First Presbyterian Church of Blissfield facts for kids
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First Presbyterian Church of Blissfield
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 Location in Michigan
Location in the United States
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| Location | 306 Franklin Street Blissfield, Michigan |
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| Built | 1849 |
| Architectural style | Greek Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 71000403 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | September 3, 1971 |
The First Presbyterian Church of Blissfield is a historic church building. It is located at 306 Franklin Street in the village of Blissfield, Michigan. This church is still used today.
It was recognized as an important historical place in Michigan on June 11, 1965. Later, on September 3, 1971, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This list includes special historical sites across the United States. It was only the second place in Lenawee County to be added to this important list.
A Look at Its History
The church community in Blissfield officially started on February 29, 1829. This makes it one of the oldest Presbyterian groups in Michigan. In the beginning, church services were held in the home of Hervey Bliss. He was one of the village's founders. Later, they met in a schoolhouse.
Building the Church
The church building you see today was constructed in 1849. It was built in the Greek Revival style. This style looks like ancient Greek temples. The building cost about $2,800, which was a lot of money back then! Reverend John Monteith led the church at that time. He had studied at Princeton Theological Seminary.
Reverend John Monteith's Role
Reverend Monteith was a very important person. He helped start what is now the famous University of Michigan, along with Gabriel Richard. Monteith was even the university's first leader from 1817 to 1821. He moved to Michigan in 1816. Later, he moved to Blissfield and preached there from 1845 to 1855. During this time, he helped raise money to build the church. This church is the fifth oldest operating Presbyterian church in Michigan. It is also the oldest church in Blissfield itself.
Changes Over Time
In 1883, the church building was moved a short distance. It now sits just north of U.S. Route 223, close to the River Raisin. In 1953, a large new section was added to the church. This addition changed how the original church building looked quite a bit.
