BY JULIE IRWIN
The Cincinnati Enquirer
As Cincinnati's population has spread to suburbs and outlying counties, downtown churches such as Christ Church Cathedral have debated where and how to best serve the people.
The Episcopal cathedral's renovation, set for rededication today, offers this answer to the debate: at the corner of Fourth and Sycamore, in a state-of-the-art complex that combines the glory of the old with the best of the new.
"Every time people said why don't we go out to the suburbs, this church said no, we're a downtown church," said the Rev. Canon Stephen M. Bolle.
The 16-month, $7.5 million project warmed the worship space with new wood ceiling beams and a wood-and-glass structure behind the sanctuary. Enormous plaques from the original 1835 church that honor early members, such as founding member Daniel Drake, now line the walls. Members got their first peek at the changes at Easter services.
"People just came in and fell in love with the worship space," Canon Bolle said. "It's so warm and it was full of people."
But the biggest changes lie in the complex surrounding the 1957 church. Heating, cooling and other mechanical functions were replaced, and top-grade lighting and sound systems installed. A slate columbarium, with chambers for cremains, was added outside, adjacent to a gazebo for reflection and prayer.
Builders created a new library and nursery, along with offices for outreach ministry and an eventual bookstore. A room with refrigerated cabinets houses the Flower Guild's roses, tulips and gladioli. The building also is completely handicap-accessible now, with steps replaced by ramps and an elevator installed. The church held a luncheon for its homebound members the day after Easter to show off the changes.
"People were so delighted to see they could get around," said cathedral spokeswoman Karen Hurley. "It's amazing how many members couldn't come here because of this (accessibility) problem."
