If you've ever watched the blockbuster movie of 1989, "Major League," you've heard Randy Newman sing the lyrics:
"Cleveland city of light city of magic Cleveland city of light you're calling me Cleveland, even now I can remember Cause the Cuyahoga River Goes smokin' through my dreams"
Cleveland is a significant manufacturing center in the United States, because of its location on shores of Lake Erie. At one time, in the 1920s, it was the fifth largest city in America. The town has a rich history beginning in 1796, even though it would not be incorporated until 1814. Although Cleveland is mostly known for being a transportation hub and sports "City of Champions," it is home to the largest concentration of historic churches in the country. The Tremont neighborhood has nine churches that date back to the early days of the town.
St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church
Orthodox churches are known for their ornate designs and stunning artwork. St. George's is no exception. It's a heavy stone structure built in 1892 for a Methodist church. The architecture is Romanesque. Make sure to note the small onion domes at the base of the steeple, which were added by St. George's congregation when they took over the building.
Zion United Church of Christ
This church once held services only in German. The congregation dates back to 1867. The building is noted for its 175-foot steeple, but the sanctuary can seat 1,500 people. It's a popular place for weddings, but the ministry is still going strong today.
St. Augustine Roman Catholic Church
This red brick church is a stunning example of Victorian architecture. Although it doesn't have the prominence that many Catholic churches have, it is a beautiful building. Today, the church is very active in the community, providing ministry to the disabled, deaf and homeless.
St. John Cantius Catholic Church
At St. John's, services are still held in Polish, but also in Spanish and English. The building was constructed in 1925, in the Polish Cathedral style, but the congregation was established in 1898. It is a very prominent building in Tremont.
Pilgrim Congregational United Church of Christ
This church is almost next door to Zion United Church of Christ, on the same side of the block. It stands out with a 150-foot tower and turrets. The cornerstone for the building was laid in 1893. The exterior is sandstone from Jacobville, Michigan, and you can still see the original color. Inside, the woodwork, pews and wainscoting are golden oak. The church houses two Tiffany windows and a Ferrand-Votey pipe organ.
Holy Ghost Byzantine Church
This church was built in 1909 to serve Slavic immigrants known as Rusin, not to be confused with Russians. In just 28 years, the congregation had 900 families. The church closed in 2009, but the exterior architecture is absolutely wonderful and traditional of the Byzantine style.
St. Peter and Paul Church
The Tremont area is home to many European immigrants. This church was built in 1902 for Ukrainian families in the area. The exterior is yellow brick. The bell tower replaced an onion dome when the church was renovated in 1956. The congregation is still a vital part of the community.
St. Theodosius Russian Orthodox Cathedral
The best viewing of St. Theodosius is at night, when the onion domes can be seen throughout the center of Cleveland. This orthodox church was built in 1911, and it's the oldest one in the Cleveland area. It's classic Russian Orthodox architecture and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The building made an appearance in the 1979 Oscar winner "The Deer Hunter" starring Robert De Niro, Christopher Walken and Meryl Streep.
