St. Teresa of Avila Parish

In 1844, Father Francis de Sales Brunner brought a group of young men from Germany, Switzerland, Prussia, and Luxembourg for the purpose of establishing the Order of Precious Blood Fathers in this country. The place he chose to establish a seminary for the Society of Precious Blood was in Peru, Ohio. Because of his ability to speak the German language, his services were immediately requested by several German communities including Sheffield and French Creek (Avon). Because of the distances and demand for a German speaking priest, Father Brunner could only make the rounds once every six to eight weeks to hold services.