Cleveland’s First Presbyterian Church, widely known as the Old Stone Church, stands tall over the city’s Public Square. Pay a visit to the oldest structure in Cleveland’s town centre, taking a moment to admire its tall, thin steeple and its gorgeous Romanesque exterior design. Head inside to experience the church’s enchanting Sanctuary, as light filters in through the stained glass windows.
First built in 1834, the Old Stone Church was rebuilt in 1855 because the population of Cleveland was expanding so rapidly. The church was damaged by fires in 1857 and in 1884, but twice it was renovated and today it remains an important feature of the city’s civic and religious life.
The iconic steeple of the church is recognisable from all over town, and you will see it long before you arrive at the Public Square. Pause a while in front of the church to take in its elegant exterior decoration. The simple shapes carved around the windows are a typical feature of Victorian Romanesque design.
Observe the church’s sandstone bricks, which are varying shades of yellow and grey. Originally just known as the Stone Church, the building was dubbed the ‘Old’ Stone Church on account of the greying effect of time on the sandstone.
Head inside and savour the enchanting atmosphere of the Sanctuary. The ceilings are lined with golden oak panelling, and colourful light streams through stained glass windows onto the altar. The American artist Louis Comfort Tiffany produced four of these windows, including The Recording Angel and Beside the Still Waters.
The Old Stone Church is free to enter and open daily. Guided tours are available by prearrangement, but only for groups of 10 or more people. Attend a Sunday service to see the church at its grandest, as the high room is filled with choral song and the sounds of the impressive church organ. The Old Stone Church is located in the northwest of Public Square in downtown Cleveland.
