One hundred years from now, someone will open a cornerstone at Indian Lake and read what this community left behind.
As construction continues on the rebuilt Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima at Russells Point, organizers are inviting residents to submit letters, photographs and other keepsakes to be sealed within the Shrine’s cornerstone, where it will rest in silence for a century before telling its story again.
The stainless steel capsule will be placed as part of the Shrine’s reconstruction and is intended to preserve the voices of today’s community for the next 100 years.
The original 1964 Shrine, a 43-foot monument featuring a rotating 19-foot-6-inch fiberglass statue atop a concrete pedestal with fountains, music and lighting, was damaged beyond repair in the March 2024 tornado. For nearly six decades, the landmark stood along the shores of Indian Lake and was considered one of the tallest statues of the Virgin Mary in the United States.
“It was a great loss to the Indian Lake community,” said Bill Quatman, president of the Lima-based owner, The American Society of Ephesus, Inc. “But there is good news. A new Shrine is being built right now.”
The new Shrine, located at 261 Chase Ave., Russells Point, will be similar in height to the original structure.
“What would you like your great-grandchildren to read from you in 100 years? What are your memories of the lake and the Shrine? Do you have a photo or other item that you want to include?” Quatman said.
The American Society of Ephesus is seeking letters, photographs, articles and other artifacts that reflect the history of the Shrine and the Indian Lake community.
The deadline to submit items is Wednesday, April 15.
PDF letters may be emailed to Amy Bihn at abihn.mqa@gmail.com and will be printed for inclusion in the time capsule.
Those wishing to submit original letters, photos, booklets or other artifacts may deliver them to Amy Bihn c/o St. Mary of the Woods Catholic Church, P.O. Box 329, 464 Madison Ave., Russells Point, OH 43348.
The church office is open Mondays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. for drop-offs.
Organizers note that no items submitted will be returned and no compensation will be provided. The owner also reserves the right to exclude materials deemed inappropriate for a religious shrine.
The American Society of Ephesus, Inc., also known as the George B. Quatman Foundation, is a nonprofit private foundation formed in 1955 and based in Lima. Its mission includes promoting appreciation of religious teachings, preserving and erecting religious shrines, and restoring burial grounds of notable religious leaders.
St. Mary of the Woods Parish, established in 1927, is assisting with the collection of time capsule materials.
For more information, visit www.ase-gbqfoundation.org.
