Saint Francis Seraph Church, Cincinnati

Saint Francis Seraph Church, a Roman Catholic parish nestled at Liberty and Vine Streets in Cincinnati’s Over-the-Rhine neighborhood, has stood as a symbol of faith, resilience, and community service since its founding in 1859. It was established by Franciscan friars from the Province of Saint John the Baptist on the very site where Cincinnati’s Catholic roots began-where the city’s first Catholic parish, Christ Church, was originally built in 1819.

The church owes its name to Saint Francis of Assisi, founder of the Franciscan Order, and his vision of the six-winged angel known as the seraph. The cornerstone of the current church was laid in 1858, and the church was consecrated in December 1859. As a gesture of respect for the site's sacred past, the remains from the original cemetery were reinterred in a crypt beneath the church altar. Over the years, the building was embellished with bells, statues, frescoes, and elaborate altars reflecting the artistic sensibilities of its German Catholic founders. Notable additions included a bronze statue of Saint Francis in 1868 and a Lourdes Grotto in 1912.

Throughout the 20th century, the church underwent several renovations, reflecting both changes in liturgical practices and community needs. Major alterations came in the 1950s and 1970s, including simplifications inspired by the Second Vatican Council. A more comprehensive restoration in 2000 helped restore some of the church’s earlier architectural beauty and included the addition of a baptismal pool and the return of 19th-century altar paintings.

Today, Saint Francis Seraph Church stands as more than just a historic parish-it’s a living testament to service, adaptation, and faith in action. It honors its heritage while embracing a modern mission to uplift its neighborhood, offering a powerful blend of spiritual devotion and social compassion in the heart of Cincinnati.