St. Thomas Aquinas Church

St. Thomas Aquinas Church is a Gothic Revival church in Zanesville featuring twin domed towers and a triangular front gable with a central dome set behind the facade. Local stone masonry shapes the exterior, reflecting the architectural language typical of 19th-century American religious buildings.

The cornerstone was laid on March 17, 1842, with the Protestant community supporting construction and the Quaker John Howard donating stone. The church rose during a period when such ambitious projects symbolized the town's growing religious diversity.

The stained glass windows ordered from Liège, Belgium in 1914 show traditional Catholic artistry and European craftsmanship. They shape the interior light and the sense of reverence felt by visitors today.

When visiting, note that the exterior is well-viewed from the street, but interior access may be limited. Checking ahead is wise to ensure you can enter the building.

A tornado struck the church on June 16, 1912 during morning Mass, causing the steeple to collapse into the nave. This dramatic event remains part of the building's story and is still recalled by local residents.

Location: Ohio

Architectural style: Gothic Revival

Opening Hours: Monday-Thursday 08:00-15:00, Friday-Sunday off

Phone: +17404533301

Email: parish@saintthomaszanesville.org

Website: https://saintthomaszanesville.org

GPS coordinates: 39.94310,-82.00670

Latest update: December 13, 2025 17:03