Holy Cross-Immaculata Church, the historic Mount Adams landmark that is home to a 141-year-old Good Friday tradition wherein thousands flock each year to “pray the steps,” is facing a financial crisis.

        A recent routine inspection of the church roof revealed that, over time, the walls and roof have shifted — a situation that make immediate repairs “necessary to maintain the permanent integrity of the structure,” church officials said Monday.

        Quick action by the parish council to facilitate the repairs has allowed the church to remain open, but the emergency repairs have put the parish in a financial crisis, church officials said.

        In order to pay for the repairs — which include new support columns and support structures in the undercroft, and interior and exterior work — the parish council is now calling on the community “to help protect the "Church of the Steps' for the future.”

        “We're going for $500,000,” The Rev. Stanley Neiheisel said Monday of his church's fund-raising goal.

        Father Neiheisel, the church's pastor, declined to discuss the fundraising effort further until a 10:30 a.m. Wednesday press conference and media tour of the church.

        The church, built in 1860, has a superb view of Northern Kentucky, Cincinnati and the Ohio River. Each Good Friday beginning at midnight, worshippers gather to climb the steps of the stone hillside church, pausing to pray on each.

        “I think this is just of show of appreciation for what the Lord does for them,” Father Neiheisel said this past Good Friday of those who took part in the tradition that is unique to the church and Cincinnati.

        Cincinnati Archbishop John B. Purcell oversaw the building of Holy Cross-Immaculata Church on the highest point in Cincinnati. When work began, he asked people to pray for the project, which they did as they climbed the muddy slopes of the hillside.

        The cornerstone for the building was laid in 1859, and the church was dedicated in 1860. Soon after, wooden steps were erected up the hillside.

        In 1911, the city of Cincinnati helped the church build concrete steps.

        Over the years, the tradition evolved to praying the steps on Good Friday. Over 141 years, it has attracted tens of thousands worshippers.

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