Universalist Church

Westfield Center, Ohio 1848 The original congregation, some of whom came from the Connecticut Firelands, began meeting in local homes in 1821. Lumber and pews were donated by church members. It is the oldest church in Medina County and the oldest Universalist Church in Ohio. In 1849, Abbie Danforth, a woman minister, was installed, in keeping with church practice of accepting both men and women as... read more

York United Methodist Church

Mallet Creek, Ohio 1877 The congregation was founded in about 1841, and held services in private homes until the first church was built in 1844. The current edifice was built at a cost of $5,000. Three thousand dollars of this was donated by one church member, Mary Ford. In her honor, a plaque above the entrance identifies the church as “Mary’s Chapel, the name by which the church is known... read more

St. Martin of Tours Chapel

Valley City, Ohio 1861 The Parish was established in 1840, and constructed a log church in 1841. The current chapel is the fourth for the parish, second on the site. All construction of the church was donated by local farmers, who gave a year of their time. “They did the plowing and then left the fields to the Lord’s care. They dug clay and fired bricks within a short distance of the church.... read more

St. Marks Episcopal Church

Wadsworth, Ohio 1841 The church was built in 1841-42 by Congregationalist pioneers from New England who settled in the Western Reserve in 1814. The membership disbanded in 1885 and the building stood vacant for 7 years. Pennsylvania German Mennonites purchased and restored the church in 1892. In 1959 the Mennonites built a new church and sold the building to the Episcopal Church, which had been meeting in... read more

Wesleyan Methodist Church

Now, Briar Hill Cemetery Museum Novelty, Ohio 1851-52 The church is located on the grounds of Briar Hill Cemetery, Russell Township. David and Philinda Nutt, who immigrated to Ohio from Oneida, New York, in about 1836, helped to build the church, and have an extensive family plot on the east side of the church for their many descendents. The building has been restored and is now a museum. The Methodist... read more

First Disciples Church

Now, Church on the Green Burton, Ohio 1846 Built by a Disciples of Christ congregation in Auburn Township, the church later became the Auburn Community Church. In 1963, the church was moved to its present location and extensively renovated. It is now part of Century Village Museum, under the auspices of the Geauga County Historical Society, and is used for meetings and special events such as... read more

Union Chapel

Newbury, Ohio Circa 1856-1858 Newbury residents built the Union Chapel when the Congregational Church across the street refused to allow James Garfield to speak there, as they were concerned about the topic of his speech. The topic is today not known. Garfield, later the twentieth President of the United States, dedicated the Chapel to free speech. The Chapel became a community center, used for religious... read more

Parkman Congregational Church

Parkman, Ohio 1875 Ten members organized the church in 1823 as a Presbyterian Church. In 1873, with only seven members, the congregation was able to build a church, which was completed in 1875. The lot on which the church was built was sold in 1939, and the church was moved about a block up the hill, using a horse and rig. The move took one week. The basement was added at that time. Architectural Style:... read more

Free Will Baptist Church

Now, Auburn Township Museum Auburn, Ohio 1840 The Free Will Baptist Society, formed in 1835-36, built the current structure. The Baptists shared the building with the Methodists during the 1870s, alternating Sundays for services. After more than a century of use as a church, it was converted to the Auburn Township Museum in 1973. The church is still in its original location. National Register of Historic... read more

United Methodist Church

East Claridon, Ohio 1837 The church was originally located in Claridon Center, which was predominantly Congregationalist. It was moved to its present location in 1867, to be closer to its Methodist congregation. The steeple was added at that time. The church has undergone many renovations, and is now known locally as “The Lighthouse.” Architectural Style: Classical Revival / American... read more