St. Stephen Catholic Church In Cleveland Is A Cross-Shaped Architectural Marvel
By Nikki Rhoades|Published January 12, 2021
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Nikki Rhoades
Author
Nikki is a lifelong Ohioan with a love for literature. She holds a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Akron and has enjoyed publishing her written work since 2007. She has a love of travel and does so frequently, though she believes that home is where the heart is — she continues to work in and around Cleveland as a digital content specialist to this day, working on everything from commercial scripts and social media posts to grassroots marketing initiatives.
Cleveland is home to all sorts of magnificent churches, and many are on the National Register of Historic Places. With such a bragging right, it’s no wonder The Land is overflowing with magnificent architecture. Gothic, Italianate, Victorian, and other architectural styles dazzle throughout the city. However, some of the most amazing hidden features lie not only in the style of design, but in subtle elements like shape. Today, we’re going to look at one of the most beautiful Catholic churches in Cleveland, which dazzles inside and out. Check it out:
When it comes to landmarks in the Detroit-Shoreway neighborhood, few places are as instantly recognizable as St. Stephen Roman Catholic Church.
Located at 1930 W 54th St, Cleveland, OH 44102, St. Stephen's is hard to miss. It towers above the landscape in striking Gothic glory, and it is surrounded by a lush and verdant landscape in the warmer months.
This gorgeously crafted church, now a part of the National Register of Historic Places, was built in 1875.
The church was founded to accommodate a growing German population in Cleveland. The first mass was said on May 1 of 1870, just over one year after Cleveland's first bishop called for the construction of a new church.
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This Gothic-style church is 165 feet long and 74 feet wide, and you might notice something interesting about its design if you look closely...
Cudell & Richardson designed the site, as well as several other famous Cleveland landmarks including Franklin Castle, a site surrounded by urban legend to this day.
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...This religious site is cruciform, meaning it is actually shaped like a cross.
Peterborough Cathedral in the United Kingdom is perhaps the most famous cruciform church; however, our smaller local version of this famous design trend is every bit as magnificent... if not a few centuries younger.
The interior of this church is elegant beyond compare. A beautifully carved altar and stunningly colored stained glass windows will dazzle you during your visit.
If you're wondering how such extravagant architecture came to be in Cleveland, you'll have to look to its original parish.
The Clevelanders that originally found solace within St. Stephen's parish were of German descent, a population that had been gaining steam on the West Side. As 1900 came along, this church was home to the largest number of German Catholics in The Land.
Following World War II, there was social pressure for Germans to assimilate... as a result, St. Stephen's became more "Cleveland" than ever.
In Cleveland, there's something magical about embracing your heritage and making it approachable for people of different backgrounds. That's exactly what St. Stephen's did! They expanded to be more inclusive to area Catholics. while still focusing on traditional German values and events, and while continuing to offer German Mass socials.
While the church has evolved over the years, it's as beautiful today as when it was first unveiled.
When it comes to beautiful Catholic churches in Cleveland, few places dazzle quite like St. Stephen’s. What local church is your favorite when it comes to architecture? Tell us in the comments!
