St. John's Episcopal Church (Cleveland, Ohio) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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St. John's Episcopal Church
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Front of the church
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 Location in Cleveland
Location in Ohio
Location in the United States
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| Location | 2600 Church St., Cleveland, Ohio |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1838 |
| Architect | Hezekiah Eldredge |
| Architectural style | Gothic Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 73001418 |
| Added to NRHP | February 23, 1973 |
St. John's Episcopal Church is a historic building in Cleveland, Ohio. It stands in the Ohio City neighborhood. This church is the oldest building in Cuyahoga County that is still used for religious purposes. It was designed by Hezekiah Eldredge. Construction started in 1836 and finished in 1838. The church has a special Gothic Revival style. This style was inspired by old European cathedrals.
Contents
History of St. John's Church
How the Church Began
In 1816, a group of Episcopalians met to start a church. They met in a log home in what is now Cleveland's west side. This group formed what was first called Trinity Parish. It was the first Episcopal congregation in Cleveland.
Later, in 1825, some members moved the original Trinity Parish. They moved it from Ohio City to a spot near Public Square. The members who stayed in Ohio City started a new church. They named it St. John's. Today, Trinity Cathedral is the main church for the Episcopal Diocese of Ohio. St. John's also helped start other churches on the west side.
Early Descriptions of the Building
In 1837, the Ohio City Directory described the church. It said the church was made of stone. It also had a tall steeple. The directory noted its Gothic style. It compared it to an old, respected Cathedral. The description said it would be one of the best buildings in the western country. It would be an ornament to the young city.
Changes Over Time
The church has been rebuilt two times. Once was after a fire in the 1880s. The second time was after a tornado in 1953. The church's design today is similar to its original plan. The original bell from 1846 is now inside the church. It is in the west side of the narthex. This was done because the steeple became weak. Next to the church is a Parish Hall. It was built around 1875.
St. John's was once more fancy than it is now. For example, the church's pinnacles are no longer there.
St. John's and the Underground Railroad
St. John's Church played a very important role in history. It was known as "Station Hope" on the Underground Railroad. The Underground Railroad was a secret network. It helped enslaved people find freedom. They traveled from the Southern United States to free states or Canada. St. John's Church offered a safe place for them.
Station Hope Event
Today, a special event called "Station Hope" happens every spring. It is a celebration of freedom and hope. More than 200 artists take part in this event. They use theater, music, storytelling, and dance. There are also choir performances and art displays. These works are inspired by important issues of our time. The event takes place at St. John's Episcopal Church. It is free and open to everyone. This event helps people remember the church's history. It also encourages discussions about social justice.
Noted Members of St. John's
Many important people were part of St. John's Church.
- William B. Castle: He was a mayor of Cleveland.
- Mark Hanna: He was a powerful industrialist and politician from Cleveland.
- Hezekiah Eldredge: He was the church's builder. He was also a founding member of the church.
