It is no secret that Cleveland is a cultural hub. The Czech, German, Slovenian, Chinese, Polish, Irish, Italian and other immigrants that populated this lakeside city helped to shape its neighborhoods, cuisine and religious traditions and institutions. Here, in no particular order, is just a handful of possible stops on a tour of Cleveland’s religious past and present:
Old Stone Church 91 Public Square, Cleveland, Ohio oldstonechurch.org
The oldest structure on Public Square, the formally named First Presbyterian Church has become a Cleveland landmark. Though the Victorian Romanesque structure was damaged in a fire in 1857, it was quickly restored. If graceful carvings, a trussed wood and barrel-vaulted ceiling stained glass windows by Louis Comfort Tiffany and John LaFarge aren’t enough reason to visit, the Old Stone Church offers regular musical performances and its own art gallery dedicated to art and artists focused on the vitality of the urban core. Doors are open from 11am-3pm Monday through Friday.
Hebrew Cultural Garden 1160 East Boulevard, Cleveland, Ohio culturalgardens.org
The first garden that launched what would become the Cleveland Cultural Gardens, the Hebrew Garden is a dedication to Zionism and local Jewry. Created in 1926, the Garden’s design is a tribute to various local Jewish figures and organizations. While you’re there, check out the rest of what may have been the world’s first peace garden and get a better understanding of immigration, heritage and history as well as a physical expression of how Clevelanders have built communities and constructed identities. Private tours are available upon request.
Wade Memorial Chapel 12316 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio lakeviewcemetery.com
Inside the historic Lake View Cemetery lies the intricately detailed Wade Chapel. One of the few remaining interiors entirely designed by Louis Comfort Tiffany, it is illuminated by an attention-grabbing stained glass window, The Flight of Souls, which won a gold medal during the 1900 Exposition Universelle in Paris. The chapel is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is in good company on the artful grounds of the historic cemetery. Unless there is a special event scheduled, the Chapel is open daily, April 1 through November 19, from 9am until 4pm. Interpretive guides staff the facility during those hours.
The Museum of Divine Statues 12905 Madison Ave. Lakewood, Ohio museumofdivinestatues.com
Housed in the home of a former church, statues and other sacred artifacts are restored from decommissioned Catholic parishes. Abandoned relics are repurposed and displayed in a respectful museum setting. Museum hours are 12-4pm on Sundays. Group tours for 30 or more are available upon request.
The Shrine Church of St. Stanislaus 3649 East 65th Street Cleveland, Ohio ststanislaus.org
Nestled in Cleveland’s ethnic Slavic Village neighborhood, the St. Stanislaus Church was established in the late 1800s to serve a growing number of Polish immigrants. The Church is included on the National Register of Historic Places. To see its stained glass windows, relics and frescoed walls on a visit or group tour, call 216.341.9091.
Historic Kirtland Visitors’ Center 7800 Kirtland-Chardon Road Kirtland, Ohio lds.org
Tucked away in Historic Kirtland is the small town where founding members of the Mormon Church lived. Beautiful natural landscapes and nostalgic buildings line the settlement. Village tours include an overview of the region’s historic significance to the faith. Visitors’ Center open Monday through Saturday 9am-9pm and Sunday 11:30am-9pm.
St. Theodosius Russian Orthodox Cathedral 733 Starkweather Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio sttheodosius.org
As the oldest Orthodox Christian church in the State of Ohio, the building also has landed itself on the National Register of Historic Places. Founded by Russian immigrants between 1911 and 1912, the church is one of the finest examples of Russian architecture in the United States. Locals remember St. Theodosius’s appearance in the 1978 film, The Deer Hunter with Robert De Niro, Christopher Walken and Meryl Streep. Open for visitation during regular business hours, 9am-3pm Monday through Friday.
Liberty Hill Baptist Church (formerly Euclid Avenue Temple) 8206 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio libertyhillbc.org
Once home to Cleveland’s oldest existing Jewish congregation, the former Euclid Avenue Temple building, with its exquisite Tiffany-designed windows and a unique organ, is an interesting relic of early Cleveland Jewry. Now home to Liberty Hill Baptist church, visitation welcome Tuesday through Friday, 10am-2pm.
The Islamic Center of Cleveland 6055 W. 130th Street Parma, Ohio iccleveland.org
Easily one of the most stunning pieces of architecture in Northeast Ohio, the ICC’s suburban mosque is a fairly new incarnation of a longstanding congregation in the region. Acting as a place for spiritual, educational and recreational life, the ICC has maintained a commitment to diversity. Schedule a tour in advance on the website.
Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage 2929 Richmond Road Beachwood, Ohio maltzmuseum.org
Shameless plug. Don’t forget to stop by the Museum. From the documenting immigration history to celebrating artistic expression, the Maltz Museum explores issues around identity to encourage connection and promote a greater appreciation for Jewish heritage and the diversity of the human experience. The Museum’s Temple-Tifereth Israel Gallery offers a collection of Judaica including ritual objects, sacred books and scrolls and fine art from all over the world.
For other faith-based tour ideas, check out sacred landmarks suggestions from Cleveland Historical, the Cleveland Jewish History website and Lloyd H. Ellis Jr.’s A Guide to Greater Cleveland’s Sacred Landmarks from Kent State University Press (2012). –Jessica Friedman, intern, Cleveland Hillel Foundation Summer Internship Program 2014
