| The History of Saint Malachi Church |
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St Malachi Parish was founded as
an outgrowth of St Patrick’s church (Bridge) in November 1865 to
serve the Irish immigrants of the "Old
Angle." The parish was named after Saint
Malachy,
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(why the church's name today has the
spelling of the Old Testament prophet remains a mystery). Mass was
initially celebrated at St. Mary-of-the-Flats on Columbus road. Under the
leadership of Father James Molony, the parish soon prospered. The
cornerstone for a church on Washington Ave. facing the lake was laid in
1867, and the first Mass was celebrated on Christmas Day, 1868.
The rectory is the oldest building on the
property, built in 1834; the school building dates from 1885. Originally,
it served as the Girls' School under the care of the Ursuline Sisters.
There was a separate school for the boys north of the church on West 25th
Street run by the Christian Brothers. In 1915 the two schools were merged
into the girls building. (The Boys' School no longer exists; on the site
stands an Illuminating Company substation.) Since 1968, the school
building has served as one campus of Urban Community School, which is
served by the Ursuline Sisters. |
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Original church building |
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As Cleveland industrialized, housing around Saint
Malachi was lost to business growth until very few homes were left; in the late
1920’s St. Malachi had only 60 families. However, many people raised at St.
Malachi in their 'growing up' years, remained loyal to the parish. Forced to
move out of the neighborhood, they continue to attend and support Saint Malachi
to this day.
On December 23, 1943, two days before the 75th anniversary of the
first Mass, the just-renovated church was gutted by fire. The people of Saint
Malachi and Father George Martin were determined to rebuild. Because of the war,
ground could not be broken for a new church until July 1945; the cornerstone was
laid in November.
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The current church was dedicated by Bishop Hoban on June 29,
1947. Called "The Memorial Church," the windows are dedicated in
memory of the people of Saint Malachi and the priests and Sisters who served
here. The Baptistry and most of the statues were rescued from the old church and
are used in the new church. The current church was most recently renovated in
1976.
The Second Vatican Council also brought
a new life to Saint Malachi. In 1967, inspired by a desire
to understand and implement the teaching of the Second
Vatican Council, some people started coming to the 11:00
A.M. Mass celebrated by Fr. Paul Hritz. The group grew by
word of mouth and the individuals bonded together and
established their own identity. In 1975, the
Community of St. Malachi petitioned the diocese for formal recognition and
was given official status as a personal, non-territorial
parish. |
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Current church building |
Saint Malachi
Church has always sought to serve the needs of area residents. As the
neighborhood became poorer, the church responded with the Backdoor Sandwich
Ministry and Monday Night Meal. Saint Malachi Parish and
Community established
Saint Malachi Center to serve area families and children and assist their
efforts self-development to break the cycle of poverty. A trucking warehouse
just east of the church grounds was purchased, renovated, and opened in the fall
of 1985. One ministry of Saint Malachi Center is Malachi Mart, which provides
job training for area residents and household goods at discount prices.
Another
need Saint Malachi recognized was that of the dying poor, many of whom died
alone and without care. Four row-houses at Clinton Avenue were donated to Saint
Malachi. With the support of the trade unions and many benefactors, the
buildings were completely renovated and opened in the fall of 1988 as Malachi
House. To date, Malachi House has served as a final, loving home for more than
460 individuals.
After 135 years, Saint Malachi continues to be a community
founded in faith, rooted in hope, and enduring in love for the people of the
Near West side of Cleveland and all who come to its doors. Back
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