Holy Cross Church

As the population of the German Catholics grew in the Rasselas farming district of Jones Township, the need for a place to worship was recognized. The first Catholic services in Rasselas were conducted by the Benedictine Fathers from St. Marys who would travel the fifteen miles on the St. Marys - Olean Turnpike on foot or horse back to offer mass. The first building was constructed in 1855 and was constructed of logs cut by George Markert and his crew.  The church was located near the present day cemetery and as dedicated as the "Holy Cross Church" on September 14, 1855.  The project was truly a community venture and many volunteers worked long hours to complete the building.  This structure was later covered with clapboard.  Operations of the church was turned over and became part of the Warren Mission. Today the church is under the Wilcox mission of the Erie Diocese.

The first Catholic Church in Rasselas after an addition and new front was constructed.  The old log part  was covered with wood clapboard siding to make it appear more uniform.

The church building eventually became too small for the growing community.  In 1884  land across the street from the Weidert home was donated by Captain Clay and construction of a new church was begun.  The cornerstone of the new church was laid in 1885, however construction of the church and the building of a rectory lasted for several years. The church is constructed of native sandstone dragged from nearby mountains by mule and oxen.  

Members of the church hewed the stone by hand at the site. The 24-inches thick stone walls  (30-inches in some places) makes the Holy Cross Church as impregnable as a fortress.  The slate roof, on of the finest examples of German craftsmanship to be observed was cut from quarries in eastern New York.  The stain glass windows were imported from Europe. The pews are made of oak, almost as durable as the stone walls.

Although mass is no longer offered at the Holy Cross Church, the beautiful structure and the spirits of the strong German families that once worshiped here stands strong at the top of the hill with it's steeple reaching skyward overlooking the area known as Rasselas. 

 The picture at the bottom right  shows today's Holy Cross Church at the top of the hill as it stands today.  Mass is no longer held at the church and the massive stone building is considered as a devotional chapel by the Diocese of Erie.  At the bottom left is the former Rectory that was located where the parking area is today.  The photo at the upper right shows both the church and the rectory as it stood on October 2, 1920.