Realizing the importance and significance of their charge, the Sir Nobles of Carmona Caravan sought to honor the first Catholic Church in the city of Cleveland as well as a pioneer priest - Father John Dillon. Research disclosed that Our Lady of the Lake Church, widely known as St. Mary's of the Flats, was the first church built when most of Cleveland was a wilderness. Located at Columbus Road and Gerard Streets, the church, with its doric pillars and Grecian lines, was formally dedicated on June 7, 1840, by Bishop John Baptist Purcell, of Cincinnati, and Bishop DeForbin Janson of Nancy and Toul, France. The historical church served as a place of worship until 1888. At that time the church was razed and today it is the site of an industrial complex.
A plaque cast of bronze was created, designed and made by the Sir Nobles of Carmona Caravan. The plaque was designed by Sir Noble John W. Winterich, words were composed by Sir Noble Richard Maher and the plaque was hand cast in the foundry of Sir Noble Charles A. Walouke.
The inscription on the plaque in part reads:
"In memory of the first Catholic Church in Cleveland and the intrepid Father John Dillon who came to Cleveland in 1835 and was the first priest and resident pastor. He found a wilderness and therein planted the seed of Catholicity that had grown and bloomed a hundred fold. His vision, his courage, and his leadership made possible the first Catholic Church in Cleveland before he fell ill to Cholera in 1836 and died at the age of twenty-eight. Though he passed on, his spirit lived and inspired Father Patrick O'Dwyer to fill Father Dillon's desire."
On October 2, 1949, at 11:00 a.m. on the grounds of Incarnate Word Academy at 6618 Pearl Road, his excellency the Most Reverend Edward F. Hoban, S.T.D., Bishop of Cleveland, made the formal dedication of the plaque. Here, on the beautiful grounds in Parma, is a new St. Mary's reproduction of the original Our Lady of the Lake. It is appropriately called Dillon Chapel - the first resident priest to sow the seeds of faith along the Cuyahoga River. Today the plaque stands majestically and gloriously on the front of Dillon Chapel.
After over six decades, the success and achievements of these dedicated Sir Nobles is measured by the accomplishments and outstanding contributions to the Order of the Alhambra in fulfilling the Order's objectives and goals.