History display features Firestone letter

The 90th anniversary history display in the narthex for this coming weekend features a condolence letter from Harvey S. Firestone on the death of the first pastor of the parish, Fr. James Hanley who died May 25, 1920..

Here is the text of the letter:

June 10, 1920.

Messrs. G. Dieninger
Leo. Dete
L. D. Gagen
J. A. McKenna

Committee - St. Paul's Rectory.
Firestone Park,
Akron. Ohlo

Gentlemen:

I share with you in the great loss to your ohuroh and this community occasioned by the death of Father Hanley.

At the service in the church the Priest said that someone can take Father Hanley's place at the church but that no one could take his place ln the hearts of his parents. As I see it, it is going to be exceedingly diffioult for anyone, to take his place in the ohuroh and in the communlty because of his unusual ability and personality.

This places a great duty on you gentlemen and all of the religious people in that community to do all 1n their power to oont;inue the fine work which was started by Father Hanley in the erection of St. Paul's church. I can assure you that I will try to do my part to help this good cause along.

I am sending a copy of your letter to the gentlemen at the Firestone Company whom you were kind. enough to name as those to whom you wished especially to express your thanks. I am sure that they will be much pleased to know that they were able to do something to call forth your expression·of appreciation.

Yours very truly,





A display on church history is being presented each week in the narthex as part of the upcoming
90th anniversary celebration of the parish in October. To see other recent parish history items, click on the "History" label at left.
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Firestone's death in 1938 was big news

The tire company founder, who donated 12 lots in Firestone Park for St. Paul Church and secured a mortgage through Firestone Bank to finance the new church, died February 7, 1938 at his Winter home in Miami Beach, FL. Firestone, who had a heart ailment, died in his sleep.

This is the Beacon Journal front page on his death.