East Market Street Church of Christ facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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East Market Street Church of Christ
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Front of the former church
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 Location in Ohio
Location in the United States
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| Location | 864 E. Market St., Akron, Ohio |
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| Area | Less than 1 acre (0.40 ha) |
| Built | 1912 |
| Architect | Harpster & Bliss |
| Architectural style | Neoclassical |
| NRHP reference No. | 88003440 |
| Added to NRHP | February 7, 1989 |
The East Market Street Church of Christ is an old church building in Akron, Ohio, United States. It was built in 1912. This building is special because it's one of the oldest churches designed with a unique layout called the Akron Plan. It is now recognized as a historic site.
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A Special Church Design
A company called Harpster & Bliss designed this church. They were famous architects in the early 1900s. They used an early version of the Akron Plan for the building.
What is the Akron Plan?
The Akron Plan was created by an inventor named Lewis Miller. It's a special way to design a church. The main worship area, called the sanctuary, is in the middle. Around it are many rooms for Sunday school classes.
The very first Akron Plan churches in Akron are no longer standing. This makes the 1912 East Market Street church the oldest one left in the city. For a long time, it was also the oldest Akron Plan church still used as a church in Akron.
Building's Look and Feel
The East Market Street building has two stories and is made of brick. The bricks are laid in a pattern called Flemish bond. This building has a Neoclassical style. It sits on a strong stone foundation. The roof is made of asphalt.
Some parts of the building have special details made from terracotta. The front of the church has a central entrance with two columns. Stairs lead up from the sidewalk to the main door. The corners of the front look like regular walls. They have rectangular windows on the first floor. The second floor has arched windows.
On the side facing the parking lot, there is a basement. It has an entrance at ground level near the front of the building.
A Historic Landmark
In 1988, the East Market Street Church of Christ was added to the National Register of Historic Places. It earned this honor because of its important and unique architecture.
A big reason for this recognition was that the inside of the church had not changed much. It was the oldest Akron Plan church in the city that was still mostly original. It was also one of only two such churches left in Akron.
At that time, the church that built it still used the building. Later, that church joined with another Disciples church. The new combined church now meets in a different location in Akron.
Today, the building at 864 Market Street is home to the Summit Academy Secondary School. This is a special alternative school. Sometimes, the building is still used for other events, not just school activities. For example, it hosted a police officer's funeral in November 2014.
