First Universalist Church of Olmsted facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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First Universalist Church of Olmsted / Olmsted Unitarian Universalist Congregation
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Front and northern side
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 Location in Ohio
Location in the United States
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| Location | 5050 Porter Rd., North Olmsted, Ohio |
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| Area | 1.3 acres (0.53 ha) |
| Built | 1847 |
| Architect | John Ames |
| Architectural style | Greek Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 80002983 |
| Added to NRHP | November 25, 1980 |
The First Universalist Church of Olmsted is a really old and important church in North Olmsted, Ohio, United States. It's one of the oldest church buildings in Cuyahoga County, Ohio, and has been a special place for the community since the mid-1800s. It was even named a historic site because of its history and unique style.
Contents
Discover the Historic Olmsted Church
A Look at the Church Building
The Universalists in North Olmsted built this church in 1847. They used a style called Greek Revival. John Ames was the architect who designed it.
The building is a simple rectangle made of wood. Its walls are covered with weatherboarding. The roof comes to a point, forming a gable at the front. A bell tower sits on top of the roofline.
Special Features of the Church
You can see four rectangular windows on the sides of the church. At the front, two similar windows frame the main entrance. Above the entrance, there is a small, curved window. The entire gable at the front is shaped like a pediment.
This pediment is the most decorated part of the church. It has a detailed, fan-shaped window called a fanlight. The church's bell is very old, over 150 years! It was put in place in 1851.
The church mostly keeps its simple Greek Revival look. Some Victorian details were added later. The building has also been moved from its first location.
Its History and Importance
People in this church have always been known for their open-minded religious ideas. For example, they had their first female preacher, Abbie Danforth, in 1878. This was very early for the time.
The church building itself is very old. Only one other religious building in the county is older. That's St. John's Episcopal Church, built in 1838. This shows how well the Olmsted church has been kept.
Why It's a Historic Site
Because it is so old and well-preserved, the church was added to the National Register of Historic Places in November 1980. It was recognized for its important architecture and its role in local history. Usually, churches or buildings that have been moved are not chosen. But this church was special enough to be included.
The First Universalist Church is one of nine historic places in the North Olmsted and Olmsted Falls area. Other nearby historic sites include the John and Maria Adams House, Fort Hill, the Grand Pacific Hotel, the Samuel Lay House, the North Olmsted Town Hall, the Julia Carter Northrop House, the Olmsted Falls Depot, and the Olmsted Falls Historic District.
