History of the Grounds
The Redemption Center Church

Learn Your History

Throughout the centuries, Christianity has always embellished its sacramental structures with meaningful symbols and related images. Still today, Houses of Worship demonstrate the celebrated Faith with recognizable architecture and figurative adornment telling the story of the Gospel and its devout followers.

This historic site on Broadway Avenue, displays a rich heritage with its stylistic buildings, serene walks, and spiritually-laden statuary. Formerly called The Villa San Bernardo, this specified district was nominated to the National Registrar for its contribution to religion and education, associated with the large Slovak immigrant community of Cleveland, Ohio.

In the early 1900s, Cuyahoga County hosted the largest Slovakian population in the world. To serve this expanding commonality within the greater Cleveland metropolitan area, the Vincentian Sisters of Charity were established in 1928 on these hallowed grounds in Bedford, Ohio. Their ministry continued to nurture those in the surrounding communities for over sixty years. We hereby honor these sisters and brothers who acted before us as servants of the Most High God.

Currently, The Redemption Center Church forwards much of the same reverential causes, in many of the same ways. As a Christ-centered gathering, RCC welcomes all for worship and other educational and fellowship activities. Our mission to the lost and the broken, the hungry and the needy, is to redeem with love, to renew with Word, to revive with Spirit, and to restore with grace. We hope you will join us.

The Redemption Center Church
The Redemption Center Church

One of the special features of this Sacred Setting are the fourteen Grottos situated on the western slope of this consecrated property. Often called “The Stations of the Cross,” they are also noted in time and place as The Via Dolorosa, “The Way of Suffering.” These revered hand-painted, wooden representations capture the sequential scenes of Christ’s passionate procession, from the trial before Pontius Pilate to His crucifixion on Golgotha’s Hill.

Feel free to visit. On this dedicated parcel, set apart for Divine use, all are welcome to journey on the time-worn graveled paths. Positioned in the wooded hillside, you can prayerfully meditate at any one of the replicated moments, and pause for a time of intimate reflection on the provided benches set along the meandering trail. Bathe in the stillness and find the healing presence of the Risen Christ. We pray that your heart be filled to overflowing in this unique surrounding, touching your soul with Heavenly peace.

(Thank you for your patience as this area is presently undergoing restoration.)