St. Teresa of Avila Parish

It was around 1845 that an acre of land was purchased from Aaron Root on the northwest corner of Conrad and Bennett Roads, the site of the present brick church. During this period in history the road we now call Highway 611 or Colorado Road was then known as "Conrad Road", and what we now call Abbe Road was then known as "Bennett Road". It was upon this site that the first church was built consisting of a log building measuring 24 X 30 feet. It is recorded in parish records that the first mass to be held in this church was performed in conjunction with its dedication on June 2, 1846 by Father McLaughlin. The first Trustees of St. Teresa's Church were Johan Muller, Christian Merz, Peter Laux and Peter Schneider.

At this point in time, the Precious Blood Father that traveled to service the parish was Father Jacob Ringele. In 1847, Father Brunner joined his order with the newly established Diocese of Cleveland. Bishop Amadeus Rappe was appointed as the first bishop of Cleveland. Even though Father Ringele was transferred to the Diocese of Cleveland, he continued diligently to service St. Teresa's Church. Father Ringele was then succeeded in 1850 by Father Mathias Kreusch.