HISTORY
Nazareth Hall has a rich and storied history that adds to its charm and character.
Originally built in 1927 and opening its doors in 1928, the Ursuline Nuns ran a school for Catholic boarding school for boys ages 6-14. In 1935, Sister Mary Borgia Drulard and 3rd Principal of Nazareth Hall, instituted revolutionary changes by incorporating a military format into the curriculum. The daily routine was adapted to build self-esteem and self-discipline among the Cadets.
It was a place of learning and community, where generations of students received education and guidance in a nurturing environment. Daily activities included precision drills such as pershing rifles, basketball, baseball, sledding, horseback riding, wood-working, and leadership training.
In the fifty-three year history of the school, the Ursuline Nuns taught 4,300 students at Nazareth Hall. Cultural changes and insurmountable expenses during the 1970s brought the nuns to a painful decision of closing the school doors at the end of the 1982 school year.
The building remained vacant for the next ten years until a local family purchased the Hall in April of 1991. They set about transforming the facility into what it is today. Throughout the years, Nazareth Hall has been beautifully restored and repurposed into a premier venue. To this day, the Bettinger family has been dedicated to preserve the building’s historic architecture, while incorporating modern amenities, allowing it to meet the needs of today’s celebrations.
Purchased by the Ursuline Nuns and placed at the Convent on Cherry Street, a bell was inscribed "My name is: Sweet Bell of Archangel Gabriel, Hail Mary". This bell was relocated to the bell tower at Nazareth Hall once constructed.
Louis H. Lewandowski plotted the property while Lawrence Bellman designed the building. Construction took place through the Fall and Summer months of 1927.
Nazareth Hall was built and officially opened its doors to the public on July 22nd, 1928. The Ursuline Nuns ran as a Catholic boarding school for boys ages 6-14. The first class consisted of 53 students.
Sister Mary Borgia Drulard incorporated a military format into the curriculum.
The School closed due to insurmountable expenses and remained closed for 10 years.
Purchased by local family and transformed the building into what it is today.
Nazareth Hall stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of community, love, and celebration. It continues to welcome guests from near and far, inviting them to create their own stories in a place steeped in history.
Ladyglen Ballroom
Ladyglen originally served as the auditorium and gymnasium when Nazareth Hall was a school. Students performed on the stage, and the main floor was used for various athletic games. The original hardwood flooring, now part of the dance floor, is still intact. The balcony was added after the nuns sold the property, and the side entrance once housed the pool area.
During the summer, after the school boys had left, the grounds hosted an annual summer camp for girls called "Ladyglen on the Banks of the Maumee," which is where the ballroom gets its name.
Cadet West Ballroom
This ballroom was originally the cafeteria for the military school. The stained glass windows, pillars, and marble floors are all original to the building. The side room and prep room were once part of the building’s kitchen. The lounge in the main foyer served as a waiting area for parents during student drop-offs and pick-ups.
In 1991, a local woman visited Nazareth Hall and inquired about having her wedding there. Although the building was still undergoing renovations, the bride brought in a crew to repaint the walls and clean the floors. This wedding sparked the Bettinger family's idea to transform Nazareth Hall into the wedding venue it is today. The very first wedding was held in the Cadet West Ballroom in 1992.
Gabriel Ballroom
Named after “Archangel Gabriel”, this ballroom was the original sleeping quarters for the boys. The room was filled with three rows of wooden beds with storage chests at the end of each. The small room adjacent to Gabriel has been transformed into a bridal suite.
Historically, this cozy space was used by a nun or an older student who was responsible for supervising the younger boys' dormitory at night. It featured a private restroom and closet for their use.
Riverview Library
The Riverview Library once served as both a playroom and a library. The nuns filled the space with books, toys, and rocking chairs, offering the boys a place to relax and play. New students were often brought here by the nuns to help them adjust to their new surroundings.
Today, this room hosts small weddings, business events, bridal showers, anniversary parties, and rehearsal dinners.
Chapel
Our charming, non-denominational chapel was originally built alongside Nazareth Hall in 1927. The chapel features stained glass windows, a gold mosaic altar, wooden pews, a confessional, and marble floors, all of which are original to the building.
The nuns held optional church services every day, including Sunday Mass. The children could sign up to serve as altar boys, assisting the priest in preparing the chapel. While it was considered a chore, there were some benefits: altar boys enjoyed the privilege of being the first to breakfast and helped pour cereal for the other children. They were often rewarded with a small button or prize found at the bottom of the cereal bag!
Grotto
The Grotto was established shortly after the construction of Nazareth Hall, designed to replicate a renowned Grotto in Lourdes, France. It is made from coral formations imported from the Mediterranean Sea. Initially, the Grotto featured waterfalls that flowed into a small pond, with excess water cascading into the stream. Unfortunately, the waterfalls were discontinued due to well water staining the coral.
A statue of Mother Mary once adorned the top cove above the Grotto wall. The path to the right of the Grotto led to the boys' football fields, while the left path guided visitors to a concrete bench inscribed with the words "Come pray with me."
the history behind the spaces
The ballrooms and ceremony spaces at Nazareth Hall are particularly renowned for their historic charm and grand architecture, featuring soaring ceilings, beautiful chandeliers, and intricate detailing. If only walls could talk, they would undoubtedly have endless stories to tell!
