Old Stone Church Live Cam

Standing as a beacon of historical and architectural significance, the Old Stone Church in Public Square, Cleveland, Ohio, is a testament to the enduring spirit of the city. This iconic structure, with its rich history and vibrant surroundings, serves as both a spiritual and cultural landmark. Its location in the heart of downtown Cleveland makes it a focal point for visitors exploring the intersection of history, faith, and urban development.

The History of the Old Stone Church

The Old Stone Church, formally known as the First Presbyterian Church of Cleveland, was founded in 1820, making it the oldest congregation in the city. Its current stone edifice, built in 1855, is the third iteration of the church. The first two buildings, constructed of wood, succumbed to fires—a common hazard in early 19th-century urban centers. The decision to construct the new church from locally quarried sandstone was both practical and symbolic, reflecting resilience and a commitment to permanence.

The church’s location in Public Square is no coincidence. Public Square, established in 1796 as the centerpiece of the Connecticut Western Reserve, was designed to be Cleveland's civic heart. By situating the Old Stone Church here, its founders ensured that the church would remain a central pillar in both the spiritual and civic life of the burgeoning city. The structure's Romanesque Revival architecture, with its distinctive spire and arched windows, became a visual anchor in the square’s evolving urban landscape.

The church’s history is deeply intertwined with Cleveland’s growth. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Cleveland emerged as a major industrial and cultural hub. The Old Stone Church adapted to these changes, hosting prominent civic leaders and playing a key role in social justice movements. Its sanctuary has witnessed countless milestones, from anti-slavery sermons in the 19th century to community outreach programs addressing modern urban challenges.

Architectural Significance

The Old Stone Church is a masterpiece of Romanesque Revival design, a style characterized by heavy masonry, rounded arches, and a sense of grandeur. The building’s exterior features intricately carved sandstone, sourced from quarries in Northeast Ohio. Its massive spire, reaching over 200 feet, is a defining feature of the Cleveland skyline and symbolizes the church’s aspiration to connect the divine with the urban environment.

Inside, the church boasts a stunning sanctuary adorned with stained glass windows that tell biblical stories and honor the history of the congregation. These windows, crafted by renowned artisans, include works by Tiffany Studios, known for their intricate designs and vibrant colors. The rich woodwork of the pews and ceiling adds warmth to the space, creating an atmosphere of reverence and tranquility.

One of the most striking features of the Old Stone Church is its historic pipe organ. Installed in the early 20th century, the organ has been meticulously preserved and continues to be used for worship services and concerts. Its deep, resonant tones fill the sanctuary, offering a timeless connection to the church’s musical heritage.

Role in Public Square’s Evolution

The Old Stone Church has stood witness to the transformation of Public Square from a simple meeting place to a bustling urban center. Public Square itself was reimagined in 2016 with a $50 million renovation, creating a pedestrian-friendly space that seamlessly integrates green areas, walkways, and event venues. Throughout these changes, the Old Stone Church has remained a constant, its stone façade a reminder of the city’s roots.

The church’s location at the intersection of Superior Avenue and Ontario Street places it at the nexus of Cleveland’s cultural and commercial life. Visitors can step out of the church and find themselves immersed in the vibrant atmosphere of Public Square, surrounded by landmarks such as the Terminal Tower, the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument, and modern skyscrapers that reflect Cleveland’s dynamic growth.

Surroundings of the Old Stone Church

The area surrounding the Old Stone Church offers a wealth of attractions that highlight Cleveland’s historical and contemporary appeal. Public Square itself is a destination, featuring green spaces, fountains, and a café that invite relaxation and social interaction. Seasonal events, including concerts, holiday markets, and festivals, ensure there is always something happening in this lively plaza.

Nearby Historical Landmarks

Just a short walk from the church, the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument commemorates the Civil War veterans of Cuyahoga County. This imposing structure features a 125-foot column surrounded by a memorial room with intricate sculptures and exhibits detailing the contributions of local soldiers. The monument provides an excellent opportunity to delve deeper into Cleveland’s rich military history.

Another notable site is the Terminal Tower, a stunning example of Art Deco architecture that was once the tallest building in North America outside of New York City. Visitors can take an elevator to the observation deck for panoramic views of Cleveland and Lake Erie, offering a unique perspective on the city’s layout and landmarks.

Cultural and Culinary Attractions

The Old Stone Church is also a gateway to Cleveland’s vibrant cultural scene. Nearby, Playhouse Square boasts the largest performing arts center in the United States outside of New York City. Theater enthusiasts can enjoy Broadway shows, concerts, and other performances in beautifully restored venues that capture the glamour of a bygone era.

For food lovers, the West Side Market is a must-visit destination. Located a short drive from Public Square, this historic market has been serving Clevelanders since 1912. Visitors can sample an array of international cuisines, artisanal baked goods, and locally sourced produce, making it a feast for both the eyes and the palate.

New Tip

When visiting the Old Stone Church, take a moment to explore its surrounding gardens and the peaceful pathways that encircle the building. These outdoor spaces provide a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of downtown Cleveland and offer an excellent vantage point for photographing the church against the backdrop of Public Square’s modern skyline.

An Interesting Fact About the Old Stone Church

Did you know that the Old Stone Church has survived two major fires and countless challenges since its establishment? Despite these obstacles, it has remained a steadfast symbol of resilience and faith in Cleveland. Its storied history and architectural beauty make it one of the most photographed landmarks in the city, capturing the hearts of both residents and visitors alike.

Historic Presbyterian Church

Old Stone is a church that welcomes people from every walk of life, from every corner of metro Cleveland, and now from every screen in cyber-space. In some circles we are known as a tall steeple, historic church. And we do celebrate our history. But we are not about antiquity. We are about inviting people to become third millennium Christians-open, diverse, serving the world, worshiping God, following Christ. We are about people who are spiritually hungry and institutionally suspicious. We are about living Christian faith today. So welcome. Welcome to Cleveland's historic downtown congregation. Welcome to the pursuit of new life today.

Centered in the heart of the city of Cleveland is Old Stone Church. It is a sanctuary for renewal and enrichment by God's Word. Old Stone seeks members from all God's children, sharing in fellowship and participating in eloquent preaching, inspiring music and worship services designed to satisfy diverse interests. Our staff will be headed by a strong ministerial team providing spiritual leadership and counseling and participating in the responsible administration of our historic facilities and the leadership infrastructure of the city as well as responding to the needs of the people.

Our priorities: Proclaiming the gospel by being Christ-centered, introducing others to Christ; Providing Christian education for all members, particularly to teenagers and college-age youth, and fully involving our youth and children in our church life, including worship services and service on church boards; Presenting an improved public image of the church; Expanding our emphasis on local mission and caring for members; Developing support and counseling programs; Training and actively involving members in the care and support of one another; Being loving and welcoming to all people as well as being willing to change; and Varying and expanding our worship program without sacrificing eloquent preaching and inspirational music.

Down & Aroundtown Cleveland

Down and Aroundtown Cleveland is a collaboration between Cleveland’s most central and metropolitan neighborhoods. Together, these districts offer the most dynamic mix of city life in our region. The 11 partnering organizations of Down & Aroundtown work together in order to market and promote the heart of the city. Whether it’s markets, art galleries, independent restaurants, Broadway shows or professional sports, down here you have it all!

For the first time ever, the eleven organizations are working to collaboratively market the center of the city. The new initiative, Down & Aroundtown, includes downtown and each district that connects directly to downtown.

In an effort to kickoff this initiative, the neighborhoods created two hidden Cleveland tours, which highlighted architecturally significant buildings in each of the districts that are off the beaten path. These tours gave Clevelanders a chance to explore these hidden spaces, while also enjoying stories and background history from a team of community tour guides.

The tours ran on Sunday afternoons from 2-5pm and each of the locations were connected with Lolly the Trolley. Tickets were $25, and each of the tours ended at a local restaurant where appetizers and light drinks were included.

Whether your looking for fine-dining, a lively sports bar crowd, or quality entertainment, it’s easy to eat, drink and be merry Downtown. There are more than 80 sit-down restaurants to try, as well as cool jazz clubs, hot dance floors, classy wine bars, premier comedy clubs and, well, that’s just the start.

For well over 100 years, Cleveland has been known as The Forest City. To this day, parks and green space are a vital part of the Greater Cleveland area. Downtown has a number of parks and courtyards where anyone can get away from the bustle of the city for a moment and relax. In addition to Downtown, there are several park systems that are either close to or connect to the city which offer even more of an escape from the everyday.

At its heart, Downtown Cleveland is a collection of dynamic neighborhoods. Today, close to 10,000 people call those neighborhoods home. With new residential projects under construction and demand for living downtown at an all-time high, now is the best time to be a part of it all in Downtown. Don't just take it from us, click on the videos above to hear from some current downtown residents.

Altogether there are 8 districts that make up Downtown Cleveland. Each is much more than just a district though, they are all unique neighborhoods with strong communities of business owners, residents and employees. Discover for yourself the unique characteristics and personalities of each downtown neighborhood.

You'll find Downtown Cleveland alive with activity every day or night of the year with entertainment options that you can't find anywhere else in the region, or in some cases, the world! Browse through the pages to get an overview of the different entertainment districts, their dining options and other offerings. Check out the museums, parks and pro sports teams, and don't forget to peruse our events calendar for unique ways to enjoy Downtown.

Want to stay overnight? Cleveland offers 4,000 top quality hotel rooms distributed among 14 downtown hotels delivered by some of the most welcoming names in the hospitality industry. Make plans! For additional details on where to stay, what to do and where to go in downtown Cleveland, visit our convention and visitors bureau, Postively Cleveland.