father Oscar Gerhardus took up the duties of pastor. Three years later the river poured out of its banks in the great flood of 1913. Many people found refuge in St. Veronica School. Though East Hamilton was not disturbed by the flood waters, the members of St. Veronica’s did everything in their power to lessen the hardships of others by sheltering families and providing their meals. Continued growth and local industrial expansion soon made it apparent that St. Veronica Church was too small to accommodate the large numbers of parishioners. Under the guidance of Father Gerhardus, plans were undertaken to provide a larger church. To preserve the parish from incurring an enormous debt, it was agreed upon to build a basement Church which would accomplish the purpose until enough money could be raised to complete the upper structure. Work commenced in September, 1923, and progressed very rapidly. Approximately two months from the time the work began, the cornerstone was laid. It marked the beginning of a program of expansion and building; but this beginning was destined to go no further. A roof was built to cover the basement Church and it has remained that way until the present day. The basement Church was comfortable and adequate for everyone to be seated during the Sunday masses.

Page 1 - St. Julie Billiart Parish History
Page 2 - St. Stephen Parish History
Page 3 - St. Mary Parish History
Page 4 - St. Veronica Parish History