St. Michael the Archangel Church (Cleveland, Ohio) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church
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St. Michael the Archangel Church
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 Location in Cleveland
Location in Ohio
Location in the United States
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| Location | 3114 Scranton Rd., Cleveland, Ohio |
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| Built | 1892 |
| Architect | Adolphus Druiding |
| Architectural style | Gothic |
| NRHP reference No. | 74001452 |
| Added to NRHP | January 18, 1974 |
St. Michael the Archangel Church is a Catholic church located in Cleveland, Ohio. It stands at 3114 Scranton Road in the Tremont neighborhood. This church is named after St. Michael the Archangel, an important figure in Christian beliefs. The building was finished in 1892.
Contents
History of St. Michael's Church
Early Beginnings and Growth
The church community, also called a congregation, started in 1881. It began as a small "mission" from another church, St. Mary's on-the-Flats. Its main goal was to serve the many German immigrants who were moving to Cleveland's west side.
The first church and school building was built in 1883. Sadly, this building burned down on June 29, 1891. This happened while a new, bigger church was already being built.
Building the Current Church
The construction of the current church began in 1889. A special stone, called a cornerstone, was laid to mark the start of building. Amazingly, the church was completed in 1892. This was five years earlier than planned!
Changes in the Community
In the 1950s, the church community was at its largest. By then, only about 25% of the people attending were of German background. This shows how the neighborhood was changing.
In 1971, the first Mass (a Catholic church service) was held in Spanish. This was to welcome the growing number of Hispanic families. Today, most of the church members are from Latin American countries. The church now offers Masses in both English and Spanish.
Good Friday Procession
Every year on Good Friday, a special Procession takes place. It either starts or ends at St. Michael's Church. This procession alternates each year with La Sagrada Familia church. Along the way, there is a stop at St. Patrick's on Bridge Avenue. Here, people listen to the first part of the Mass before continuing their journey. St. Michael's Church has become a very important place for Hispanic culture in Cleveland.
Architecture of the Church Building
Gothic Style and Towers
The church building is a great example of High Victorian Gothic architecture. This style is known for its dramatic and detailed designs. St. Michael's has two towers, which are different in height. The taller tower reaches an impressive 232 feet (71 m) into the sky. The church also features three large archways at its entrance.
Notable School Building
Next to the church, there is an architecturally important school building. Its construction started in 1906 and was finished in 1907. For many years, St. Michael's Church was known as one of the most beautiful and expensive churches in the Cleveland Diocese.
