Our Lady of Angels Catholic Church

The property on what is now known as Rocky River Drive was purchased by the Franciscans with the intention to establish a seminary and, eventually, a parish for the people in the area. With permission of the Bishop of Cleveland obtained, the plan was set in motion. By 1905, a small frame chapel, with living quarters for the Brothers and Fathers, had been built. The chapel, or church, was known as the Church of The Stigmata of St. Francis until July 13, 1906, when it was dedicated as Our Lady of Angels. The surrounding area was known at that time as Rockport, later to be changed to West Park. This area had been part of St. Patrick’s Parish, an older parish farther south on what is now Rocky River Drive.