CATHEDRAL DEANERY — What started as a request to organize the archives of Holy Cross-Immaculata Parish led parishioner Jim Steiner to publish a book on the history of the iconic Cincinnati faith community.

The book, Immaculata on Mount Adams, tells the story of the founding of the parish, the priests and Sisters who ministered there, the establishment of Holy Cross Church and the eventual merger of the two faith communities. It was published this month in conjunction with the 150th anniversary of Immaculata Parish.

Steiner has been active in various parish activities including the festival, Christ Renews His Parish and strategic planning.

“In the process of getting more involved, our pastoral administrator asked me if I would be interested in organizing a parish archives,” Steiner said. “I had developed an interest in Mount Adams history after I moved up here.”

In putting together the archives, he noticed how disjointed the information was and decided to put it together in a book.

“I felt compelled to do it,” he said. “It was just so much fun, and I learned so much by doing it.”

He spent about three years on the project, digging through records, diaries and photos. He interviewed some 30 parishioners from both Immaculata and Holy Cross parishes. The research took him to Chicago and New Jersey.

 

The book includes dozens of photos of both parishes and their schools. Chapters also detail the church buildings on Mount Adams and the well-known Good Friday tradition of pilgrims climbing and praying the steps leading to Holy Cross-Immaculata Church.

The book can be found in bookstores and can be ordered at www.hillhistory.com. It is priced at $29.95 and all proceeds after expenses will go to Holy Cross-Immaculata Parish.