Its grand architecture has made it an aviator's landmark, and it has been named a historic site by the federal government.

[2]: 357  Many English-speaking families left to form a separate parish in 1846, but Emanuel continued growing to the point that division was necessary by the end of the 1850s.

Accordingly, land was chosen on Xenia Avenue at the Allen Street intersection in one of the city's eastern neighborhoods, and the owner donated enough property to permit the construction of a church, rectory, and school.

[4] The current St. Mary's Church is a Romanesque Revival structure built in a mix of brick and stone.

[6] Built at a cost of $125,000 (or $3240741 in 2013 dollars),[2]: 359  the church is a landmark because of the twin towers; during World War II, Army aviators used it as a waypoint when navigating to the runways at Wright Field.