St. John’s Episcopal Church in Ohio City has a rich history of involvement in racial and social justice spanning almost two centuries!

 

It was “Station Hope,” one of the last stops on the "Underground Railroad" for those seeking freedom from American slavery and escaping to Canada.

It was the first Cleveland-area worship space to open its doors to the Metropolitan Community Church, founded in 1968 to serve the LGBTQ community.

It was where Oglala Lakota Sioux activist Russell Means (1940-2012) co-founded the Cleveland American Indian Center in 1969. He then became the first American Indian Movement national director in 1970.

And it served as a hub for various community members to gather for worship, activism, and advocacy during various times of social and political change.  

Today The Institute at St. John’s seeks to continue living into our historical legacy of welcome, liberation, and hope through our partnerships within the Ohio City community.

We proudly celebrate our past while looking forward to creating new avenues for various types of dialogue, creativity, and spirituality. We are so excited about the future of The Institute, of St. John’s Church, and of Ohio City! We hope that you are too. 

 

 
Photo taken at Station Hope, an annual event that highlights the history of St. John's put on by the Cleveland Public Theater. 

Photo taken at Station Hope, an annual event that highlights the history of St. John's put on by the Cleveland Public Theater. 

The Syndicate for the New Arts are Artists in Residence at St. John's. They offer concerts throughout the year and open rehearsals for visitors to witness and ask questions during the composing and practicing process. 

The Syndicate for the New Arts are Artists in Residence at St. John's. They offer concerts throughout the year and open rehearsals for visitors to witness and ask questions during the composing and practicing process.