St. John's Episcopal Church (Cleveland) 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 located in the Ohio City neighborhood of Cleveland, Ohio. You can find it at 2600 Church Avenue. This church is special because it's the oldest building in Cuyahoga County that has been set aside for religious use.
The church was designed by Hezekiah Eldredge. Construction started in 1836 and finished in 1838. It's built from stone in the Gothic Revival style, which means it looks like old European churches with pointed arches and tall windows.
Contents
The Church's History
St. John's Episcopal Church has a long and interesting history.
How the Church Started
In 1816, a group of Episcopalians met in a log home in Cleveland. They wanted to create a church community. This group became the first Episcopal church in Cleveland.
Later, in 1825, some members moved to a new location near Public Square. They named their church Trinity. The members who stayed in Ohio City formed a new church, which they named St. John's.
Trinity Cathedral is now the main church for the Episcopal Diocese of Ohio. St. John's also helped start several other churches on the west side of Cleveland.
What the Church Looked Like
In 1837, a guide to Ohio City described the church. It said the church was made of "hammered stone" and had a "lofty steeple." The guide mentioned its Gothic style, saying it looked like an "ancient and venerable Cathedral." People thought it would be one of the best buildings in the western part of the country.
The church's original bell, from 1846, is now kept inside the church's entrance area, called the narthex. This was done because the steeple became too weak to hold it. Next to the church, there's a wooden Parish Hall that was built around 1875, also in the Gothic Revival style.
Changes Over Time
St. John's Church has been rebuilt twice. Once, after a fire in the 1880s, and again after a tornado in 1953. Even with these changes, the church's layout is still similar to its original design. Some parts, like the tall, pointed decorations called pinnacles, are no longer there.
A Station on the Underground Railroad
St. John's Church played an important role in history. It was known as "Station Hope" on the Underground Railroad. The Underground Railroad was a secret network of safe houses and routes. It helped enslaved people escape to freedom in the years before the American Civil War.
St. John's Today
An Episcopal church community continued to worship in the building until December 2007. The building is still owned by the Diocese.
Today, St. John's is a place for community events and discussions about social justice. Guest speakers and meetings are often held there. Since 2016, The Rev. Kelly Aughenbaugh has been the Vicar, or leader, of the church.
Every spring, a special event called "Station Hope" takes place at the church. This event celebrates freedom and community. In 2017, for example, over 200 artists came together. They shared short plays, music, stories, and dances. There were also choir performances and art displays. All these works were inspired by important issues of our time. People could explore the historic church and its grounds. This event is free and open to everyone. It is organized with the Cleveland Public Theatre and other community groups.
Noted People Connected to St. John's
- William B. Castle: He was a mayor of Cleveland.
- Mark Hanna: A well-known businessman and Republican politician from Cleveland.
- Hezekiah Eldredge: He was the church's builder, a founding member, and part of the church's governing board.
