Sacred Heart Church, Dayton

Built in 1888 by the renowned local architect Charles Insco Williams, the Sacred Heart Catholic Church was initially established to serve a burgeoning parish community. Over the years, its striking architectural features have cemented its status as a significant historical site. Although it ceased regular operations in 1996, the church found new life in 2001 when a Vietnamese Catholic group began using the facility, revitalizing its role in the community.

The architectural grandeur of Sacred Heart Church is one of its most compelling attributes. The structure showcases an intricate blend of Romanesque and Queen Anne styles, characterized by its majestic stained-glass windows and an imposing octagonal Baroque dome topped with a glazed cupola. The church's exterior is constructed from locally quarried limestone and Berea sandstone, enhancing its historic and regional significance. Towers flanking the main entrance and rose windows beneath the pediments further accentuate the church's architectural elegance.

Despite suffering significant damage during the Great Flood of 1913, which destroyed much of its original grand woodworking, artwork, and chandeliers, Sacred Heart Church has retained its historical essence. Over the years, various elements were either removed or painted over, yet the core structure and design continue to reflect the church's storied past. The church's resilience and enduring beauty have earned it a place on the National Register of Historic Places, a designation it received in 1988.