Mavromatis - Akron Churches: Early Architecture

On June 19, 1821, Pope Pius VII created a new see in Cincinnati that encompassed the entire state of Ohio, with Fr. Edward Fenwick appointed bishop. Ohio continued to become organized, and in 1833, Rev. John Martin Henni came to Akron from Canton and held services in the log cabin of James McAllister. The old Dunn home, on Green Street, was also frequently used as a place of worship.

Under the leadership of Rev. Maurice Howard, in 1844 the small parish began to build its first church, a small frame structure located on Green Street on land donated by one of Akrons first citizens. Timber for the church was cut and hauled by members of the church under the direction of Howard. Later that same year, Rev. Cornelius Daly was appointed the churchs first resident pastor; he would work to finish and enlarge the church begun by Howard.

On February 18, 1864, ground was broken for the new church, and on St. Patricks Day that same year, work began on St. Vincents magnificent Romanesque church at the corner of West Market and Maple Streets. Under the direction of Rev. Matthew Scanlon, the massive stone structure, 50 feet wide and 100 feet long, was constructed for $50,000. Originally the church had six windows on each side, and on the keystone of each window was the head of an apostle, symbolizing the 12 foundations of the church. The church was formally dedicated on October 20, 1867. As later described by Rev. Thomas F. Mahar, The main part of the interior is of the classic style of architecture, rather a singular case in this country, in which almost all the churches are Gothic, at least attempted. The details of ornamentation of St. Vincent de Pauls are tasteful throughout.

In its early days, development in Akron was primarily eastward, as the West Hill made transportation difficult. In this 1874 photograph of West Market Street, St. Vincents bell tower can be seen in the upper left corner. (Courtesy Summit County Historical Society.)