St. Bernard Church

THE CHURCH BUILDING

St. Bernard Catholic Church in Akron, Ohio, has been declared a historical monument. Distinctively German-Romanesque with a Baroque influence, its architectural style is patterned after many of the great cathedrals in the Rhineland region of Europe.

St. Bernard’s was designed by parishioner, William P. Ginther, an Akron architect who designed numerous churches all over the country, including the Holy Rosary Church in Cleveland. In 1901 the cornerstone was laid and construction began on this church to serve a growing German-speaking population in Akron.  Stone costing $51,000 was used and was brought to the site in 125 train carloads.  Having no outstanding debts, the church was consecrated for sacred worship to God in October, 1905.

The church embodies the Romanesque Revival style with its symmetrical massing, monochromatic stone, and numerous round and semi-circular arches. The church’s twin bell towers, each with five string courses, are also typical elements of this architectural style. The influences of the Richarsonian Romanesque style are also evident—by the recessed placement of the windows and the random courses of the rock-faced exterior walls.

Distinctive interior details include a large white Italian marble altar and elaborate wall decorations featuring the disciples, apostles and seraphim typical of a Catholic church of this era.

ABOUT OUR PARISH COMMUNITY

If you are looking for an Akron Catholic Church, St. Bernard Parish is a wonderful choice to come and pray and get involved.  This Catholic Community in the Diocese of Cleveland serves the dowtown Akron area.  It is known throughout northeast Ohio as the Catholic Church which offers the most outreach in areas of social justice; however it is often in collaboration with other local parishes and congregations that this ministry occurs.

The parish is strong because of the vibrant faith of its parishioners, their devotion to Christ in the Eucharist, and their concern for people who are simply seeking food:  food for the body through our hunger programs, for the mind through Catholic Education for faith development, and for the soul through the Sacramental and prayer life of the Church.

In addition, this amazing Akron Catholic Church built a beautiful church building in 1905. It has a romanesque architecture typical of churches during this period.  It is used for civic prayer events and seasonal concerts of sacred music.  Please click on our Photo Gallery.

The parish is located near the University of Akron, which makes it the ideal Akron Catholic Church for students and faculty of the school.  Visit the UA Newman Center in our parish office building and meet the Catholic chaplain and student-led Newman team.

The clergy and Pastoral Staff are committed to serve this Akron Catholic Church.  And hope you will join us in the work and mission of Jesus Christ in this central part of the city.