10/15/2026
⛪️ A Cincinnati treasure worth saving: St. Mark Catholic Church in Evanston!
I recently had the incredible opportunity to step inside the former St. Mark Catholic Church on Montgomery Road in Cincinnati's Evanston neighborhood.
Completed in 1916, this magnificent church was designed by renowned architect Henry J. Schlacks, who drew inspiration from the ancient churches of Rome. Its soaring architecture, marble columns, beautiful stained glass, and intricate decorative details are reminders of the extraordinary craftsmanship that went into creating Cincinnati's sacred spaces.
For nearly a century, St. Mark was much more than a beautiful building. It was a center of faith and community, first serving German and Polish Catholic families and later becoming home to a vibrant African American Catholic congregation.
The church celebrated its final Mass on July 25, 2010, and has remained largely unused ever since.
Today, its future is uncertain. With previous redevelopment plans having fallen through, the historic church complex is scheduled to go to auction later this month.
Buildings like St. Mark are irreplaceable. They hold the stories of generations, reflect the artistry and craftsmanship of their time, and connect us to the history of our neighborhoods.
I sincerely hope that St. Mark can find a new purpose while preserving the architectural beauty and history that make it so special.
Have you ever attended Mass at St. Mark, visited the building, or known someone who did? I'd love to hear your memories!
Please share this post to help bring greater awareness to this remarkable piece of Cincinnati's history.
