St. Paul's Episcopal Church
The former St. Paul's Episcopal Church is a historic Gothic Revival church in Cleveland, Ohio, known for its grand architecture and prominent location on Millionaire's Row. Founded in 1846 as an Episcopal parish, it was rebuilt multiple times before its current structure was completed in the 1870s. Although the Episcopal congregation moved out in the 1920s, the building was acquired by a Catholic monastic group, the Poor Clares, and continues to be used for monastic purposes today, with a new Catholic parish dedicated to St. Paul established on the site in 1949.
Key Facts
- ›Founded as an Episcopal parish in 1846.
- ›Current structure completed in the 1870s in the Gothic Revival style.
- ›Located on Cleveland's wealthy Millionaire's Row.
- ›Acquired by a Catholic monastic group (Poor Clares) in the 1930s.
- ›Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980.
- ›Designed by architect Gordon W. Lloyd.
Gothic Revival
Unusual Architecture of the Bell Tower Peak, Extensive Interior Detailing, Seating For One Thousand Worshippers, Sandstone Exterior From Berea
Gordon W. Lloyd
- Fire Destroyed An Earlier Structure Before Completion.
- Parishioners Moved To A New Building On Euclid Avenue In the 1870s.
- Episcopal Congregation Moved To A New Building In Cleveland Heights In 1928.
- Catholic Diocese Purchased the Building For Monastic Use.
- New Catholic Parish of St. Paul Erected On the Property In 1949.
About St. Paul's Episcopal Church
St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Cleveland, Ohio
The former St. Paul's Episcopal Church is a historically significant religious building located in Cleveland, Ohio. Constructed in the Gothic Revival architectural style, it was designed by the notable architect Gordon W. Lloyd and completed in the 1870s. Its placement on Euclid Avenue's affluent Millionaire's Row made it a prominent landmark, symbolizing the wealth and architectural aspirations of the era.
History and Transition
Founded as an Episcopal parish in 1846, the congregation experienced several relocations and building challenges. After an early structure was lost to fire, a replacement was built in 1851. By the 1870s, as the surrounding downtown area became increasingly commercial, the vestry decided to move the church eastward to Euclid Avenue. This new location, amidst the city's wealthiest residences, enhanced its prominence. However, as the congregation continued to move further east, they constructed a new building in Cleveland Heights in 1928 and sold the Euclid Avenue property.
The vacant building was subsequently purchased by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Cleveland for monastic use. The Poor Clares, a Catholic monastic order dedicated to perpetual Eucharistic adoration, acquired the structure. In 1949, a new Catholic parish, also dedicated to St. Paul, was established to serve the community on the site, continuing the building's religious function under a different denomination.
Architectural Significance and Preservation
St. Paul's church is recognized as one of the few Gothic Revival churches built in Cleveland during the 1870s that remained standing into the 1980s. It was once considered Cleveland's grandest and largest church, distinguished by its elaborate architecture, including the unique peak of its bell tower. The interior features extensive detailing and originally provided seating for one thousand worshippers. The building is clad in sandstone from Berea. In recognition of its architectural merit and historical significance, St. Paul's was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. It is one of thirteen buildings designed by Gordon W. Lloyd that are included on the Register.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was St. Paul's Episcopal Church founded?
The Episcopal parish that would become St. Paul's was founded in late 1846. After initial structures were lost, the current building was constructed in the 1870s.
What architectural style is St. Paul's Episcopal Church?
The church building is constructed in the Gothic Revival style. It is noted for its grand architecture and the distinctive peak of its bell tower.
Is St. Paul's Episcopal Church still used by the original congregation?
No, the original Episcopal congregation moved out in 1928 to a new building. The former church building was purchased by a Catholic monastic group and has been in use for monastic purposes since the 1930s.
What is the current status of St. Paul's Episcopal Church?
The building is still occupied by a Catholic monastic group for perpetual Eucharistic adoration. A Catholic parish dedicated to St. Paul also worships on the property.
Why was St. Paul's Episcopal Church listed on the National Register of Historic Places?
It was listed in 1980 due to its historically significant architecture. It is recognized as one of the few surviving Gothic Revival churches built in Cleveland in the 1870s.
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