Dixboro United Methodist Church facts for kids
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Dixboro United Methodist Church
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 Location in Michigan
Location in the United States
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| Location | 5221 Church St., Dixboro, Michigan |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1858 |
| Built by | E. W. Ford |
| Architect | Abraham Cooper |
| Architectural style | Greek Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 72000665 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | March 16, 1972 |
The Dixboro United Methodist Church is a very old and special church in Dixboro, Michigan. It's located at 5221 Church Street. This church is important because it's a great example of a Greek Revival-style building from the mid-1800s. It looks almost exactly like it did when it was first built! Because of its history and unique style, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972. It also became a Michigan State Historic Site in 1971.
Contents
A Look Back: The Church's Story
The first church services for Methodists in Dixboro started way back in 1828. For about 30 years, traveling preachers, called "circuit riders," would visit and hold services now and then.
Building the Church
Finally, in 1857, people in Dixboro decided it was time to build a proper church. They formed a group, chose leaders, and agreed to build a church for no more than $2500. They hired Abraham Cooper, an architect from Ypsilanti, Michigan, to design the building. E. W. Ford, a builder from Saline, was chosen to construct it. The church was finished in 1858. The total cost was $2241, which was a lot of money back then!
Changes Over Time
Over the years, the church had a few updates. In 1920, a basement was dug underneath the church. A furnace was also put in to keep everyone warm. Later, in 1950 and 1951, a new section, called a wing, was added. The small tower on top, called a cupola, was made shorter. Another wing was added in 1969. Then, in 1997 and 1998, the church building was fully renovated. The cupola was even made tall again, just like it was originally! Today, the church is still used for services every week.
What the Church Looks Like
The Dixboro United Methodist Church is a single-story building. It is made of wood and built in the Greek Revival style. This style was popular in the 1800s and looks like ancient Greek temples.
Key Features
On top of the church, there is a square cupola and a belfry where the bell is kept. The outside walls are covered with clapboard siding. This means the wooden boards overlap each other. The front of the church has four sections, separated by flat columns called Doric pilasters. A special covered entrance, called a pedimented portico, protects the front door. On each side of the entrance, and along the sides of the church, you can see tall windows with three sections, known as triple-hung sash windows.
