Visit Us
Our History
Est. 1837
1837
Six Families Arrive in Hocking County
A colony of fifty souls from the area around Illingen near Saarbrücken, Germany settles in Hocking County. The pioneer families — Schorr, Weiland, Kessler, Kunkler, Scharschel, and Zewe — begin clearing land, building homes, and making provision for their spiritual welfare.
First Mass Celebrated
The first Mass is celebrated in the home of Gallus Kunkler by Fr. Nicholas Dominic Young, O.P., then resident at St. Joseph Church near Somerset.
1839
Regular Ministry Established
Fr. Joshua Moody Young — a convert from a Puritan family, ordained March 10, 1838 by Bishop John B. Purcell — begins ministering in the Logan area from St. Mary Church in Lancaster, celebrating Mass among the German Catholics of Marion Township every seven weeks.
1841
Cemetery Land Acquired
The Bishop of Cincinnati purchases land for the Old Catholic Cemetery two and a half miles north of Logan from John and Margaret Ucker for one dollar. The cemetery still exists on Walnut-Dowler Road.
1843
First Church Completed
The community completes a hewn log church begun the previous year, measuring 56 by 37 feet — the first permanent home of worship for the parish.
1848
Dedicated to St. John the Evangelist
Bishop Purcell dedicates the church building and cemetery, placing them under the patronage of St. John the Evangelist.
Petition for a Resident Pastor
On July 26, 1858, parishioners write to Bishop Purcell requesting a resident pastor, offering an annual salary of $473.50 — the equivalent of nearly $18,000 today. Property is purchased on North Market Street in Logan on January 31, 1859.
A Church on the Hilltop
A frame church is built on the hilltop of Logan, on the site of the present rectory. Fr. Charles Francis Hone becomes the parish’s first resident pastor, serving from 1862 to 1866.
A Permanent Church Built
Bishop Watterson lays the cornerstone on April 25, 1897. The new church is dedicated on June 5, 1898. In 1902, Fr. Thomas A. Powers builds the rectory on the site of the old frame church.
1907
Carrara Marble High Altar
Under Fr. Edmund Richards, a new high altar of Carrara marble — installed in October 1907 — replaces the original wooden altar.
1925
St. John Parochial School Opens
Ground is broken for a new school in 1924. On September 5, 1925, Bishop James J. Hartley dedicates St. John Parochial School. The Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur serve as teachers for the next 63 years.
1959
Sanctuary Remodeled
Under Fr. James P. Foy, the church interior is remodeled with new hanging lights and wall frescoes. The current Stations of the Cross are obtained from Italy.
1973
Mosaic, Organ and Diamond Jubilee
In preparation for the Diamond Jubilee of the church building, a mosaic of St. John the Evangelist is installed above the main entrance. A new organ is also installed under Msgr. James A. Geiger.
1981
Social Hall and Chapel Added
Under Msgr. Geiger’s pastoral leadership, a social hall and chapel are added to the parish campus.
Sanctuary Renewed
Fr. Richard Pendolphi installs a free-standing marble altar and an ambo in the sanctuary during his first year as pastor.
2000
Our Lady’s Hall
Under Fr. Pendolphi’s direction, Our Lady’s Hall is constructed between the rectory and the school.
2025
St. John the Evangelist School celebrates 100 Years
2026
Consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus
On the Vigil of the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Fr. Jean-Luc Zadroga consecrated St. John the Evangelist Parish to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, joining in spirit the Most Rev. Earl K. Fernandes and the bishops of the United States who consecrated the country as it celebrated 250 years since its founding.
Sisters of Our Lady of Sorrows Welcomed
In Autumn 2026, St. John Parish and School welcomed the Sisters of Our Lady of Sorrows from Shreveport, Louisiana.
Contact
Online Giving
© 2026 St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church