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Historical Churches, Akron

Historical Churches (Self Guided), Akron

Akron has room for many different congregations, thus followers of every religion can find their place in the city, be it a Methodist, Lutheran, Catholic or Presbyterian church. Take this tour and discover the historical religious venues of Akron.
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Historical Churches Map

Guide Name: Historical Churches
Guide Location: USA » Akron (See other walking tours in Akron)
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Sightseeing)
# of Attractions: 7
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.7 Km or 2.9 Miles
Author: Linda
Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:
  • St. John-St Paul Lutheran Church
  • St. Bernard Catholic Church
  • Trinity Lutheran Church
  • First Congregational Church
  • First United Methodist Church
  • First Presbyterian Church
  • Bethany Lutheran Church
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St. John-St Paul Lutheran Church

1) St. John-St Paul Lutheran Church

Saint John, also known as Saint Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church, is a Christian community, which comes together to worship and glorify Jesus Christ. The church's purpose is to grow in size, teach their beliefs to people and spread the principles of faith, love and hope. Those who are interested in Sunday services can visit the church at 8:15, 10:00 and 11:30 am.
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St. Bernard Catholic Church

2) St. Bernard Catholic Church

The original church was built in 1861, on the current site of the National Inventor's Hall of Fame S.T.E.M. school. The current church building was begun in 1902, and opened in 1905. Saint Bernard Church was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1989. This wonderful building was designed in German-Romanesque architectural style with a Baroque influence. It is characterized by monochromatic stone, many arches and twin bell towers, thus resembling imposing European cathedrals. The church's interior is also noteworthy for its marble altar, wall decorations and pictures.
Sight description based on Wikipedia.
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Trinity Lutheran Church

3) Trinity Lutheran Church

Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, founded in 1868 by prominent citizens such as John F. Seiberling, Charles Miller, and J.H. Hower, has long been intertwined with the city’s civic life. The church’s current sanctuary was built between 1912 and 1914 in the grand French Gothic revival style, complete with intricate hand-carved stonework and stunning stained-glass windows—a style that earned it the affectionate nickname “little cathedral on the hill”.

Tourists visiting Trinity Lutheran Church will find more than just a photo-worthy façade. Inside, you’ll discover a historic pipe organ gifted by the influential Seiberling family, which continues to host organ recitals featuring local and guest artists. The church also invites exploration of its time capsules—one embedded in the cornerstone during the centennial in 1913 and reopened in 2013, and another placed near the altar during the sanctuary’s 2014 centennial celebration.

Beyond its architectural beauty, Trinity has a presence in Akron’s community life. It marks its sesquicentennial between 2018 and 2019 with more than 150 outreach projects, and continues to offer programs ranging from food and clothing support to educational events and art exhibits.
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First Congregational Church

4) First Congregational Church

The First Congregational Church of Akron stands as an enduring architectural and spiritual landmark, designed in 1910 by Charles Henry & Son in a Richardsonian Romanesque style. The exterior immediately captivates visitors with its massive masonry façade, crenellated tower, and richly hued stained-glass windows. This historic structure passed into the National Register of Historic Places in 2004, testament to its architectural and cultural importance as Akron’s oldest congregation, originally chartered in 1835.

Stepping inside, visitors are likely to be enchanted by the church’s innovative "Akron Plan" interior—a design concept popular in the late 19th century that features a rounded sanctuary surrounded by radiating classrooms. The sanctuary and adjoining spaces have retained original details such as carved oak woodwork, decorative plaster moldings, and a recently refreshed pipe organ. Beyond its architectural impact, First Congregational is affiliated with the United Church of Christ.
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First United Methodist Church

5) First United Methodist Church

The First United Methodist Church is a historic spiritual and architectural landmark that has been serving the community since the early 1830s. Founded just a few years after Akron’s incorporation, the church played a pivotal role in the spread of Methodism and in shaping the city’s identity. The congregation has rebuilt multiple times—first after fires and again following electrical damage—but always remained committed to its downtown roots.

The church stands as a testament to Akron’s historical growth—one of the earliest to adopt the innovative “Akron Plan” in the 1870s, which revolutionized church design by integrating the Sunday school with the sanctuary space for greater community engagement. Though its original stone construction has evolved over time, the church continues to blend traditional charm with modern amenities.
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First Presbyterian Church

6) First Presbyterian Church

First Presbyterian Church was established in 1831 as the First Presbyterian Church of Middlebury. The congregation formed in a small schoolhouse and later navigated divisions over slavery, reuniting in 1874 under the name we know today. The stately sanctuary that guests see now was constructed in 1904, replacing earlier buildings and reflecting a Gothic Revival style, with soaring windows and sturdy masonry that have become local landmarks.

For visitors to Akron, this church is a stopping point on Akron’s historical tour. Located in the city’s early Portage Township, it features on several self-guided heritage walks that include prominent historic churches downtown and trace Akron’s evolution from canal-era aspiration to industrial hub.

Tourists will appreciate both the peaceful interior—rich in original stained-glass and intricate woodwork—and the exterior’s ivy-clad façade, set amid verdant grounds.
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Bethany Lutheran Church

7) Bethany Lutheran Church

The Bethany Lutheran Church was established more than 120 years ago and is part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. It spreads the love of God through worship, which take place every Sunday at 10 am, and Sunday school classes. The church is also involved in many social activities and charities. It doesn't matter who you are and what you do, everybody is welcome here.

Walking Tours in Akron, Ohio

Create Your Own Walk in Akron

Create Your Own Walk in Akron

Creating your own self-guided walk in Akron is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Akron Introduction Walking Tour

Akron Introduction Walking Tour

Akron, Ohio takes pride in a number of historic and cultural attractions found in the city. Among the most notable of them is the Akron Art Museum, showcasing modern artworks including pop art and photographs, housed in a 19th century building with an ultra-modern glass and steel addition. If you want to know more about Akron, its dramatic past and eventful present, take this orientation walk and...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 5.2 Km or 3.2 Miles