St. Bernard Catholic Church in Akron, Ohio, was declared a historical monument in 1989 when it was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. Distinctively German-Romanesque with a Baroque influence, its architectural style is patterned after many of the great cathedrals in the Rhineland region of Europe.

St. Bernard was designed by parishioner William P. Ginther, an Akron architect who designed numerous churches all over the country, including the Holy Rosary Church in Cleveland. In 1901, the cornerstone was laid and construction began on this church to serve a growing German-speaking population in Akron. Stone costing $51,000 was used and was brought to the site on 125 train carloads. Having no outstanding debts, the church was consecrated for sacred worship to God in October, 1905.

The church embodies the Romanesque Revival style with its symmetrical massing, monochromatic stone and numerous round and semi-circular arches. The church’s twin bell towers, each with five string courses, are also typical elements of this architectural style. The influences of the Richardsonian Romanesque style are also evident—by the recessed placement of the windows and the random courses of the rock-faced exterior walls.

Distinctive interior details include a large white Italian marble altar and elaborate wall decorations featuring the disciples, apostles and seraphim typical of a Catholic church of this era.

Please call the Parish Office to arrange a tour for yourself or your group.

2D Tour Here       Google Docs 2D Tour Here

If you are looking for an Akron Catholic Church, St. Bernard is a wonderful place to visit, pray and get involved. This Catholic Community in the Diocese of Cleveland serves the Downtown Akron area. It is known throughout Northeast Ohio as the Catholic Church which offers the most outreach in areas of social justice; however it is also often in collaboration with other local parishes and congregations.

The parish is strong because of the vibrant faith of its parishioners, their devotion to Christ in the Eucharist and their concern for people who are in need. The parish serves those in need of food, through our hunger programs; in need of further Catholic Education and faith development; and in need of sustenance for the soul, through the vibrant Sacramental and prayer life of the parish.

Our beautiful church was built in 1905. Its Romanesque architecture is typical of churches during this period. It is used for civic prayer events and seasonal concerts of sacred music.

The parish is located near The University of Akron, which makes it the ideal Akron Catholic Church for students and faculty of the school. Visit the Newman Center, home of RooCatholic Campus Ministry, located at our parish and meet our students, as well as the chaplain of the University.

Please join us in the work and mission of Jesus Christ in this central part of our city!