First Congregational Church of Ovid facts for kids
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Main Street Building, United Church of Ovid
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 Location in Michigan
Location in the United States
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| Location | 222 N. Main St., Ovid, Michigan |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1872 |
| Built by | George Fox |
| Architectural style | Gothic Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 72000607 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | January 13, 1972 |
The First Congregational Church of Ovid is an old religious building located in Ovid, Michigan. It's a special place because it was named a Michigan State Historic Site in 1971. This means it's an important historical spot in Michigan. A year later, in 1972, it was also added to the National Register of Historic Places. This is a list of places across the United States that are important to American history.
Contents
History of the Church Building
Early Beginnings in Ovid
In 1871, a group of 22 people decided to start a new church in Ovid. They called it the First Congregational Church. Reverend William Mulder was their first minister. The very next year, in 1872, they hired a skilled builder named George Fox. He was a master carpenter. George Fox built the first church building. It was located at the corner of High and Park Streets in Ovid.
Changes and Growth
A few years later, in 1876, a bell was added to the church's tower. This bell would call people to worship. By 1899, the church had more and more members. The building needed to be bigger. So, the entire structure was moved to its current spot. Workers also added a basement and two porticoes. A portico is like a porch with columns at the entrance.
Later Years and New Uses
Around 1943, the Congregational Church joined with the Methodist Church. They used both church buildings for their services for many years. This continued until 1972. In 1979, the old church building changed again. It was no longer a church. Instead, it became a private home.
What the Church Building Looks Like
Gothic Revival Style
The First Congregational Church of Ovid is built in a style called Gothic Revival. This style was popular in the 1800s. It tries to look like the grand cathedrals from the Middle Ages. The building is made of wood, which is why it's called a "frame" structure. It has a special shape, like a modified "T" letter.
Building Size and Features
The original part of the church was about 34 feet wide and 58 feet long. Later additions made the building even larger. The roof is a gable roof, which means it has two sloping sides that meet at a ridge. The outside walls are covered with clapboard. These are long, thin boards that overlap each other. There are also flat, decorative strips called pilaster strips at the corners.
The Tall Tower
One of the most interesting parts of the church is its tall tower. It stands about 75 feet high! The tower has three main sections. The top section is a two-story square tower. It is topped with an octagonal belfry. An octagonal shape has eight sides. The belfry is where the church bell used to be. This tower has many unique decorations.
Gothic Details
You can see many Gothic details on the building. The windows are tall and narrow. They have pointed arches at the top. There is also a beautiful rose window. This is a round window with fancy patterns, often found in Gothic churches.
