(216) 631-5633

          The St. Stephen Parish arose from a division necessitated by the increase of the St. Mary parish which used to be on W. 30th St.  The first Bishop of Cleveland, Rt. Rev. Amadeus Rappe laid the plans for a two story building that would serve as both church and school to German speaking Catholics west of 44th St.  By 1873 that building was too small, so the current building's construction began.  Parishioners mortgages their own homes and businesses to raise the needed funds.  The church of St. Stephen was dedicated on Nov. 20th, 1881.  It is made entirely of the best Amherst sandstone. The Gothic cross shape is decorated with incredible wood carvings, tree-like pillars, a 25 foot high pulpit, German imported stained glass windows, a traditional high alter, and so much more.  The number of saint statues makes one feel as though they are in heaven.  The workmanship and decoration is an awesome sight and can not be justified by our highlighting pictures.  There's truly something interesting and inspiring in every direction. 

        The exterior has a feature not found anywhere else in our diocese.  There are "working" gargoyles.  The built-in stone gutter under the window and above the front side doors diverts rain to either side through the mouths of the mythical creatures.  I happened to be there when they were being demonstrated with a garden hose.

         If you enjoy traditional churches you'll love St. Stephen.  It truly is a display of God given talents and determination.  On Nov. 11, 1977 this church was appointed to the National Register of Historic Places.  Constant effort is made by parishioners, students, the St. Stephen Alumni Association, and others to restore and maintain this fascinating church building.  Tax deductible donations can be  mailed to the Historic St. Stephen Restoration Fund at the address above.  Weekend Masses are at 5:00 pm for the Saturday Vigil and Sunday 8 and 11 am, with a Latin Tridentine Mass at 9:30 am.  Stop in and say hello to Pastor S. Michael Franz.

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