| |  |
| | | |  | | | | | Profiles
& Links | | | | Featured
Spaces
(By order of appearance)
The Sacred Spaces production team
visited over sixty churches, temples and mosques throughout Greater Cincinnati.
In a one-hour documentary, we were able to feature only a portion of the magnificent
structures located in our community. This website provides basic information about
the architecture of the spaces featured in the program, as well as links to the
congregational websites of all spaces shown in the documentary. Many congregational
websites have detailed information about the history and artwork of these architectural
treasures, as well as photo galleries, virtual tours and contact and visitor information. |
| Christ
Church Cathedral | | | | | | | | Location:
4th Street and Sycamore, Cincinnati | | | Architectural
style: Modern Gothic | | | Architect:
David Briggs Maxfield | | | Completion
date: 1957, centennial chapel 1917 | | | Artistic
features: stained glass windows. | | Summary | | | | Christ
Church Cathedral serves one of the earliest Episcopalian congregations established
in downtown Cincinnati (ca 1817). The current cathedral, which replaced a gothic
structure, holds several examples of beautiful sacred artworks, including stained
glass windows. | | Interviews: Dan
Hurley, Asst. Vice President, History & Research, Cincinnati Museum Center | | Links:
christchurchcincinnati.org | | |
|
| Covenant-First
Presbyterian Church | | | | | | | | Location:
717 Elm St., Cincinnati | | | Architectural
style: High Victorian Gothic | | | Architect:
William Walter | | | Completion
date: 1875 | | | Artistic
features: woodwork by Henry and William Fry; stain glass by Frank Zinzer;
bell cast at Paul Revere foundry in Boston. | | Summary | | | | Covenant-Church
Presbyterian Church has a rich history and features a tripartite façade
seen in many great European cathedrals. The unique sanctuary, patterned after
English tithe barns, preserves important Fry woodwork, Victorian style windows
from the 1870's, memorial windows donated by prominent families, and 20th century
windows by Cincinnatian Frank Zinzer. | | Interviews:
Walter Langsam, Project Advisor; Jean Hodge, Church Historian. | | Links:
covfirstchurch.org
(church history) | | |
|
| St.
Peter in Chains Cathedral | | | | | | | | Location:
325 West 8th Street, Cincinnati | | | Architectural
style: Greek Revival | | | Architect:
Henry Walter | | | Completion
date: 1845, restored 1957 | | | Artistic
features: murals by Carl Zimmermann; sculptures by Robert Koepnick; Byzantine
mosaic by. | | Summary | | | | St.
Peter in Chains Cathedral has a fascinating history from its original Greek Revival
architecture to the extraordinary restoration effort conducted by the Archdiocese
of Cincinnati. The cathedral preserves numerous artistic treasures, including
a large mosaic made of thousands of pieces of Venetian glass, one of the largest
such works in the United States. | | Interviews:
Rev. Christopher R. Armstrong, former Chancellor, Archdiocese of Cincinnati; Dan
Hurley, Asst. Vice President, History & Research, Cincinnati Museum Center.
| | Links: stpeterinchainscathedral.org
(church history) | | |
|
| St.
Monica - St. George Catholic Church | | | | | | | | Location:
328 W. McMillan Street, Cincinnati, | | | Architectural
style: Byzantine and Romanesque | | | Architect:
Edward J. Schulte | | | Completion
date: 1926 (designed); 1928 (dedicated) | | | Artistic
features: Barnhorn sculptures, stained glass windows, oil paintings and Zimmerman
murals and stencils. | | Summary | | | | St.
Monica -St George Catholic Church, dedicated in 1928, served as the Archdiocesan
Cathedral from 1938 to 1957. The architecture incorporates Byzantine and Romanesque
forms with an elaborate interior preserving beautiful artworks, including sculptures
by Clement Barnhorn (and students), and an apse mural by Carl Zimmerman. | | Interviews:
none | | Links: home.fuse.net/StMonica-StGeorge
(church history, tours and photo gallery) | | |
|
| Plum
Street Temple | | | | | | | | Location:
720 Plum Street, Cincinnati | | | Architectural
style: Moorish Byzantine Gothic | | | Architect:
James K. Wilson | | | Completion
date: 1866, restored 1995 | | | Artistic
features: interior stencils supervised by Francis Pedretti, Rockwern organ
by John. Koehnken. | | Summary | | | | Plum
Street Temple is considered one of the finest examples of Moorish Byzantine Gothic
architecture in the western world. An historic center of Reform Judaism in America,
the temple reflects diverse cultures from its Moorish minarets, Gothic archways
and rose windows to the elaborate stenciling and stained glass windows found in
its beautifully restored interior. | | Interviews:
Rabbi Lewis Kamrass, Senior Rabbi, Isaac M. Wise Temple. | | Links:
wisetemple.org (church
history) | | |
|
| Old
St. Mary's Catholic Church | | | | | | | | Location:
123 E. Thirteenth Street, Cincinnati | | | Architectural
style: Greek Revival | | | Architect:
Franz Ignatz Erd | | | Completion
date: 1841 | | | Artistic
features: woodwork and statuary, paintings by Wilhelm Lamprecht and Anton
Muller. | | Summary | | | | Old
St. Mary's Church is Cincinnati's oldest surviving church building. The Greek
Revival exterior features engaged pilasters and classical entablature with elements
from several other architectural styles popular in the 1800s. The recently restored
interior is adorned with elaborate woodcarvings, sculptures, large oil paintings
and a spectacular trompe l'oeil style ceiling. | | Interviews:
Mike Crusham, Archivist & Tour Guide. Old St. Mary's Catholic Church. | | Links:
www.oldstmarys.org (church
history, archival images, tours) | | |
|
| First
English Lutheran Church | | | | | | | | Location:
1208 Race Street, Cincinnati | | | Architectural
style: Richardsonian Romanesque Revival | | | Architect:
Charles Crapsey & W.R. Brown | | | Completion
date: 1894 | | | Artistic
features: Akron plan interior | | Summary | | | | The
First English Lutheran Church was established in 1814 by a group of German Protestants
who sought to worship in English. The facade features a large Gothic window. The
interior is based on the Akron Plan with folding doors and movable partitions
to accommodate classrooms. | | Interviews:
Walter E. Langsam. Architectural Historian, U.C. | | Links:
firstlutherancincy.org
(church history, image gallery) | | |
|
| Trinity
Episcopal Church | | | | | | | | Location:
16 East Fourth Street, Covington | | | Architectural
style: | | | Architect:
William Tinsley, William Stewart, Louis Piket | | | Completion
date: major alterations 1888 | | | Artistic
features: wood carvings, stained glass windows | | Summary | | | | Trinity
Episcopal Church, organized in 1842, went through a series of architectural alterations
to gradually change into its current L-shaped form. The church holds an incredible
collection of woodcarvings created by churchwomen who were students of Ben Pitman,
and over a dozen beautiful stained glass windows. | | Interviews:
none | | Links: trinitychurchcovky.com
(church history, architecture, artworks, visual tour) | | |
|
| Mother
of God Catholic Church | | | | | | | | Location:
16 West Sixth Street, Covington | | | Architectural
style: Italian Renaissance, Baroque (interior) | | | Architect:
William Walter and William Stewart | | | Completion
date: 1871; alterations Samuel Hannaford & Sons 1915. | | | Artistic
features: Frescos and murals by Johann Schmitt, sculptures by Franz Mayer,
stained glass windows. | | Summary | | | | A
growing community of German American Catholics established The Mother of God Catholic
Church in 1841. The interior preserves numerous artworks, including large murals
created by Johann Schmitt (a teacher of Frank Duveneck), and large stained glass
windows by Franz Mayer and Company of Munich, Germany. | | Interviews:
Dr. Paul Tenkotte, Professor of History, Thomas More College. | | Links:
mother-of-god.org
(church tour, photo gallery) | | |
|
| St.
Mary's Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption | | | | | | Location:
1140 Madison Avenue, Covington | | | Architectural
style: French Gothic | | | Architect:
Leon Coquard, façade design by David Davis | | | Completion
date: 1915 (original phases) | | | Artistic
features: Stained glass windows, Venetian glass mosaics, murals by Frank Duveneck,
sculptures by Clement Barnhorn. | | Summary | | | | Cathedral
Basilica of the Assumption, seat of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Covington, is
one of only 35 minor basilicas in the U.S. This architectural treasure was built
during a series of construction phases from 1894 to 1915. The French Gothic façade
is modeled after Notre Dame, and the vaulted interior houses a magnificent collection
of large stained glass windows, mosaics, sculptures and Duveneck murals. | | Interviews:
Dr. Paul Tenkotte, Professor of History, Thomas More College | | Links:
covcathedral.com (church history, visual tour, visitor information, foundation)
| | |
|
| Mount
Auburn Presbyterian Church | | | | | | | | Location:
103 William Howard Taft Road, Cincinnati | | | Architectural
style: Late Victorian/Richardsonian Romanesque | | | Architect:
H.E. Siter | | | Completion
date: 1890 | | | Artistic
features: oak woodwork, stain glass windows | | Summary | | | | The
Mount Auburn Presbyterian Church is a good example of the Richardsonian Romanesque
Revival style. The building's innovative fan-shaped nave contains carved golden
oak trusses and woodwork, and beautiful stained glass windows that cast a golden
glow. | | Interviews: Walter E. Langsam,
Architectural Historian, U.C. | | Links: mtauburnpresby.org
(church history, photo gallery) | | |
|
| Clifton
United Methodist Church | | | | | | | | Location:
3416 Clifton Avenue, Cincinnati | | | Architectural
style: Richardsonian Romanesque | | | Architect:
Charles Crapsey and W.R. Brown | | | Completion
date: 1892 | | | Artistic
features: Akron plan interior, timberwork and LaFarge and Armstrong stained
glass windows | | Summary | | | | The
Clifton United Methodist Church is another example of the Richardsonian Romanesque
style. Built according to the Akron Plan, the interior has vaulted timberwork
and wooden trusses, and stained glass windows designed by John LaFarge and Maitland
and Helen Armstrong. | | Interviews:
Walter E. Langsam, Architectural Historian, U.C. | | Links:
cliftonumc.com (church
history) | | |
|
| Glendale
New Church | | | | | | | | Location:
845 Congress Avenue, Glendale | | | Architectural
style: English Gothic Revival | | | Architect:
Alfred B. Mullett | | | Completion
date:1861 | | | Artistic
features: stained glass windows, woodwork | | Summary | | | | The
Glendale New Church is home to a Swedenborgian congregation that was established
in 1860. The church is an example of the Carpenter Gothic Revival style with simple
interior spaces, high ceilings, white plaster walls, stained glass windows and
woodcarvings. Woodcarvers Henry & William Fry and Ben Pitman were lifelong
members of the church. | | Interviews:
Beth Sullebarger, Historic Preservation Consultant, Sullebarger Associate | | Links:
newchurch.org/societies/cincinnati
(church history) | | |
|
| Rockdale
Temple | | | | | | | | Location:
8501 Ridge Road, Amberley Village | | | Architectural
style: Modern | | | Architect:
| | | Completion
date: 1969 | | | Artistic
features: modern interior designs | | Summary | | | | K.K.
Bene Israel - Rockdale Temple, is the oldest Jewish congregation in Cincinnati.
Founded in 1824, this Reform Judaism congregation had several homes in downtown
Cincinnati before moving into its present modern-style temple in 1969. | | Interviews:
Karla Goldman, Ph.D., Historian-in-Residence, Jewish Women's Archive | | Links:
rockdaletemple.org
(temple history, archival photos) | | |
|
| Zion
Temple First Pentecostal Church | | | | | | | | Location:
3556 Reading Road, Avondale | | | Architectural
style: Neo Romanesque | | | Architect:
A. Lincoln Fechheimer & Benjamin Ihorst | | | Completion
date: 1927, rededicated 1973 | | | Artistic
features: Buff stone, stained glass windows | | Summary | | | | Zion
Temple First Pentecostal Church originated in 1920 on Third Street in downtown
Cincinnati. The growing congregation worshiped in several locations before moving
into the historic Isaac M. Wise Temple, which was renovated into its present sanctuary
and school. | | Interviews: : Karla
Goldman, Ph.D., Historian in Residence, Jewish Women's Archive; Dan Hurley; Rev.
Damon Lynch, Jr., Presiding Co-Chair, National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. | | Links:
ztfpc.com (church history)
| | |
|
| Southern
Baptist Church | | | | | | | | Location:
3556 Reading Road, Avondale | | | Architectural
style: | | | Architect:
Oscar Schwartz | | | Completion
date: 1926, rededicated 1963 | | | Artistic
features: interior ornaments and artworks | | Summary | | | | The
Southern Baptist Church was established in 1917 by African Americans who had migrated
to Cincinnati from the southern U.S. The congregation worshiped in several locations
before development projects forced many residents and churches to relocate from
the West End. In 1963, the congregation purchased the former Adath Israel Synagogue,
which was renovated for its growing services and programs. | | Interviews:
Eartell Brownlow, Church Member, Southern Baptist Church; Karla Goldman, Ph.D.,
Historian in Residence, Jewish Women's Archive; Dan Hurley; Rev. Damon Lynch,
Jr., Presiding Co-Chair, National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. | | Links:
sbc-cincinnati.org
(church history) | | |
|
| Allen
Temple African Methodist Episcopal Church | | | | | | Location:
7080 Reading Road, Bond Hill | | | Architectural
style: Contemporary | | | Architect:
Moody Nolan, Inc. | | | Completion
date: 2004 | | | Artistic
features: modern sculptures, banners, ornamentation | | Summary | | | | The
Allen Temple African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church, first organized in 1824,
is the oldest black congregation in Cincinnati. Allen Temple moved out of an historic
building downtown - originally owned by KK Bene Israel - that was torn down to
make room for the expansion of Procter & Gamble's headquarters. The congregation
built its modern worship center in 2004. | | Interviews:
Rev. Damon Lynch, Jr., Presiding Co-Chair, National Underground Railroad Freedom
Center. | | Links: allentemple.org
(temple history) | | |
|
| Union
Baptist Church | | | | | | | | Location:
405 West Seventh Street, Cincinnati | | | Architectural
style: Modern | | | Architect:
Glaser & Myers | | | Completion
date: 1971 | | | Artistic
features: contemporary interior designs | | Summary | | | | Union
Baptist Church is the oldest African American Baptist Church in Cincinnati. Established
in 1831, the congregation held services in several downtown locations before being
forced to relocate due to urban renewal. The congregation remained in the downtown
area, dedicating its modern brick church in 1971. | | Interviews:
Rev. Damon Lynch, Jr., Presiding Co-Chair, National Underground Railroad Freedom
Center. | | Links: union-baptist.net
(church history, archival photos) | | |
|
| Holy
Trinity - St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church | | | | | | Location:
7000 Winton Road, Finneytown | | | Architectural
style: Modern Byzantine | | | Architect:
Camburas & Theodore | | | Completion
date: 1972 | | | Artistic
features: Byzantine mosaics, stained glass windows. | | Summary | | | | Holy
Trinity-St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, founded in 1907, is the oldest Greek
Orthodox parish on record in Ohio. In 1972, the congregation moved into its present
church, a modern Byzantine building full of colorful mosaics, stained glass windows
and modern ornamentation. | | Interviews:
none | | Links: holytrinity.oh.goarch.org
(church history, photo galleries, virtual tours) | | |
|
| St.
John's Unitarian Universalist Church | | | | | | | | Location:
320 Resor Avenue, Clifton | | | Architectural
style: Modern | | | Architect:
John M. Garber; Garber, Tweddel & Wheeler | | | Completion
date: 1959 | | | Artistic
features: modern sculpture by Harry Bertoia | | Summary | | | | St.
John's Unitarian Universalist Church presents modern architectural elements, including
dozens of slender spires over its white exterior. The interior space holds a modern
sculpture by Harry Bertoia entitled, "Joy." | | Interviews:
none | | Links: stjohnsuu.org
| | |
|
| The
Oratory at Grailville | | | | | | | | Location:
932 O'Bannonville Road, Loveland | | | Architectural
style: Adaptive re-use | | | Architect:
Garber, Tweddel & Wheeler; designer William Schickel | | | Completion
date: 1962 | | | Artistic
features: Baptismal, alter for forward facing mass. | | Summary | | | | The
Oratory at Grailville was refashioned from a dairy barn on this 300-acre retreat
center in southwest Ohio. Designer William Schickel describes the atmosphere of
the interior space as "frugal splendor," with simplistic materials and
a floor plan influenced by Vatican II. | | Interviews:
William Schickel, Artist & Designer, William Schickel Gallery | | Links:
grailville.org | | |
|
| Hindu
Temple of Greater Cincinnati | | | | | | | | Location:
4920 Klatte Road, Summerside | | | Architectural
style: Northern Indian | | | Architect:
William Fiedler | | | Completion
date: 1997 | | | Artistic
features: Sixteen deities | | Summary | | | | The
Hindu Temple of Greater Cincinnati features domes inspired by Northern Indian
architecture. The interior space holds sixteen deities, reflecting the diversity
within Cincinnati's growing Hindu population. | | Interviews:
none | | Links: cincinnatitemple.com
(temple history, photo gallery) | | |
|
| Islamic
Center of Greater Cincinnati | | | | | | | | Location:
8092 Plantation Drive, West Chester | | | Architectural
style: Umayyad and Moorish | | | Architect:
Ahmad Samawi, Ramsey Mahlawi, Gerry Foote | | | Completion
date: 1995 | | | Artistic
features: large chandelier, geometric designs, artistic calligraphy, Beauverre
skylights and windows | | Summary | | | | The
Islamic Center of Greater Cincinnati is a modern structure reflecting traditional
architecture and the diversity of its congregation. The exterior features a minaret
and a large mosque capped by a golden dome built in the shape of an eight-pointed
star. The mosque's interior has colorful skylights, a two-ton chandelier, geometric
designs and artistic calligraphy based on the Koran. | | Interviews:
Shakila Ahmad, Trustee, Tours and Talks Chair, Islamic Center of Greater Cincinnati
| | Links: icgc.info
(center history, photos and tours) | | |
|
| Vineyard
Community Church | | | | | | | | Location:
11340 Century Circle East, Springdale | | | Architectural
style: postmodern | | | Architect:
Mark Davis, Cincinnati United Contractors, Hi-Five Development Co. | | | Completion
date: 1999 | | | Artistic
features: auditorium | | Summary | | | | Vineyard
Community Church is an inter-denominational congregation established in Cincinnati
in 1983. The postmodern architecture features a large central auditorium for lively
contemporary services and a variety of smaller rooms for meetings and classes.
The interior design is intended to create a simple, informal atmosphere for multiple
services and programs. | | Interviews:
none | | Links: vineyardcincinnati.com
(church history, visual tour) | | |
|
| Crossroads
Community Church | | | | | | | | Location:
3500 Madison Road, Oakley | | | Architectural
style: postmodern | | | Architect:
Ben Richards, Champlin-Haupt Architects | | | Completion
date: 2001 | | | Artistic
features: auditorium | | Summary | | | | Crossroads
Community Church is an inter-denominational church established in 1995. The congregation
moved into its post-modern building in 2001. The main structure, converted from
a hardware store, features a large auditorium for contemporary services, and a
variety of smaller spaces for community meetings, classes and programs. | | Interviews:
none | | Links: crossroads.net
(church history) | | |
|
| St.
Pius Church (Working In Neighborhoods Center) | | | | | | Location:
1814 Dreman Ave, South Cumminsville | | | Architectural
style: Romansque Revival | | | Architect:
Kunz & Beck | | | Completion
date: 1927 | | | Artistic
features: Mosaics, stained glass | Summary
| | | | St.
Pius Church is an outstanding example of adaptive re-use of a redundant church
complex, including the church, rectory and school, into offices of a social service
agency, community center and housing. The magnificent Romanesque-style church
features twin towers, exquisite mosaic Stations of the Cross, frescoed ceilings,
and stained glass windows by F. X. Zettler of Munich. | | Interviews:
None | | Links: wincincy.org | | |
|
| Holy
Cross-Immaculata | | | | | | | | Location:
30 Guido Street, Mount Adams | | | Architectural
style: Gothic Revival | | | Architect:
Louis Picket & Sons | | | Completion
date: 1860 | | | Artistic
features: stain glass windows | | Summary | | | | Holy
Cross-Immaculata Church was built for a German congregation in Mount Adams. Overlooking
downtown Cincinnati, this Gothic-style church has been renovated in a unique community
effort, preserving stained glass windows, murals by artist Johann Schmitt and
a 19th century Koehnken and Grimm pipe organ. The parish is best known as the
destination for thousands of pilgrims who pray the steps of Mount Adams on Good
Friday. | | Interviews: none | | Links:
hciparish.org (church history
and photos) | | |
|
Additional
Spaces
(By order of appearance) |
Nast
Trinity United Methodist Church - nasttrinity.org
First
United Methodist Church, Covington
First Baptist Church, Covington
Greater
New Light Baptist Church, Cincinnati
St. Francis De Sales Catholic Church,
East Walnut Hills - desalescincy.org
Philippus
United Church of Christ, Cincinnati - philippus.org
The
Episcopal Church of Saint Michael and All Angels - episcopal-dso.org
Knox
Presbyterian Church, Hyde Park - knox.org
Prince
of Peace Lutheran Church, Over-The-Rhine
Eastminster Presbyterian Church, Madisonville
- presbyteryofcincinnati.org
St.
Rose of Lima Catholic Church, East End
Carmel Presbyterian Church, Avondale
- presbyteryofcincinnati.org
St. Lawrence Catholic Church, Price Hill - stlawrenceparish.org
Second
Church of Christ, Scientist, Clifton - christiansciencecincinnati.com
Our
Lord Christ the King Catholic Church, Mt. Lookout - ourlordchristtheking.org
St.
Bonaventure Catholic Church (remnant façade), South Fairmount
Hyde Park
Community United Methodist Church - hydeparkchurch.com
Grace
United Methodist Church, Norwood - graceumc.us
Philippus
United Church of Christ, Over-the-Rhine - philippus.org
Christ
Church, Glendale - christchurchglendale.org
Church
of the Annunciation, Clifton - bvmannunciation.org
St.
Paul's Catholic Church (Verdin Bell Event Center), Over-the-Rhine - verdin.com
Third
Protestant Memorial Church (Urban Outfitters Clothing Store), Corryville
Old
St. George Church, Clifton
Solid Rock Church, Monroe - solidrockchurch.org
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