St. Augustine's Catholic Church (Napoleon, Ohio) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
|
|
St. Augustine's Catholic Church
|
|
Front of St. Augustine's Church
|
|
 Location in Ohio
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | 210 E. Clinton St. at corner of Monroe and Clinton Streets, Napoleon, Ohio |
|---|---|
| Area | 1 acre (0.40 ha) |
| Built | 1881 |
| Architect | Otto Honek; Alex Young |
| Architectural style | Gothic Revival, High Victorian Gothic |
| NRHP reference No. | 82003593 |
| Added to NRHP | September 2, 1982 |
St. Augustine's Catholic Church is an old and important church in Napoleon, Ohio, United States. It stands near the city center, just two blocks from the Henry County Courthouse. This makes the church a well-known building in Napoleon.
Church History
St. Augustine Parish started between 1856 and 1858. Its first priest was Michael Pietz. The church was named after St. Augustine. This was to honor Augustine Pilliod, who helped build the first church.
The current church building replaced the first one. It cost $21,893 to build. Most of the construction finished in 1881. However, the special altars inside were not put in until 1888.
Church Design and Features
St. Augustine's Church is a great example of Gothic Revival architecture. You can see this style both inside and outside the building. The church has a very high ceiling. It is held up by many Gothic arches.
The main area has a fancy wooden altar and pews. Beautiful Stained glass windows let light into the church. These windows are at the front, back, and sides of the building.
The outside of the church is made of brick. It has stone decorations. A tall steeple rises 200 feet (61 m) (about 61 meters) above the ground. The whole church sits on a strong stone foundation. When it was first built, small windows lit the basement. These windows are now covered with concrete blocks.
A few small changes have happened over the years. The original front doors and wooden steps were replaced. Also, crosses on the building's corners were removed.
Nearby Buildings
Three other buildings connected to the church are close by. A two-story brick rectory is behind the church. The church bought this building in 1925. A Catholic school is right next door.
Across Clinton Street, you can find a convent. This is where the Sisters of Notre Dame live. It is a two-story building built in 1862. It has an Italianate style.
St. Augustine's Church has a tall brick Gothic tower. This makes its design very different from another old church in Napoleon. First Presbyterian Church is four blocks away. It has an American Gothic outside, made of colorful sandstone.
Becoming a Landmark
In 1982, St. Augustine's Church was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This was because of its important architecture. It is one of only four buildings in Henry County on this list.
The other buildings are the county courthouse, the sheriff's house and jail, and First Presbyterian Church. St. Augustine's Church is still an active church today. It belongs to the Diocese of Toledo.
