This publication describes stone used for selected houses of worship, chosen to represent a diversity of stone types and usages. Descriptions are based on diverse sources, primarily brochures and other information from individual church congregations. Except in the case of sacred structures that are no longer extant, I have visited all of the structures in order to verify information and make other observations. In most cases, both exterior and interior stone are described. In some cases, for instance when little stone is used in the interior of a particular house of worship, only the exterior stone is described. A small part of the information in this publication has previously appeared in Hannibal's (1992) article on ecclesiastical geology.

Because this publication is likely to be consulted by users of differing backgrounds, names for stone used by the stone industry and by architects, as well as that used by geologists, is listed when known. If two sets of stone names are known, commercial names (e.g., Indiana limestone) are given first, with the names of formal geologic rock units (e.g., Salem Limestone) given next in parentheses. Both sets of names are typically given when a stone name is first used. Commercial names are italicized. In all cases, the initial letter of each word of formal geologic rock unit names (e.g., Berea Sandstone) are capitalized. In a few cases, the geologic rock unit name and the commercial name may be the same. Berea Sandstone, for example, has often been referred to by that name by both geologists and by those who sold the stone. However, Berea Sandstone from particular localities has also been sold under other names, such as Birmingham Warmtone Buff sandstone. This name refers to rock quarried from the Berea Sandstone at Birmingham, Ohio. Also, the term "marble" is used in this work to indicate commercial "marbles," which include both true geological marbles (calcareous or dolomitic metamorphic rocks) and other stone, such as limestones (calcareous sedimentary rocks), which can be polished like marbles. To avoid confusion, true geological marbles are indicated as "true marbles."

For the most part, colors noted in this guide have been determined using the Geological Society of America Rock Color Chart (Rock-Color Chart Committee, 1991).

Predominant architectural styles are briefly noted at the heading for each sacred structure. However, many northeastern Ohio houses of worship combine two or more styles. Those who would like more information on architectural styles should turn to Armstrong, Klein, and Armstrong's guidebook (1992) or related works. Armstrong's (1990) essay on architectural styles, which puts Cleveland's sacred landmarks into a context of ecclesiastical architecture, is also highly recommended. More information on Cleveland's sacred structures can be found in "Cleveland Sacred Landmarks 1830-1930: a pilgrimage" (www.csuohio.edu/ce/csl/).

Key references that make note of stone used in the structures discussed are listed at the back of this publication. A glossary of geological and architectural terms, many taken from Hannibal and Schmidt (1992) and Hannibal and Davis (1992), can be found at the end of this monograph.

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