through the years

through the years

St. Maron Maronite Church

The beginning: The story of St. Maron Maronite Church began in 1883 when the first Lebanese pioneers, Michael Thume and John Habib, arrived in Youngstown. In 1888, they were joined by Sliman Kathar and Naoum Joseph. Growing from this small beginning, the Lebanese (or “Syrian” as it was known then) community of immigrants wanted traditional liturgy and language. As a temporary remedy, a few priests were sent from Lebanon to act as “circuit riders.” The priests traveled from town to town saying Mass, hearing confessions and performing marriages and baptisms. The first Maronite baptism in Youngstown is believed to be that of Tannous G. Abraham on Nov. 15, 1902. First church: By 1902, the Maronites in Youngstown established their first church, St. Anthony at 118 S. Walnut St. The first Maronite priest who served was the Rev. Peter Asmar and then the Rev. George Emanuel. In 1905, the small parish moved to a building at the corner of Wood and Hazel Streets, previously occupied by St. Columba. The building occupied by St. Anthony Syrian Church became a church for the “Italian Catholic Church.“ In 1911, the building once again became a property of St. Columba.

Immigrants: During the period from 1902-1911, a great number of Maronite immigrants arrived in Youngstown. Many of the Maronites who arrived in Youngstown at this time were from the Districts of Jbail and Batroun. In 1911, Monsignor N .S. Beggiani came to serve the Maronites. In 1912, he bought the former meeting place of the Trinity English Lutheran Church, 815 Wilson Ave., and named it St. Maron Church. By 1922, the Maronites of Youngstown numbered more than 700 and Bishop J. Schrembs of Cleveland conferred the first Sacrament of Confirmation to 62 Maronite children. The church on Wilson was sold to the Diocese of Youngstown and the Shehy School building was bought from Mahoning County School Board for $4,250. The upper hall was remodeled for use as a temporary church.

The shrine: The Rev. Peter Eid worked for the construction of the National Shrine of Our Lady of Lebanon in North Jackson. In 1960, Maronite parishes in Youngstown, Akron and New Castle, Pa., worked on the construction of the shrine on 80 acres. On Aug. 15, 1965, on the Feast of the Assumption of Our Lady, the shrine was dedicated.

Present church: During Father Eid’s pastorate, the church bought a 23- acre site on South Meridian Road in 1969 for a new church. Faither Eid, who had become a monsignor, retired in 1970 after 31 years of service at the parish. The Rev. Wadih Peter Tayah became pastor. On April 9, 1972, groundbreaking ceremonies took place. The site has the church, rectory and social hall. On Oct. 29, 1972, Bishop Francis M. Zayek blessed the cornerstone engraved with replica of a ninth-century symbol found in the ruins of the Maronite Monastery of Qala’ at Sima’an (N. Syria). Near the feast day of St. Maron in February 1973, Bishop Zayek inaugurated the Maronite Center. On Oct. 20, 1974, Joseph Nohra was ordained to the subdeaconate by Bishop Zayek.

Other construction: Groundbreaking for the educational center, St. Ephrem Educational Center, was in March 1977. It houses classrooms for religious education and library with a collection of Middle East history, religion, maps, art and language. In July 1981, the recreation area, consisting of a covered pavilion with restrooms, playground, baseball field and an adjoining parking area, was dedicated. In August 1981, the first parish festival took place and continues. Proceeds from the annual event go to the educational fund. In 1985, a bell tower was dedicated and inscribed “Dedicated to the heralds of our faith, the priests who have served us.”

Helping Lebanon: American Lebanese League provided relief for victims of the war in Lebanon and the Youngstown chapter contributed to the cause. In November 1986, a banquet honored Dr. Elias Saadi, a longtime member, and proceeds benefited the needy in Lebanon. Ambassador Abdallah Bouhabib awarded Dr. Saadi the National Order of Cedar, Grade of Knight.

75th year to present: In 1986, carpeting was installed and the church painted for the 75th anniversary. The Rev. Jim Khoury served until 1988, and the Rev. Anthony J. Salim became pastor in October 1988 and served 11 years. Associate pastor, the Rev. Gary George, was promoted and served as pastor until April 2011. Chorbishop Michael Kail now leads the church assisted by Deacons Joseph Nohra and William George and subdeacons, Michel Basil and Dr. James Essad.