Old St. Mary's Church, located in the heart of Cincinnati's historic Over-The-Rhine neighborhood, is a beacon of faith and history. As the oldest continually-used house of worship in Cincinnati, it stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of the city's early German Catholic immigrants. With its stunning Greek Revival architecture, rich history, and vibrant community, Old St. Mary's Church is more than just a place of worship—it's a living testament to the resilience and unity of its parishioners and a cherished landmark in Cincinnati. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a nature lover, or an admirer of architectural beauty, Old St. Mary's Church offers a unique and enriching experience for all visitors. We will delve into the fascinating history, architectural beauty, and vibrant community of Old St. Mary's Church. Let's embark on this journey together.
Landmark Name
Location
Year Established
Significance
Old St. Mary's Church
123 E 13th St, Cincinnati, OH, 45202
1844
The oldest continually-used house of worship in Cincinnati and the second-oldest German-Catholic parish in the city.
Oldest clock tower in Cincinnati, First bell in the tower (1843), New organ (1846)
Home to The Cincinnati Oratory, Offers Mass and Confession in both Latin and English
Learn More
Old St. Mary’s Church is a Roman Catholic church located in Cincinnati’s historic Over-The-Rhine neighborhood. It holds the distinction of being the oldest continually-used house of worship in Cincinnati. The church was organized in 1840 by German immigrants, during a time of dramatic growth in the city’s population.
Designed in the Greek Revival style by Franz Ignatz Erd, it is the second-oldest German-Catholic parish in the city and the oldest standing church in Cincinnati. The church is 142 feet long, 66 feet wide and with a steeple 170 feet tall. When built, it was the largest church in the Ohio Valley. The original church was dedicated on July 3, 1842.
As the congregation grew, a new parish was needed. In 1840, German immigrants were arriving in Cincinnati at the rate of 200 per day. Many of the men donated their own labor to build the church, making the bricks by hand. The St. Clair estate was acquired and the cornerstone was laid on March 25, 1841 by Bishop Purcell. Father Clemens Hammer was the first pastor.
St. Mary’s has the oldest clock tower in Cincinnati. In 1842, a clock was installed in the steeple of St. Mary’s. The first bell was blessed and placed in the tower in 1843. For many years it served as the fire alarm for the northeastern section of the city. A new organ was installed in 1846. A parish school was opened in 1844 and in 1846 the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur came to teach. In 1852 a school for boys was opened, staffed by the Marianist brothers.
In May through August 1849, during the cholera epidemic in Cincinnati, 796 parishioners of St. Mary’s died. There were 345 funerals in July. The church nave as viewed from the loft. The church was enlarged in 1865, and remodeled in 1890.
Since 2017, Old St. Mary’s Church has been home to The Cincinnati Oratory, a society of priests and brothers of The Congregation of the Oratory of St. Philip Neri. The church is located at 123 E 13th St, Cincinnati, OH, 45202. It offers Mass and Confession in both Latin and English. The church promotes holiness, sanctity, and a Catholic Culture in Over-the-Rhine and metropolitan Cincinnati.
