“The house would ultimately become part of her love story”
AKRON, Ohio — A historic corner in downtown Akron will soon see change. An attached pair of 19th-century houses are set to be demolished at South High and State Streets near St. Bernard’s Church.
The house would ultimately become part of her love story. It harbored her feelings for her longtime friend and then assistant pastor at St. Bernard’s, Phil Marcin. The couple went on to marry and have 2 sons. Monday, they toured the home for a final time with current St. Bernard’s Pastor Fr. Chris Zerucha.
“It was residences, it was -when the church bought it- a convent for the nuns that taught here. Over the years, they put the houses together as one big property and they repurposed it as a shelter for abused women or low-income housing,” explained Fr. Chris Zerucha. Over the weekend, the church held an open house to give the public an opportunity to tour the houses and bid farewell before they’re razed. The pastor estimated more than 100 people turned out for the event, many taking bricks, doorknobs and other pieces as souvenirs.
“I’m sure that Father Chris and the parishioners will find a way to remind people of love and peace and community,” said Linda Marcin.