Spirit of Christmas Tour in Over the Rhine

I recently joined some other bloggers for a “Spirit of Christmas” tour in historic Over the Rhine in Cincinnati. The tour begins at the Cincy Haus on Vine street in OTR.

 

 

We got an overview of the tour outside and then took to the streets to see our first church. Our tour consisted of several churches within walking distance in OTR. Over the Rhine is believed to be the largest historic district in America.

 

 

 

We started at the at First Lutheran Church.  This was the first Lutheran church in the area to perform their services English.  Each stop had history given by our tour guides

 

 

and heart given by the pastors, priest and leadership.

 

 

 

I really loved hearing what these churches were doing to adapt and change to serve the needs of the community over the years.  The architecture was also so beautiful.

 

 

 

We got to see the beautiful stain glass windows on the second floor along with totes of clothing that were gathered in preparation for the needs of the community in the colder months.

 

 

 

and a few of us took up our guides on their offer to ring the bell.

 

 

 

The pastor shared how the church was in need of many repairs but they felt the needs of the community came first when designating funds. Each church had social and spiritual programs dedicated to helping people make their lives better.

The church was located near the newly renovated Washington Park that is located across from the Cincinnati Music Hall.

 

 

The next church buildings were also rich in history and were so detailed.

 

 

 

Each one with a different story to tell but the heart for the community was the same.

 

 

Each church found ways to do what they could with what they had.

Some of the walls told stories of what was.

 

 

 

They showed what could have been. Many of the churches on the tour were built around the 1890’s.

 

 

 

We continued the tour to several other churches down the block.

 

 

 

This church had a small amount of committed members who still are doing everything they can to serve the community. They also offer their building for overflow for the drop in center on cold nights.

Our final stop was at St. Francis.

 

 

They have a nativity scene set up in the heart of an urban neighborhood.

 

 

 

The inside of the church was beautiful and also had several rooms with holiday cheer.

 

 

 

I really enjoyed the “Spirit of Christmas” tour for so many reasons. The tour celebrated architecture, the history and the heart of a community that won’t give up and that gives Over the Rhine it’s roots and it’s backbone.

 

Check out the American Legacy Tours website to book your “Spirit of Christmas” tour.

 

 

 

Disclosure: I was not compensated for this post. I did receive a complimentary visit for review purposes. All opinions are my own.