First Lutheran Church, Cincinnati

Nestled in the heart of Over-the-Rhine across from Washington Park, First Lutheran Church (FLC) is more than just a historic landmark on Race Street-it’s a living, breathing expression of inclusive faith, community spirit, and progressive values.

Founded in 1841 with support from abolitionist Reverend Abram Reck, First Lutheran Church began in a firehouse at Vine and Canal (now Kroger’s HQ). From the start, it championed inclusion-welcoming families to worship together by 1848, granting women voting rights by 1870, and adopting a "Seats Free" policy in 1867 to ensure access for all.

FLC's current home, dedicated in 1895, is a striking Romanesque Revival structure designed by Charles Crapsey & W.R. Brown. Its signature features include a soaring 130-foot tower and a large Gothic window that draws eyes upward-inviting both reflection and awe. Beyond its architectural beauty, the church remains a vital anchor in the neighborhood, hosting community and arts events that echo its original mission of openness.

Over 180 years since its founding, First Lutheran Church remains a welcoming and inclusive community, embracing people of all backgrounds and beliefs. Rooted in the belief that God’s grace is for everyone, FLC invites all-whether devout, skeptical, or curious. Now self-sustaining after past financial struggles, the church is restoring its historic home while continuing to serve as a vibrant, compassionate presence in Cincinnati.