Holy Cross Roman Catholic Lithuanian Church was established May 1, 1914. The name of Holy Cross was chosen because Lithuania is known as the land of the crosses. It is said that the St. Peter’s Society which was organized December 7, 1902 bought the land on which the church sits for $1500.00. In November, 1964 the church was remodeled in time for it’s Golden Jubilee celebration. The structure you see today is the end result of that effort. The interior was given a new tile floor and carpeting in July , 1997. Some of the present organizations include; St. Peters Society, Altar Society, Sarysis, Knight’s of Lithuania Council 96, Lithuanian Cultural Council, Lithuanian Social Club, Lithuanian Anglers Club, Lithuanian Vejeliai Folk Dance Group. A View of the Altar Holy Cross Church and shrine, located in historic Old North Dayton were listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1992. Here we can see the handcrafted wooden alter, and behind it the original alter. Also showing is a portion of the beautiful faceted slab glass windows. Of course to really appreciate the beauty of the stained glass, one has to visit first hand. An Inside View of the Church Among the most outstanding features of the interior of this Roman Catholic Lithuanian Church are the carved wooden side alters. Carved by a local parishioner, these wooden side alters are similar to the wayside shrines that one would find in Lithuanian, which are such an important part of Lithuanian Catholic culture. Holy Cross Shrine Outside, on the grounds of Holy Cross Church, is preserved this shrine of crosses. It reminds us not only of Calvary and the sacrifice of our Lord, but also of the Hill of Crosses, in Kryžiu Kalnas, Lithuanian which is a Lithuanian national pilgrimage center and a testimony to the faith of the Lithuanian people.

Knights of Lithuania

“The Knights of Lithuania is a nationwide organization of Roman Catholic men and women of Lithuanian ancestry and their spouses. Adhering to the motto: “For God and Country”;, the Knights of Lithuania aim to keep alive among its members an appreciation of the Lithuanian language, customs and culture while also stressing the importance of Roman Catholic beliefs.” 25th Year Anniversary