7 Surprising Facts About Our Lord Christ The King Church In Mt. Lookout: History, Art Moderne Architecture, And 2025 Updates
Standing proudly in the historic Mt. Lookout neighborhood of Cincinnati, Our Lord Christ the King Church is far more than a local parish; it is a landmark of architectural innovation and a cornerstone of Catholic history in the United States. As of late 2025, the parish continues its nearly century-long mission, balancing a rich historical legacy with a vibrant, modern community life, including major events like the upcoming annual Gala.
The church’s unique distinction as the first parish in the world named for Our Lord under the title “King” gives it a special place in the global Catholic narrative. This deep dive uncovers the surprising facts, the unique Art Moderne design, and the latest updates on the community led by its current pastoral team.
The Pastoral Leadership and Clergy Profile of Our Lord Christ the King (2025)
The spiritual life and community direction of Our Lord Christ the King Church are currently guided by a dedicated pastoral team, serving as part of the larger South 8 Deanery of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati. The leadership structure ensures a robust ministry focused on liturgy, education, and community outreach.
Reverend Adam Puntel: Pastor
- Current Role: Pastor of Our Lord Christ the King Church and the broader South 8 Deanery.
- Pastoral Focus: Oversees the spiritual and administrative functions of the parish, including the associated Cardinal Pacelli School.
- Previous Assignments: Served as a Parochial Vicar at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, concluding his term in July 2014.
- Unique Background: Fr. Puntel initially pursued a vocation as a special education teacher before answering the call to the priesthood, bringing a deep commitment to teaching and community care to his ministry.
- Leadership Style: Known for fostering a strong sense of parish community and connectivity within the Cincinnati Archdiocese.
Parochial Vicars
Fr. Puntel is supported by a team of Parochial Vicars who assist in the sacramental and pastoral duties of the Family of Parishes:
- Reverend Eric Roush
- Reverend Jeremy Stubbs
The Architectural Marvel: Art Moderne and the 1957 Dedication
Unlike the Gothic or Romanesque styles typical of many older Catholic churches, Our Lord Christ the King Church stands out for its bold, mid-century design. The current structure is a celebrated example of modern religious architecture, a key reason for its enduring local significance.
A Pioneer of Modern Design
The church building, dedicated on May 22, 1957, was designed by the renowned Cincinnati architect Edward J. Schulte. Schulte was a prominent figure in the region, and his work on Christ the King is a prime example of the Art Moderne style, characterized by its streamlined, functional, and geometrically pure aesthetic.
- Style: Art Moderne (a late 1930s-1940s evolution of Art Deco).
- Architect: Edward J. Schulte.
- Dedication: Formally dedicated by Archbishop Karl Alter in 1957.
The 1969 Liturgical Reordering
A second significant date in the church's history is 1969. While not a new building dedication, this year marked a crucial reordering of the sanctuary to align with the liturgical changes mandated by Pope Paul VI following the Second Vatican Council (Vatican II). This adaptation demonstrates the parish’s commitment to both its historical roots and the modern practices of the Catholic Church.
7 Surprising Facts and Latest Updates on the Mt. Lookout Parish
The vibrant community life of Our Lord Christ the King extends beyond Sunday Mass, encompassing a wide array of ministries, a top-tier school, and major annual events that define the Mt. Lookout social calendar.
1. The First of Its Name in the World
Founded in 1926, Our Lord Christ the King was the first Catholic parish anywhere in the world to be named for Christ under the title “King.” This groundbreaking name was adopted just one year after Pope Pius XI instituted the Feast of Christ the King, solidifying the parish’s unique place in Catholic history.
2. The Home of Cardinal Pacelli School
The parish is inextricably linked with Cardinal Pacelli School, a highly-regarded Catholic elementary school serving students from preschool through eighth grade. The school is a central pillar of the parish's mission, offering a balanced education rooted in Catholic values.
3. The 2025 Gala is a Major Event
The parish and school community eagerly anticipate "The Gala," a major annual fundraiser and social event. The 2025 Gala is scheduled for October 11, returning to the Pacelli Gym for what is billed as one of the biggest parties the parish has hosted in years, featuring light bites and drinks.
4. Recent Parish Center Expansion
In recent years, the parish undertook a significant construction project involving the renovation of the existing facilities and the addition of a new Parish Center. This expansion project was designed to serve as a vital connector and provide modern spaces for the growing community’s needs.
5. Deep Community Outreach Ministries
The church maintains a robust Christian Outreach & Wellness Ministry, demonstrating a strong commitment to social justice and serving neighbors in need. Ministries are organized into three main pillars: Liturgy, Parish Community, and Community Outreach, offering numerous ways for parishioners to engage.
6. The Art Moderne Baptistry's Unique Iconography
The church’s Art Moderne architecture includes unique iconographic details. For example, the baptistry features an image of Christ dressed as both priest and king, a visual representation that emphasizes the parish’s unique titular dedication.
7. The Annual Junefest Tradition
Alongside The Gala, the annual Junefest is a beloved community tradition. This event brings together the Mt. Lookout neighborhood and the wider Cincinnati area for a weekend of fun, food, and fellowship, serving as a major community-building effort for the parish.
A Hub of Faith and History in Cincinnati
Our Lord Christ the King Church in Mt. Lookout remains a dynamic and historically significant institution within the Archdiocese of Cincinnati. Its founding pastor, Edward Quinn, laid the groundwork for what would become a vibrant hub of faith. From its pioneering name and its distinctive Art Moderne architecture designed by Edward J. Schulte to its current leadership under Fr. Adam Puntel and its commitment to the Cardinal Pacelli School, the parish successfully blends a rich past with a forward-looking mission. The ongoing community engagement through events like The Gala and its extensive outreach ministries ensure its continued relevance as a spiritual and social anchor in the East Side of Cincinnati.
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