First Presbyterian Church (Napoleon, Ohio) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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First Presbyterian Church
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Front of the church
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 Location in Ohio
Location in the United States
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| Location | 303 W. Washington, Napoleon, Ohio |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1901 |
| Architect | Harry W. Wachter |
| Architectural style | American Craftsman |
| NRHP reference No. | 90000381 |
| Added to NRHP | March 9, 1990 |
The First Presbyterian Church is a special church building in Napoleon, Ohio. It is a Presbyterian church, which is a type of Christian church. This church is located at 303 West Washington Street. It is known as a historic place because of its unique and interesting design.
A Look at the Church's History
How the Church Began
The First Presbyterian Church group started in 1861. Their first church building was on the corner of Washington and Webster Streets. This spot was two blocks away from the Henry County Courthouse.
Building the Current Church
About forty years later, the first church building was taken down. The church then built the building you see today in the same spot. Construction started in 1900 and finished in 1901.
The Church's Amazing Architecture
Designed by a Special Architect
The church was designed by an architect named Harry W. Wachter. He built it in the American Craftsman style. This style often uses natural materials and has a handmade look.
Unique Building Materials
The church stands on a strong foundation made of sandstone. Its roof is covered with terracotta tiles. The walls are also made of sandstone, which came from quarries near Mansfield, Ohio.
Distinctive Roof and Windows
The roof of the church has many different towers and gables. These are finished with decorative bargeboards. One very special part of the roof is a small steeple. It rises through the main tower, looking a bit like a beehive. Inside, large arched windows and a skylight let in lots of light.
Why the Church Looks So Different
The walls of First Presbyterian Church are special. They are built with sandstone pieces of many different sizes and colors. This, along with the towers and gables, gives the church a very unique look. In 1977, experts said the church's design was one-of-a-kind for northwestern Ohio.
It looks very different from St. Augustine's Catholic Church, which is also in Napoleon. First Presbyterian has a varied roofline and many decorative parts. St. Augustine's, however, is a smooth Gothic Revival building with a tall tower.
A Recognized Historic Site
Because of its special architecture, the First Presbyterian Church gained wider attention. In 1980, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This list includes important historic buildings across the country. Only three other buildings in Henry County, all in downtown Napoleon, are on this list.
The Church Community
An Active Congregation
First Presbyterian Church is an active part of the Maumee Valley Presbytery. This is a group of Presbyterian churches. The church community had 133 members when statistics were last gathered. At that time, Pastor Gavin Pitt served the congregation.
The Church's Parsonage
The church also owns a parsonage. This is a house where the pastor or minister lives. It is located at 304 West Main Street, close to the church building. This parsonage is a Victorian house made of brick. It was built even before the first church building was taken down.
