The Pulse of the City: Lakewood's Treasure Trove of Churches
A leisurely drive along Lakewood's streets will reveal an abundance of beautiful houses of worship erected to God by faithful men and women many years before you and I were born. These buildings range from the simple to the sublime and came to us at a time when faith was a powerful engine at the heart of America's development as a nation.
These days, depending on who you talk to, religion is either getting along better than ever or is resting on the decaying ropes of the American Dream. Religion, like politics, is one of those topics that people tend either to avoid or get in your face about. Like any passionate topic, it tends to be something people embrace or oppose. A middle ground regarding religious thought is often difficult to find.
Like many of the old Cleveland neighborhoods, Lakewood has many types of domes, steeples, and bell towers announcing the presence of God and marking the pulse of this city.
While many people enjoy the tolling of the bells at various times during the days and years, there are also those who feel that these bells remind people of past repressions or sad divisions within the family of humankind. As well, there are those who for one reason or another may feel victimized either by some of these institutions or by those who worked within them.
Although a minister himself, the late Dr. Martin Luther King reminded us that 11 o'clock on Sunday morning was the "most segregated hour of America." Our different faiths continue to struggle with human sexuality, personal rules of conduct, abortions, marriage issues, definitions of the faithful life, and relationships with other religious bodies. For some, toleration of others is a virtue, but for others, the very word "tolerance" can evoke disgust and unthinkable appeasement.
Some people have left churches altogether, or have formed unity movements, so that all types of people feel acceptance. In Great Barrington, Massachusetts, Arlo Guthrie (son of Woody) has turned an old church, made famous in his "Alice's Restaurant" song, into a place where all people are welcome to seek their own truth. The former church, renamed The Guthrie Center, is supposed to bring people of all faiths together for spiritual service, as well as for cultural and educational exchange, according to the information on their website.
To some extent, at least in America, and particularly in Lakewood, it's been my experience that people are made very welcome to attend any of the churches that we have. These days, even two members of the same church will seldom agree on every particular thing that comes along religiously anyway; and the churches of Lakewood are working hard to transcend those old barriers and walls while maintaining the strength of their individual heritages.
Lakewood churches have been very active in a number of cooperative activities, including the Interfaith Hospitality Network, a mission dedicated to helping to feed and shelter the homeless in the various churches for a specified period of time. Until recently, the Chat Room was a teen drop-in center supported by various churches coming together. Community meals are also coordinated by the various Lakewood churches as a way of having people come together to break bread and receive warm fellowship. The interfaith Lakewood Christian Service Center has also helped Lakewood residents for years with foodstuffs in their hours of need.
Due to sometimes changing demographics, some Lakewood churches have elected to share their worship spaces with other congregations looking for a home. Some churches also have instituted traditional as well as modern worship forms at different times during Sunday mornings.
I have truly enjoyed several Lakewood churches. For example, St. James Catholic Church on Detroit Avenue is the most beautiful church I've ever been in. The people, as well, are a great social community of do-ers. Lakewood Methodist Church represents to me a beautiful example of blending tradition with a response to the needs of today. The congregation is more than welcoming and helps others every chance it gets. Sts. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church, at Lakewood's other end, combines ethnic flavor with a gorgeously appointed sanctuary and a nationally recognized Blue Ribbon school. St Hedwig Catholic Church, across the street, is unique as well, having a beautiful church and wonderful people.
Lakewood Baptist Church is also a favorite of mine. The warm, intimate sanctuary matches the warmth of the people there. They've had both traditional and contemporary services as well. I had my Boy Scout experiences at Grace Presbyterian Church, and its architecture is truly a thing of wonder. Lakewood Christian Church and Lakewood Congregational Church are both beautiful churches also, with what I would describe as "New England" style sanctuaries. Both of these churches have many fine programs for people to participate in.
In addition, the family atmospheres of St. Clement and St. Luke Catholic churches help to make them very special places indeed. Their interiors are more simply done than St. James, but they are both quite beautiful in their own rights. Trinity and Faith Lutheran churches both offer liturgical services in beautiful sanctuaries, and by some of the most warm-hearted people you will ever meet. As well, there are many more Lakewood churches that I hope to visit and spend time with in the future. If your church is not included here, my apologies! It should be.
Many of our friends and neighbors also belong to faiths not represented by Lakewood houses of worship. Although this column's subject matter relates to Lakewood, we need to acknowledge all of the faiths within our community with respect and good will.
On a final note, Lakewood Masonic Temple, although neither a church nor a place of public worship, is dedicated to God as well, but in a unique way. Freemasonry is not a religion, but it is very religious in character. The two "Blue Lodges" that meet at Lakewood Temple insist that their membership believe in one God but that would be in the faiths of their own choosing. Therefore, Blue Lodge Freemasons might be Christian, Jewish, or members of any monotheistic faith. Some people feel that the Freemasons are too tolerant, but Freemasons would probably argue that toleration does not mean abandonment of one's own faith. Most Freemasons would probably agree that sitting down together without conflict or acrimony would be among the highest of human virtues.
Whatever your beliefs or faith tradition might be, Lakewood has very beautiful and welcoming places of worship that try to be good neighbors with each other and with the world beyond. These beautiful communities can only add to the pulse of this city.
I remember giving Mom a hard time about going to church as a young man (as many children do today). My dear late mother then responded with these words, that have always remained in my heart: "Gary, it's the best thing we have."
Yeah Mom, you have a point there.
These days, depending on who you talk to, religion is either getting along better than ever or is resting on the decaying ropes of the American Dream. Religion, like politics, is one of those topics that people tend either to avoid or get in your face about. Like any passionate topic, it tends to be something people embrace or oppose. A middle ground regarding religious thought is often difficult to find.
Like many of the old Cleveland neighborhoods, Lakewood has many types of domes, steeples, and bell towers announcing the presence of God and marking the pulse of this city.
While many people enjoy the tolling of the bells at various times during the days and years, there are also those who feel that these bells remind people of past repressions or sad divisions within the family of humankind. As well, there are those who for one reason or another may feel victimized either by some of these institutions or by those who worked within them.
Although a minister himself, the late Dr. Martin Luther King reminded us that 11 o'clock on Sunday morning was the "most segregated hour of America." Our different faiths continue to struggle with human sexuality, personal rules of conduct, abortions, marriage issues, definitions of the faithful life, and relationships with other religious bodies. For some, toleration of others is a virtue, but for others, the very word "tolerance" can evoke disgust and unthinkable appeasement.
Some people have left churches altogether, or have formed unity movements, so that all types of people feel acceptance. In Great Barrington, Massachusetts, Arlo Guthrie (son of Woody) has turned an old church, made famous in his "Alice's Restaurant" song, into a place where all people are welcome to seek their own truth. The former church, renamed The Guthrie Center, is supposed to bring people of all faiths together for spiritual service, as well as for cultural and educational exchange, according to the information on their website.
To some extent, at least in America, and particularly in Lakewood, it's been my experience that people are made very welcome to attend any of the churches that we have. These days, even two members of the same church will seldom agree on every particular thing that comes along religiously anyway; and the churches of Lakewood are working hard to transcend those old barriers and walls while maintaining the strength of their individual heritages.
Lakewood churches have been very active in a number of cooperative activities, including the Interfaith Hospitality Network, a mission dedicated to helping to feed and shelter the homeless in the various churches for a specified period of time. Until recently, the Chat Room was a teen drop-in center supported by various churches coming together. Community meals are also coordinated by the various Lakewood churches as a way of having people come together to break bread and receive warm fellowship. The interfaith Lakewood Christian Service Center has also helped Lakewood residents for years with foodstuffs in their hours of need.
Due to sometimes changing demographics, some Lakewood churches have elected to share their worship spaces with other congregations looking for a home. Some churches also have instituted traditional as well as modern worship forms at different times during Sunday mornings.
I have truly enjoyed several Lakewood churches. For example, St. James Catholic Church on Detroit Avenue is the most beautiful church I've ever been in. The people, as well, are a great social community of do-ers. Lakewood Methodist Church represents to me a beautiful example of blending tradition with a response to the needs of today. The congregation is more than welcoming and helps others every chance it gets. Sts. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church, at Lakewood's other end, combines ethnic flavor with a gorgeously appointed sanctuary and a nationally recognized Blue Ribbon school. St Hedwig Catholic Church, across the street, is unique as well, having a beautiful church and wonderful people.
Lakewood Baptist Church is also a favorite of mine. The warm, intimate sanctuary matches the warmth of the people there. They've had both traditional and contemporary services as well. I had my Boy Scout experiences at Grace Presbyterian Church, and its architecture is truly a thing of wonder. Lakewood Christian Church and Lakewood Congregational Church are both beautiful churches also, with what I would describe as "New England" style sanctuaries. Both of these churches have many fine programs for people to participate in.
In addition, the family atmospheres of St. Clement and St. Luke Catholic churches help to make them very special places indeed. Their interiors are more simply done than St. James, but they are both quite beautiful in their own rights. Trinity and Faith Lutheran churches both offer liturgical services in beautiful sanctuaries, and by some of the most warm-hearted people you will ever meet. As well, there are many more Lakewood churches that I hope to visit and spend time with in the future. If your church is not included here, my apologies! It should be.
Many of our friends and neighbors also belong to faiths not represented by Lakewood houses of worship. Although this column's subject matter relates to Lakewood, we need to acknowledge all of the faiths within our community with respect and good will.
On a final note, Lakewood Masonic Temple, although neither a church nor a place of public worship, is dedicated to God as well, but in a unique way. Freemasonry is not a religion, but it is very religious in character. The two "Blue Lodges" that meet at Lakewood Temple insist that their membership believe in one God but that would be in the faiths of their own choosing. Therefore, Blue Lodge Freemasons might be Christian, Jewish, or members of any monotheistic faith. Some people feel that the Freemasons are too tolerant, but Freemasons would probably argue that toleration does not mean abandonment of one's own faith. Most Freemasons would probably agree that sitting down together without conflict or acrimony would be among the highest of human virtues.
Whatever your beliefs or faith tradition might be, Lakewood has very beautiful and welcoming places of worship that try to be good neighbors with each other and with the world beyond. These beautiful communities can only add to the pulse of this city.
I remember giving Mom a hard time about going to church as a young man (as many children do today). My dear late mother then responded with these words, that have always remained in my heart: "Gary, it's the best thing we have."
Yeah Mom, you have a point there.
Volume 3, Issue 1, Posted 12:12 PM, 08.09.06
