St. Augustine's Catholic Church (Napoleon, Ohio) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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St. Augustine's Catholic Church
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Front of St. Augustine's Church
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 Location in Ohio
Location in the United States
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| Location | 210 E. Clinton St. at corner of Monroe and Clinton Streets, Napoleon, Ohio |
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| 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 building in Napoleon, Ohio, United States. It stands near the edge of the city's downtown area. This church is a well-known landmark in Napoleon. It is located just two blocks from the Henry County Courthouse.
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History of St. Augustine's Church
St. Augustine Parish started sometime between 1856 and 1858. Its first priest was Michael Pietz. The church was named after St. Augustine to honor Augustine Pilliod. He helped oversee the building of the first church structure.
That first building was later replaced by the church you see today. The current church was built for about $21,893. Most of the construction was finished in 1881. However, the special altars inside were not put in until 1888.
Church Architecture and Design
St. Augustine's Church is a great example of Gothic Revival architecture. This style means it looks like old European churches from the Middle Ages. Both the outside and inside of the church show many features of this style.
Inside the Church
The church has a very high ceiling. It is held up by many Gothic arches. These arches create a grand and open space above the main area where people gather. The sanctuary has a beautiful wooden altar and pews. Large stained glass windows are on the front, back, and sides of the church. They let in colorful light, making the inside bright and welcoming.
Outside the Church
The outside of the building is made of brick. It has stone decorations around the edges. A tall steeple sits on top of the church. It reaches about 200 feet (61 meters) into the sky. The whole church building rests on a strong stone foundation. When it was first built, small windows in the basement let in light. These windows have since been covered with concrete blocks. A few other small changes have been made over the years. For example, the original front doors and wooden steps were replaced. Also, crosses that were on the building's corners were removed.
Nearby Church Buildings
Three other buildings connected to the church are located 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 to the church. Across Clinton Street from the church is a convent. This building belongs to the School Sisters of Notre Dame. It is a two-story building built in 1862 in the 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 located a few blocks away. It has an American Gothic style outside. Its exterior is built from different colored sandstone.
St. Augustine's Church Today
In 1982, St. Augustine's Church was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it is recognized as an important historical building. It was listed because of its special architectural design. It is one of only four buildings in Henry County on this Register. The others 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 is part of the Diocese of Toledo. It belongs to the Our Lady Queen of Peace Deanery within the diocese.
