History of Trinity Cathedral

Trinity parish was founded in the home of Phineas Shepherd on November 9, 1816. As the parish grew, the congregation moved to a frame structure, built on the corner of St. Clair and Seneca (W. 3rd St.). Consecrated in 1829, Trinity became the first church building within the village limits of Cleveland. By 1846, the parish began to plan for a larger, more central building, just east of Public Square at E. 6th and Superior Avenue. In 1855, the congregation moved into that large stone structure of Gothic design. In 1890, Trinity Church was offered to Bishop William A. Leonard as a cathedral for the Diocese of Ohio.