History of St. Charles Parish

Reverend Walter T. Hanley established St. Charles Borromeo in 1953, and the first building contained both school and church serving the 250 families comprising the parish. Eventually this became St. Charles Elementary School, K through 8th grade. The present church edifice was built and dedicated in 1964 at a cost of $450,000. The original design was by Helser and Helser Architects. Fr. Hanley was a student of church history and design, and what stands today as St. Charles Church is about 85% Hanley and 15% Helser.

St. Charles Church and Elementary School (Grades 3-8) are located on West Elm Street at the intersection of Elm Street and South Cable Road. The St. Charles Primary School (grades P-2) is located a short distance away at 1608 W. Spring St.  St. Charles is the newest of the four Lima parishes and serves the southwest quadrant of Allen County.  Lima Central Catholic High School had been built only a few blocks farther out on Cable Road, and this stimulated growth and home construction in this area of Lima. This accounts for a great deal of the rapid growth of the parish, which is near a shopping mall and small businesses.

The current pastor of St. Charles is Reverend Steve Blum. He and his associate, along with a staff of over 80, serve one of the largest parishes in the Diocese of Toledo. There are over 600 children enrolled in the elementary and primary school, which is now housed in two buildings. The parish office and the rectory are located directly across Elm Street from the beautiful Spanish Mission styled church and elementary school building. The residence immediately north of the office was purchased to house the Sisters of Charity who once taught at the school. When the nuns no longer served the parish, the house was converted into a home for senior adults who can no longer live alone.  It is now called the Hanely House. 

St. Charles is a vibrant faith community, attracting people from all over the area.  Thanks for being a part of our history!