| The Chamber recognizes
special contributions to the community by individuals when
warranted. Father Dunphy of St. Martin Catholic Church warrants such
recognition. In his absence the award was received for him by Paul
Schaefer and Joan Weigel.
Rev. Thomas R. Dunphy, Father Tom as he is affectionately called,
serves the parish of St. Martin of Tours on Station Road in Valley
City as their pastor. He was ordained as a Catholic priest from the
diocese of Cleveland in 1958. His first assignment was at St.
Raphael's in Bay Village followed by his second assignment at the
Newman Center in Akron. He was assigned to St. Martin in 1984 and
appointed pastor in the fall of 1986.
Father Tom was born and raised in Akron, Ohio where he still
keeps in contact with family members and many friends. He is an avid
reader and an eloquent speaker. He is active with the Buckeye Area
Ministerial Association; he is a member of a fraternity of priests;
he ministers to residents at Medina Life Care Center, the local
nursing home; and spends many hours visiting and ministering to the
home and hospital bound.
St. Martin's new church and complex were dedicated on November 3,
2002. Overseeing a congregation of 1,263 registered households, of
3,789 individuals, keeps him extremely busy. The new church and
complex reflect his affinity for combining reverence for God and
quality aesthetics in architecture. He also spearheaded the
additions of a new cemetery with walkways, granite monuments, and
serene landscaping.
He is loved by his parishioners of all ages, from the newborn
babies right through those nearing 100 years old! He is extremely
proud of his Irish heritage and jokes about his red hair which he
hasn't accepted as being gray/white yet! He is a city boy who has
settled into our rural community and is respected and welcomed by
all of our township residents. |