This reverent book honors the history of the Diocese of Cleveland’s closed churches. Through both text and photographs, the book illuminates the great faith that built and sustained these churches.
Debra First was graduated from the Cleveland Institute of Art in 1992 with a BFA in photography. Debbie has always been drawn to the human element, and she tries to capture its essence in her many and varied photographic projects. She has operated her own photography business for more than 15 years, its primary focus on portraiture and architecture. Among her many projects, her architectural photography highlighting Cleveland s financial sector is featured throughout the Hyatt Hotel and Arcade in downtown Cleveland. The idea for Founded in Faith was conceived upon hearing the announcement that some 50 plus parishes in the Cleveland Diocese would be merged or closed. She felt it would be important to have her family visit these churches and experience their grandeur and historic significance. As the real impact of the diocese s announcement began to settle, it became apparent that cultural heritage would be lost and that human stories and legacies would be left behind as these churches were closed. The focus of the project then became to appreciate that cultural heritage, recognizing the community of these parishes and their rich history, while also capturing the beauty of the structures themselves. Debbie continues to pursue the human element in her photography, while she forever balances her work life and what she holds most dear--her family.
