Immaculate Conception Church in Celina, Ohio: History, Art and Architecture

Just a few blocks from downtown Celina stands one of western Ohio's remarkable historic churches. Immaculate Conception is more than a landmark: it is a living place of worship, a connection to generations of local families and a beautiful example of the craftsmanship that shaped Mercer County.

Frontal view of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Celina Ohio with twin towers and three green domes — The red-brick facade, rose window, and distinctive green domes of Immaculate Conception Church. Original local photography, 2026.

Full view of the sanctuary from the nave — A sweeping view of the sanctuary and historic artwork. Original local photography, 2026.

At a glance: Parish founded in 1864; present church dedicated in 1903; Romanesque Revival architecture; restored in 2003; listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. Address: 229 W. Anthony Street, Celina, Ohio.

From a Growing Parish to a Celina Landmark

The parish traces its beginning to 1864, when Precious Blood Father Bernard Dickman began celebrating Mass in Celina. The first church was dedicated December 8, 1865. As the congregation grew, parishioners needed a larger building. Construction of the present church began in 1900, and the completed church was dedicated in June 1903.

Designed by Andrew DeCurtins, the church reflects the Romanesque Revival tradition, with monumental brickwork and a commanding central dome. Its architecture remains an unmistakable part of the Celina skyline. The historic church complex also connects to the area's tradition of Catholic schools and the work of the Missionaries and Sisters of the Precious Blood.

View toward the rear organ loft and stained glass at Immaculate Conception Church — The organ loft, soaring arches, stained glass and wooden pews. Original local photography, 2026.

Angled view of Immaculate Conception Church in Celina Ohio showing its side elevation and brick architecture — A side-angle view reveals the depth of the church and its architectural details. Original local photography, 2026.

Inside the Church: Altars, Stained Glass and Sacred Art

Step inside and the details seem to unfold in every direction: decorative ceilings, colorful stained-glass windows, an intricate white-and-gold altar and carefully arranged devotional artwork. The stained glass honors the Blessed Virgin Mary and depicts saints and Eucharistic symbols. The scale is impressive, but the smaller details reward a closer look.

Stained glass and side aisle — Light filters through the stained-glass windows. Original local photography, 2026.

Decorative ceiling and rose window — Ornate ceiling and rose window. Original local photography, 2026.

The 1902 Assumption Mural and Artist Joseph Vittur

Wide view of Immaculate Conception sanctuary showing Joseph Vittur's Assumption mural above the altar — The Assumption mural in its setting above the historic sanctuary. Original local photography, 2026.

Above the sanctuary, a sweeping mural depicts the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Mary rises amid angels as a remarkable gathering of people looks on from below. Bishops, priests, religious sisters, workers, children, soldiers and rulers appear among the figures, bringing many walks of life into a single sacred scene.

The painting is the work of Joseph Vittur, who signed it on a painted stone at the far right with his name and the year 1902. The artist also worked in other Midwestern churches, including St. Augustine in Minster. A 2019 account by the Missionaries of the Precious Blood recounts how Vittur's great-granddaughter, Janet Volk, traveled to see his artwork in Celina and elsewhere. Read the story of the painter and his family's visit.

Above the mural is the Marian prayer: "Mary, Mother of Heaven, Mother of the Church, pray for us."

Preserving the Church for Future Generations

Immaculate Conception has weathered more than a century of change, including tornado damage in 1986. The church underwent a major renovation in 2003, its centennial year. According to the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, the project preserved and restored original artwork, decorations and fixtures. The historic sanctuary continues to be part of the parish's everyday life, rather than simply an artifact of the past.

More Than a Church: The Historic Immaculate Conception Campus

The story of this campus also reflects the work of the Sisters of the Precious Blood. A convent was built near the church in 1879 and replaced by a larger building in 1949. Together with the church, school, former high school and rectory, these buildings show how worship, education and parish life developed side by side over generations.

The surrounding school buildings, former high school and rectory are also part of Celina's Catholic heritage.

Immaculate Conception School

Parish education began in the nineteenth century. The present historic elementary school building north of the church was constructed in 1918, replacing an earlier school on the same site. Its brick architecture and distinctive entrance connect generations of local students and families.

The Parish Activity Center (PAC)

What is now the Parish Activity Center was once Immaculate Conception High School. Dedicated on Thanksgiving Day in 1933, it served generations of students until the final high school class graduated in 1972. The building later found new purpose as a center for parish gatherings and organizations.

The Rectory

The substantial brick house immediately west of the church is the historic rectory, built in 1908 as a residence for priests. Together, the church, school and rectory help tell the story of a growing parish and its community.

Stone cornerstone marking 1903 construction and 2003 renovation — The church's 1903 cornerstone and 2003 renovation marker. Original local photography, 2026.

For more local history, see The Daily Standard's 150th anniversary feature and the Mercer County Historical Society's IC High School history.

Part of the Land of the Cross-Tipped Churches

Immaculate Conception belongs to the broader landscape of historic Catholic churches across Mercer and neighboring counties. Its church complex was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. Learn more about the area's distinctive architecture, immigration history and scenic heritage in our Land of the Cross-Tipped Churches guide.

Visiting Immaculate Conception

Immaculate Conception is an active Catholic church within the St. Isidore the Farmer Family of Parishes. Visitors should respect Mass, prayer and other parish activities, and check the parish's official website for current information before visiting. Photography inside places of worship should always be respectful of parish guidance and those present.

While exploring Celina, discover more of the city in our Living in Celina guide, or explore its historic businesses and buildings in our Celina History guide.

Historical references: St. Isidore parish history; Archdiocese of Cincinnati heritage guide; Missionaries of the Precious Blood; Land of the Cross-Tipped Churches Scenic Byway. Original local photography.