1956
Ground breaking ceremonies for the hall and school was held on June 17th. The hall, with a seating capacity for 500, served as a temporary church. The last Sunday Mass in the white frame church on Dodge Street that served generations of Catholics in the Swanton area for 64 years was offered on April 7th. A week later on Palm Sunday, a 102-car procession went from the old church (now Faith Lutheran Church) to the new site for the first Mass in the new temporary church (now Clancy Hall). The school was constructed at the same time as the temporary church. It opened for classes in September for grades one through six with 150 students. The school was fully staffed by the Sisters of St. Francis of Sylvania. The Principal was Sister M. Rufina, OSF. The rectory, custodian's apartment and school bus garage, and convent (St. Francis Hall) were completed in 1958. Grade 7 was added to the school. Rev. Albin Radecki was St. Rochard's first assistant pastor. Following him was Rev. Albert Ottenweller (now retired Bishop of Steubenville) 1959 - 1961. Grade 8 was added to the school that was built for six grades. Rev. Roger DeBusschere was assistant pastor from 1961 to 1967.
A Brick-N-Mortar Fund was launched to begin construction on the church. Ground was broken in March and the cornerstone laid on December 12th. C.A.D.A., the Crusaders Athletic Development Association, was established. It is composed of men and women interested in the physical education of the children attending St. Richard's School. The first Mass was offered in the new church on May 15th with seating capacity for 740. A dedication by Bishop Rehiring was held on August 18th. Rev. John McClure was assistant pastor from 1967 to 1970. Msgr. Matthew Clancy (a Monsignor since January 1964) asked for retirement for health reasons in June. He retired to an apartment in the annex (Guadelupe Hall) and continued to assist at Mass. Rev. Maurice Herman replaced Msgr. Clancy as the 10th pastor (1970 - 1975). St. Richard's Parent Teacher Organization was formed. (Principal was Sister M. Richarda).
Parish Board of Education was established.
Rev. Paul Dorley was named 11th pastor (1975 - 1977).
Rev. Robert Holden was named 12th pastor (1977 - 1985). In 1977, services of a Pastoral Associate and Deacons were implemented. Sr. Eve Marie Korzym was first Pastoral Associate and James Schmidt was first Deacon. The new $180,000 Parish Life Center was dedicated.
1972-1982
1962-1972
