Century House (Norwalk, Ohio)

St. Mary Convent "Century House"
"Century House"
Basic information
Location	Norwalk, Ohio
Affiliation	Roman Catholic
Year consecrated	1904
Status	demolished
Heritage designation	Irish
Leadership	Father Francis Speier
Website	http://centuryhouse.stmarynorwalk.org
Architectural description
Architectural type	House
Direction of façade	East
Groundbreaking	1904
Completed	1907
Specifications
Materials	Limestone

Saint Mary's Century House, in Norwalk, Ohio was the former convent, rectory, and preschool of St. Mary Mother of the Redeemer Church.

History

Below is the shorter, timeline version of the History of St. Mary's Convent. The complete history can be found on St. Mary's website. The history there also contains hundreds of photos to back up the words of the story. http://centuryhouse.stmarynorwalk.org

Timeline Century House History

1904-Father P.J. Quinn undertook the building of a new rectory, next to the church. This two story stone residence later became the Sister's home, now known as "The Century House".

1913- The two-story school was condemned and torn down. At this time students were sent to public schools.

1919-A two room wooden school was built and run by the Sisters of St. Dominic.

1935-Sisters of Notre Dame took charge of the school.

1964-A new rectory was built and the old rectory was remodeled into a convent for the sisters. Today that building is known as the Century House.

1989-Sisters of Notre Dame began living at St. Paul's in the fall. The convent was now renamed as the Century House, and used as a meeting and conference facility.

1996-Renovation of the church began. The interior of the church was repainted and new flooring was installed. The sanctuary area was made smaller to make room for the choir on one side and the baptismal font and flexible seating on the other side. Benches were refinished at this time.

2008-The former Convent, known as the "Century House", was torn down. Its upkeep was no longer an option and it was no longer used for anything in the parish.

Interior Photos

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  Basement of the Century House during dismantling

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  Pantry of the Century House before its removal.

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  The main stairwell in the Century House, with a bit of the railing.

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  The Attic of the Century House, Facing west.

Demolition Photos

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  First day of Demolition. Removal of the back porch.

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  Second Day of Demolition. Removal of the Front porch.

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  Third Day of Demolition. Removal of the Limestone.

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  Fourth Day of Demolition. Removal of the furnace and rest of limestone.

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  Fifth Day of Demolition. Final Demolition of the House.

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  Fifth Day of Demolition. Final Demolition of the House.

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  Fifth Day of Demolition. Final Demolition of the House.

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  Fifth Day of Demolition. Final Demolition of the House.