From the Biographical Record of the Counties of Huron and Lorain, Ohio. Chicago, J.H. Beers & Co. 1894 (pg 298)
"The organizer of the English-speaking congregation of Roman Catholics at Norwalk was Rev. Father Narcissus Ponchell, a native of France, born September 19, 1825. In July, 1850, he bade farewell to his native land, and in company with Bishop Rappe embarked for America, landing August 6 following. On January 1, 1851, he was ordained priest by Bishop Rappe. He was an able man, and soon became pastor of St. Peter's Church, at Norwalk.
Seeing the necessity for an English speaking church here, he organized St. Mary's parish, and in 1853 purchased land on which to erect a church. The building was commenced in 1857, and the first mass was held in it on Easter Sunday, 1859. He also purchased the cemetery of five acres. Before the church was completed, however. Father Ponchell was called to his reward by the hand of death, September 15, 1860. He had labored zealously in the diocese for the salvation of souls, and was beloved by citizens of all denominations. He was a man of imposing appearance, amiable disposition, and a true priest. Although it is now over three decades since his remains were laid to rest, his memory is as fresh in the minds of the people as though it were but yesterday, and he is still spoken of as the perfect gentleman and true man of God. "
From the Biographical Record of the Counties of Huron and Lorain, Ohio. Chicago, J.H. Beers & Co. 1894 (pg 298)
"The organizer of the English-speaking congregation of Roman Catholics at Norwalk was Rev. Father Narcissus Ponchell, a native of France, born September 19, 1825. In July, 1850, he bade farewell to his native land, and in company with Bishop Rappe embarked for America, landing August 6 following. On January 1, 1851, he was ordained priest by Bishop Rappe. He was an able man, and soon became pastor of St. Peter's Church, at Norwalk.
Seeing the necessity for an English speaking church here, he organized St. Mary's parish, and in 1853 purchased land on which to erect a church. The building was commenced in 1857, and the first mass was held in it on Easter Sunday, 1859. He also purchased the cemetery of five acres. Before the church was completed, however. Father Ponchell was called to his reward by the hand of death, September 15, 1860. He had labored zealously in the diocese for the salvation of souls, and was beloved by citizens of all denominations. He was a man of imposing appearance, amiable disposition, and a true priest. Although it is now over three decades since his remains were laid to rest, his memory is as fresh in the minds of the people as though it were but yesterday, and he is still spoken of as the perfect gentleman and true man of God. "
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