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"....Take up the brush and tongs and mallet and spare not cost or labor
till the house of God that you build and adorn shall shine like the
very fields of Paradise."
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| Theophilus, 12th century Benedictine monk |
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The words echo through centuries, perhaps guiding congregations of
immigrants who swept into this country between 1830-1930. Building a
house of worship helped the immigrants alleviate the pain of alienation
and separation caused by life in a new land. These new Americans
utilized their Old World craftsmanship, employed creative use of
native materials, and cemented their labor with a deep faith-commitment.
Some of the landmark shrines they produced are represented in this exhibit.
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In the context of Webster's definition of pilgrimage, "the act of
journeying, especially as a devotee seeing a shrine," we invite you
to begin a personal pilgrimage of Cleveland's sacred landmarks, starting
here within the framework of this exhibition.
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The perimeter walls of the gallery display photographs of the exhibition's
ninety-six sacred landmarks, arranged chronologically by decade. These
sacred landmarks were chosen by virtue of their craftsmanship and historic
significance in the story of Cleveland's early development. The photographs
and wall text reflect not only the architectural style of each monument
but also the sociology of the time in which each of these landmarks was created.
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Displayed in the Gallery area are objects from several of the landmark
structures. These objects were incorporated into this exhibit to enhance
and bring dimension to the photographs of the landmarks.
Selection was based on craftsmanship of the piece, liturgical or
ritual use, and representation of denomination.
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After viewing this exhibition, it is our hope that your personal pilgrimage
will move out into the city. Drive over Cleveland's bridges and across
its freeways, noting steeples, domes and turrets. Leave the freeway
and experience these landmarks in their total dimension and environment,
noting the use of materials and the interplay between artist and architect.
Consider the area in which these sacred spaces stand. Observe their present
day surroundings. In some cases, urban renewal and encroaching highways
have diminished neighborhoods, and, therefore, congregations. In other
situations, socio-economic change has transformed the sacred space into
use by new congregations. In many cases, contemporary economics impedes
maintenance and upkeep of century-old buildings.
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