A History of Our Church

It all began on Monday  May 24, 1875..........

"The ceremony on the laying on the corner-stone of the Church of the Ascension. Located on Detroit Road near Cove Avenue, was performed on Monday afternoon at 5 o'clock by the Rev. Bishop McCoskry...The afternoon had been quite unfavorable for outdoor

exercises, but about 5 o'clock the sky cleared off and a beautiful evening remained.  The result was that quite a concourse of people were in attendance.  The services were of a very interesting and impressive character... The following articles were placed in the corner-stone: a copy of the Book of Common Prayer; a photographic portrait of the Rev. Bishop McCoskry; diocesan canons, list of Rectors, wardens and vestrymen of Trinity Church, etc.  A number of persons from the City gave musical entertainment in the evening, at the residence of George F Marshall, for the benefit of the Church.  The Church is a branch of Trinity Church, and is under the charge of the Rector, the Rev. W. E. McLaren.  The edifice is a frame building about 56 x 30 feet in size and when finished will be a handsome structure."

from The Cleveland Herald, May 25, 1875

Ascension enjoyed growth as a neighborhood church for  most

of the century.  The 1920's saw the contruction of the present sanctuary and rectory as well as a parish-sponsored mission in western Lakewood. While there were times of concern during the Depression and WWII, Ascension continued to grow, adding buildings and members. Over the last 125 years we had a total of 17 pastors in our pulpit.  Two of them staying 20 years, the Rev. Stuart Cole who served from 1949 to 1968 and the Rev. Harold Braun who served from 1968 to 1987.

Because of the longevity of our rectors many programs were built up including programs for the youth and Christian education.  The most successful was the Torch program, nationally recognized service and recreation program in the late 60's which was devised by then-rector Dr. Stuart Cole and Christian education director Frances Millard.

Church of The Ascension has indeed, become a "handsome structure" although much larger in size perhaps than even the most optimistic Rector or lay person envisioned during the years that followed the laying of the corner-stone in 1875.  Situated in East Rockport.. later to become Lakewood, the Church was originally a mission of Trinity Church (now Trinity Cathedral), and was formed after the Civil  War by a group from Trinity who met in homes to form " Cottage Meetings" for the purpose of worship and prayer.  In the 125 years of it's existence, Ascension has seen many changes, not only in the structure of the building itself, but also in the manner of life-style of her parishioners

Throughout the years of the changing history of the American people, Ascension has continued to proclaim strongly, through her programs and services, the heritage of faith and devotion, which the early founders bequeathed to us.

The last quarter of the twentieth century brought changes to American society that affected Ascension, as well as every other church.  Many parishioners no longer live in the neighborhood and the congregation as a whole is aging.  Yet Ascension still attracts new members and families who are in search of a place of worship and it remains an important community  resource.