Mother Of Sorrows Church Put-in-Bay

Picture of Mother Of Sorrows Church620 Catawba Ave.
Put-in-Bay, OH 43456
419-285-2741
Mother Of Sorrows Church

Mother of Sorrows Church provides a beautiful, peaceful space for worship.

Locals and visitors appreciate the pure beauty of the stone building and stately sanctuary at the Mother of Sorrows Church, located just two blocks from the main strip of downtown Put-in-Bay.

Mother of SorrowsChurch Particulars

Each Saturday at 5:30 pm and Sunday at 10:30 am. Mass is held and open to all. Mass is also held on Wednesdays at 5:30 pm during the busy summer season.

The Mother of Sorrows Church, located at 632 Catawba Avenue, is just past the Put-in-Bay High School and softball field. Other places of worship on the island include St John at the Bay Lutheran Church and St. Paul’s Episcopal Church.

Sunday mornings on Put-in-Bay are rich in tradition. After attending mass, worshippers often enjoy brunch at one of the many  Put-in-Bay Restaurants downtown. Good options include the Village Bakery, Old Forge Cafe and Creperie , and the Chocolate Cafe. All of these are within walking distance of the local churches.

Sundays are also an excellent time for families to enjoy the natural splendor of the island. Hike the Jane Coates Wildflower Trail or enjoy a stroll at Massie Cliffside Preserve after lunch.

History of Mother of Sorrows Church

in the mid-1800s, Put-in-Bay was becoming home to more and more permanent residents. After the conclusion of the War of 1812, Put-in-Bay started attracting more and more interest thanks in part to its prime wine-making conditions and picturesque setting. Founders such as Jose DeRivera and Vallentine Dollar were instrumental in charting the development of the Put-in-Bay we see today.

The Sandusky Daily Commercial Register ran a story in 1866 detailing the growth of South Bass Island. Numerous vineyards provided the primary source of income for residents, and with its growing reputation as an ideal vacation spot, the economic prosperity of the island looked good.

The three islands, Middle, South, and Gibraltar, were organized into a township, with Put-in-Bay incorporated as the village into this area, forming the first local government in 1876. With these changes came the need for a place of worship and community churches.

Catholic residents began offering mass in their local island homes. In 1876 a small church was erected. Soon, it became apparent a larger church was necessary for both locals and the increased number of tourists. Put-in-Bay has it’s very own Mother of Sorrows Church, built and ready for use in 1929.

The impressive rose window, which illuminates the sanctuary of Mother Of Sorrows Church Sunday mornings, is enhanced by the beautiful stonework. The grounds also include the sanctuary and a gorgeous lawn and flowers to welcome worshippers.

Church Activities

Mother of Sorrows is also a popular spot for baptisms and weddings as well as funerals of both esteemed long-time visitors and locals. The church also sponsors the annual Put-in-Bay Pooch Parade. Held every year, canines and their human companions parade through the downtown park. Win prizes, and enjoy this cat-free parade!

Other events throughout the year support the church, as well as donations are accepted at mass. The annual Miller Boat Race 5K donates funds to Mothers of Sorrows. Beginning and ending in downtown Put-in-Bay, this challenging race challenges runners through the most beautiful areas of the island.