Church of the Ascension, Episcopal church in Frankfort, United States.
The Church of the Ascension is an Episcopal church located on Washington Street in Frankfort, Kentucky, featuring traditional architectural elements and a dedicated worship space for its congregation. The building displays the characteristic design of American religious architecture from the 19th century.
Bishop Benjamin Bosworth Smith founded the church in 1836 with financial support from the Church of the Ascension in New York City. This establishment reflected the Episcopal Church's expansion into western states during that era.
The congregation played a key role in Frankfort's development by establishing the city's first free school and public library, institutions that opened educational opportunities for people who could not afford them. These initiatives reflected the church's commitment to serving the broader community beyond its walls.
The church is located in downtown Frankfort and can be easily reached on foot from other key city attractions. Visitors should dress appropriately as this is an active place of worship with regular services.
From 1859 to 1939, the church operated an orphanage on its property, providing shelter and care for vulnerable children over nearly a century. This long-standing commitment to social welfare was a defining part of the congregation's mission beyond religious services.
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