Our History

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St. Anthony's History

In an effort to serve the Italian population of Canton, Bishop Ignatius F. Horstmann of the Diocese of Cleveland assigned Fr. Adolph Cascanelli the task of organizing an Italian mission parish in 1908. For a short time, services were conducted at St. Peter in Canton. Then, in October of 1908, a lot was purchased and a frame church was built and dedicated at 918 Liberty St. S. E. in Canton.

This structure was used until it was condemned and torn down in 1924, with the intent to rebuild at the same location. However, three years lapsed before a new structure was completed. During that time, the Bishop was encouraging the parish to construct a larger church structure that would include a school and a priest residence. The property on Liberty Street was deemed too small to accommodate this larger complex of buildings. Rev. Joseph Riccardi became pastor in 1925 and led the parish in the construction of the present church building at 1530 Eleventh St. SE. The property for the church was donated by a widow named Edith M. Albert. The church and school building were dedicated on December 11, 1927.

Through the years, St. Anthony has been blessed with the good leadership of many pastors and associate pastors. Rt. Rev. Msgr. James P. McLaughlin served from 1936 to his death in 1979. Fr. Dacian Barrette served the parish with his capable leadership twice, from 1979-1986, and 1994-1995. In 1999, the parish began collaborating with All Saints Parish of Canton. In 2005, the community of St. Anthony welcomed the Hispanic community originally housed at All Saints.

St. Benedict's History

In the Summer of 1923, the Most Reverend Joseph Schrembs established the parish of St. Benedict, placing it under the care of the Benedictine Fathers of the Archabbey of St. Vincent in Latrobe, PA. The Rev. James Spalding O.S.B was appointed as the first resident Pastor on August 4, 1923. In September of 1923, a temporary church was constructed. On Sunday, November 11, 1923, the first Mass was offered in the building, which was given the name of St. Benedict. The present church edifice was constructed and dedicated in 1925.

St. Francis of Assisi Parish

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