Apostolic Bethlehem Temple Church, Cincinnati
Standing tall at 1205 Elm Street on the edge of Cincinnati鈥檚 historic Over-the-Rhine neighborhood, the Apostolic Bethlehem Temple Church is a landmark of both faith and architecture. Originally constructed in 1868, this German Gothic Revival church was built for the German Evangelical and Reformed Church, the city鈥檚 oldest congregation of its kind, founded back in 1814.
The building features hallmark Gothic elements: a rectangular, two-story structure with a central tower rising from the east-facing fa莽ade, flanked by transepts on either side鈥攁n architectural nod to traditional German churches. Entry is through the prominent tower, which immediately evokes a sense of historical gravity and reverence.
Over the decades, the building鈥檚 story evolved. In 1874, the church was renamed Saint John鈥檚 German Protestant Church while still part of the German Reformed Church. A significant shift occurred in 1924 when the congregation joined the American Unitarian Association and became Saint John's Unitarian Church. However, by the mid-20th century, the congregation moved elsewhere, and the building sat unused until it found new life with its current occupants鈥攁 Pentecostal congregation.
Today, the Apostolic Bethlehem Temple Church not only serves as a house of worship but also as a piece of Cincinnati鈥檚 living history. In 1973, it was officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places, recognized for its architectural distinction and cultural significance. By 1983, it became one of the many contributing properties within the broader Over-the-Rhine Historic District.
Just steps away from Cincinnati Music Hall and a neighborhood park, this church continues to stand as a symbol of the city's evolving spiritual and cultural tapestry.
The building features hallmark Gothic elements: a rectangular, two-story structure with a central tower rising from the east-facing fa莽ade, flanked by transepts on either side鈥攁n architectural nod to traditional German churches. Entry is through the prominent tower, which immediately evokes a sense of historical gravity and reverence.
Over the decades, the building鈥檚 story evolved. In 1874, the church was renamed Saint John鈥檚 German Protestant Church while still part of the German Reformed Church. A significant shift occurred in 1924 when the congregation joined the American Unitarian Association and became Saint John's Unitarian Church. However, by the mid-20th century, the congregation moved elsewhere, and the building sat unused until it found new life with its current occupants鈥攁 Pentecostal congregation.
Today, the Apostolic Bethlehem Temple Church not only serves as a house of worship but also as a piece of Cincinnati鈥檚 living history. In 1973, it was officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places, recognized for its architectural distinction and cultural significance. By 1983, it became one of the many contributing properties within the broader Over-the-Rhine Historic District.
Just steps away from Cincinnati Music Hall and a neighborhood park, this church continues to stand as a symbol of the city's evolving spiritual and cultural tapestry.
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Apostolic Bethlehem Temple Church on Map
Sight Name: Apostolic Bethlehem Temple Church
Sight Location: Cincinnati, USA (See walking tours in Cincinnati)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Cincinnati, USA (See walking tours in Cincinnati)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Cincinnati, Ohio
Create Your Own Walk in Cincinnati
Creating your own self-guided walk in Cincinnati is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Cincinnati Introduction Walking Tour
Welcome to Cincinnati, Ohio鈥攁 place that blends historical richness with the vibrancy of cultural attractions!
The land that became Cincinnati had previously been occupied by Fort Washington. Before that, it was home to the Shawnee and other Native American tribes like the Miami, Ojibwe, and Lenape.
Founded in 1788, the city earned its name from the Society of the Cincinnati, the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
The land that became Cincinnati had previously been occupied by Fort Washington. Before that, it was home to the Shawnee and other Native American tribes like the Miami, Ojibwe, and Lenape.
Founded in 1788, the city earned its name from the Society of the Cincinnati, the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
Over-the-Rhine District Walking Tour
The historic Over-The-Rhine (OTR) neighborhood is one of the largest districts in the U.S. recognized by the National Register of Historic Places. Its name comes from the predominantly German immigrants who developed the area in the mid-19th century and had to commute across bridges over the Miami and Erie Canal (nicknamed "the Rhine" in reference to the river in Germany) which separated... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles
Eden Park Walking Tour
Eden Park is undoubtedly the most popular park in Cincinnati, Ohio. This large outdoor area blends culture, history, and architecture in one stunning location. The park spans across lush greenery and scenic spots, making it a beloved retreat for locals and tourists alike. Apart from offering a tranquil escape amidst the urban bustle, Eden Park is also home to a number of famous city landmarks.
... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
Cincinnati's Historical Buildings
A place where remarkable landmarks, river views and rolling hills are all part of the cityscape, Cincinnati, OH is a home to one of the most impressive collections of historic architecture in the United States. German homes, French cathedrals and splendid 19th-century mansions are found here in abundance. The list of architectural styles present in the city is truly impressive and includes Greek-,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles