About St. Francis de Sales · Toledo, Ohio
St. Francis de Sales stands at 501 Cherry Street in Toledo as the city's oldest Catholic church and its historic mother parish. Built during the Civil War and dedicated in 1869, this Gothic Revival landmark was designed by noted church architect Patrick Keely and became the first cathedral of the Diocese of Toledo in 1910. Though a 1931 fire damaged much of the interior, the high vaulted ceilings and original Stations of the Cross by Toledo artist William Henry Machen survived. In 2005 the parish was closed and the church was retained as a chapel, which the diocese continues to use for special liturgies and prayer events.
- Established
- 1862
- Patron
- St. Francis de Sales
- Diocese
- Diocese of Toledo
Architecture and Art
The Gothic Revival structure features steep pitches and pointed arches in its windows, doorways, and interior. The high ceiling vaults and original Stations of the Cross survived a 1931 fire.
- Designed by Patrick Keely of New York
- Gothic Revival style with pointed arches and steep roof pitch
- Original Stations of the Cross by William Henry Machen
- High ceiling vaults preserved after the 1931 fire
Cathedral History
When the Diocese of Toledo was created in 1910, St. Francis de Sales became the first cathedral. Bishop Joseph Schrembs was installed there on October 4, 1911. It remained the cathedral until Our Lady, Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Cathedral was completed on Collingwood Boulevard in 1931.
- First cathedral of the Diocese of Toledo, 1910-1931
- Installation of Bishop Joseph Schrembs on October 4, 1911
- Succeeded by Our Lady, Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Cathedral
Current Status
St. Francis de Sales ceased to operate as a parish in 2005, when the Diocese of Toledo closed it as part of a restructuring plan. The building was retained as a chapel and continues to be used for diocesan prayer events and special liturgies.
- Parish closed in 2005; building retained as chapel
- Used by the Diocese of Toledo for special events such as prayer vigils
- No regular parish Mass schedule is published