The history of flooding in Cincinnati is one of heartbreak, incredible damage, and yet a commitment to rebuild and flourish once the waters have receded. As a river town, Cincinnati has seen its fair share of floods, some more memorable and impactful than others. As you’d expect, the buildings along the banks of the Ohio River are the most affected by the rising waters, but one particular church in the East End has definitely seen more flooding than it cares to remember. St. Rose Church on Riverside Drive has actually endured over 60 floods since its beginning, and yet it still stands and continues to serve the Cincinnati community.
St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church was founded in Cincinnati in 1867 and dedicated in 1869.
Photo Courtesy of @drum679
Facebook/St. Rose Church At over 150 years old, it’s filled with history and has been a landmark along the Ohio River since it was first built. As you can tell from the photo above, its location on Riverside Drive in the historic East End puts it right in position for flooding. This area near the city was the center of the steamboat building business, so although it was the ideal location for building boats, structures in this area have had to withstand quite a bit of rising river waters through the years.
As an active Parish today, St. Rose is known for its recognizable tower, beautiful architecture, and stunning features inside.
Facebook/St. Rose Church
The three altars and the other symbolic areas inside the church are intricate and beautiful, making it hard to believe that these walls have been filled with water so many times.
Facebook/St. Rose Church You may also notice that the main altar differs from the two on the sides; in 1894, servers lighting candles accidentally lit the altar on fire during a wedding. So not only has the church withstood flooding damage, but a major fire as well.
St. Rose has experienced over 60 floods since the 1800s, but the most significant was in 1937.
St. Rose Church
It was during this year that the flood waters reached a record 80 feet and turned the area around the church into a massive lake.
St. Rose Church Statues were under water, streets were more than flooded, and extensive damage was done to this historic building.
The resilience of the Parish showed and they were able to clean up, rebuild, and restore their church, as they had done before and have done many times since.
St. Rose Church
As a piece of Cincinnati’s history, the church keeps a record of the flooding in the city on a Flood Gauge painted on the back side of the building.
Photo Courtesy of Jessica Graff As you look at it, you can imagine what it must have been like for the waters to reach those impressive - and terrifying - heights.
Then, turn around and take in the views of the mighty Ohio River, with the Cincinnati skyline in the background.
GoogleMaps St. Rose has a unique relationship with this river, as its beauty and purpose are undeniable, but the danger it poses is very real. After more than 60 floods, this lovely church and its community have learned the power of resilience and know that St. Rose will continue serving the people of Cincinnati for generations to come.
St. Rose is a beautiful church with a beautiful story and we’re sure it will continue to endure flooding that may happen in the future. Have you attended services at St. Rose? Share your memories of this Cincinnati landmark with us in the comments.
Photo Courtesy of @drum679
Facebook/St. Rose Church
At over 150 years old, it’s filled with history and has been a landmark along the Ohio River since it was first built. As you can tell from the photo above, its location on Riverside Drive in the historic East End puts it right in position for flooding. This area near the city was the center of the steamboat building business, so although it was the ideal location for building boats, structures in this area have had to withstand quite a bit of rising river waters through the years.
You may also notice that the main altar differs from the two on the sides; in 1894, servers lighting candles accidentally lit the altar on fire during a wedding. So not only has the church withstood flooding damage, but a major fire as well.
St. Rose Church
Statues were under water, streets were more than flooded, and extensive damage was done to this historic building.
Photo Courtesy of Jessica Graff
As you look at it, you can imagine what it must have been like for the waters to reach those impressive - and terrifying - heights.
GoogleMaps
St. Rose has a unique relationship with this river, as its beauty and purpose are undeniable, but the danger it poses is very real. After more than 60 floods, this lovely church and its community have learned the power of resilience and know that St. Rose will continue serving the people of Cincinnati for generations to come.
For more information on St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, visit its website here.
And for more beautiful churches in the Cincinnati area, check out our previous article here.
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