The St. Mary Catholic Church in Umuodu, which was constructed by Catholic Missionaries in the early 1930's stands now as a historical monument in Ogbaru. The sixty-one year old church has double as church and classroom all through its existence. Built originally a mudstone structure, it was converted to a cement structure later. The new structure along with the school buildings were started and finished in 1958 by the elders of Ochuche Umuodu, namely; John Agabah, Chief of Ochuche, Ogene Okechukwu, Nnoli Agwobi, Uzi Onugo, Akwue Nworah, Asagwali Igwe, Igbodo Boyi, Omodi Ogbulie etc. The building of the new Church was undertaken under the leadership of Rev. Fr. L. Layden and Rev. Fr. J.T. Duncan. Other managers of Good Heart associated with the enterprise were: E.N.O. Ezealo (Headmaster and Catechist), C.N. Agabah (Headmaster) C.C. Ezekwe, and B.A Oduah, J.N. Agabah, Theresa Obaze-Kaine, J.N. Ojini, F.A. Anyakora and J.T. Ogbo. J.O. Anosike and Bros. Company constructed the building, and the carpentry work done by Mr. C. Oko, the Lie of Abba.

Saint Mary's Church, Umuodu [click for parishoners in ceremony]