Introduction

Cathedrals were always the focal point of medieval cities and are still connected to the urban environment. Trinity Cathedral, with its emphasis on ecumenicalism and outreach, is very much part of this tradition. However, the early history of the Episcopal Church in America did not hint at the success of cathedrals such as Trinity. As the English colonized North America, they had great difficulty in importing their Anglican faith. Part of this difficulty was because many of the colonists were themselves fleeing an Anglican Church they considered corrupt or still retentive of too many Catholic trappings. Many colonists sought the freedom to pursue their own religions in more reformed Protestant faiths. However, the Anglican Church was also hampered by its episcopal nature. In this context, “episcopal” means a church organization rooted in a hierarchy of ecclesiastical offices, with the bishop at the top. No Anglican bishop, and indeed very few Anglican priests, wanted to come to English North America. The American colonies were too primitive for Anglican bishops or clergy to contemplate leaving their cathedrals or parishes either in or close to urban centers (Wells, 1987).

After the American revolution, it was difficult for American Anglican congregations who styled themselves as the Protestant Episcopal Church to resume religious services. The lack of an American bishop of the Protestant Episcopal Church was a major hindrance. Eventually Samuel Seabury, an American member of the clergy, became the first bishop. Building on this, Ohio was the first diocese outside the thirteen original colonies to elect an Episcopal bishop. Trinity Parish in Cleveland is the oldest congregation in the city (Wells, 1990). As it and Cleveland grew together, it became natural for the Ohio bishops of the Episcopal Church to make their residence in Cleveland. As in much earlier times in Europe, a city provided the bishop, the organization, and the base population needed to maintain a cathedral (Wells, 1987).

There is more to cathedrals and cities than a historical connection. Many Americans today build their European travel itineraries around visits to important sacred structures in order to appreciate their architecture and art. In Europe and in America, cathedrals remain urban repositories of public art. In addition, cathedrals have been places for prayer and pilgrimage, grand liturgies, fine music, social services, and public meetings. Trinity Cathedral continues in this tradition, hosting out-of-town tours and an annual Pilgrimage for Youth. People of all religious faiths come to Trinity to walk the labyrinth, a spiritual tool brought to this country from the cathedrals of Europe. Daily worship in a variety of forms is offered in the Cathedral. Courses in the Bible, theology, spiritual direction, and other subjects also attract people to Trinity. Major liturgies for the Diocese of Ohio, including the Convention Eucharist, Deaconal Ordinations, and the St. Francis Day Blessing of the Animals are held in the Cathedral.

The Music and Performing Arts organization at Trinity offers free professional noon-time concerts and Sunday worship is enhanced by a professional choir, frequently accompanied by members of the Trinity Chamber Orchestra. Trinity’s Sunday Lunch Ministry feeds about 150-200 hungry people each week, and the Cathedral clergy and congregation are active in the life of the city, working to improve the quality of life for all people. Many groups meet at the Cathedral and civic and religious events are held there.

An important part of the art in Cleveland’s magnificent Trinity Cathedral can be found in its stained glass windows. These windows range in age from the 1400s to the 1960s. This monograph focuses on fifteen of these windows.

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