St. Paul's Episcopal Church (Cleveland, Ohio) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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St. Paul's Episcopal Church
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Front and western side
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 Location in Cleveland
Location in Ohio
Location in the United States
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| Location | 4120 Euclid Ave. Cleveland, Ohio |
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| Area | Less than 1 acre (0.40 ha) |
| Built | 1876 |
| Architect | Gordon W. Lloyd; Andrew Dall |
| Architectural style | Gothic Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 80002979 |
| Added to NRHP | November 25, 1980 |
The former St. Paul's Episcopal Church is a very old and important building in Cleveland, Ohio, United States. It was built for a church group called the Episcopalians. The building is known for its beautiful and grand design. It was located on a street called Millionaire's Row, where many rich people lived. Even though the original church group moved out in the 1920s, a Catholic group bought it. They still use it today. This church was recognized as a special historic place in 1980.
Church History: From Episcopalian to Catholic
St. Paul's Episcopal Church started in late 1846. For two years, the church members met in a hotel. Then, they built their first church building downtown. A fire destroyed this building before it was even finished. But people from all over the city helped by giving money. This allowed them to build a new brick church in 1851.
By the 1870s, the area around the church became mostly shops and businesses. So, the church leaders sold the building. They rented other places while building the current church. This new church was built farther east on Euclid Avenue. It was placed right in the middle of Millionaire's Row. This was a fancy neighborhood where many rich families lived. The church quickly became a symbol of this wealthy area.
However, over time, more church members moved even farther east. In 1928, a new building was built in Cleveland Heights. Meanwhile, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Cleveland was looking for a place. They wanted to set up a monastery for a group of nuns called the Poor Clares. These nuns focus on prayer.
Two years after the Episcopalians moved, they wanted to sell their old building. The Catholic diocese bought it for the nuns to use as a monastery. In 1949, a new Catholic church was also started on the property. It was also named St. Paul's, just like the original church. This Catholic church and monastery are still there today.
Building Design and Construction
The St. Paul's church building is special. It is one of only six Gothic Revival churches built in Cleveland during the 1870s that are still standing today. At one time, it was thought to be Cleveland's grandest and largest church. It has a unique design, especially the top of its bell tower.
Inside, the church is very open and has many detailed decorations. It was built to hold one thousand people for worship. The outside of the building is covered with sandstone from Berea. The church was designed by Gordon W. Lloyd. He was an architect from Detroit. He also designed other grand churches in Ohio. These include Trinity Episcopal Church in Columbus and St. Paul's Episcopal Church in the smaller town of Medina.
Recognized as a Historic Place
In 1980, St. Paul's was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This is a list of places in the United States that are important to history. The church was added because of its historically significant architecture. It is one of thirteen buildings designed by Gordon W. Lloyd that are on this list. Ten of these buildings are churches.
