Free Will Baptist Church of Auburn facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Free Will Baptist Church Of Auburn
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Front and western side of the church
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 Location in Ohio
Location in the United States
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| Location | 11742 E. Washington St., Auburn Corners, Ohio |
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| Area | Less than 1 acre (0.40 ha) |
| Built | 1839 |
| Architectural style | Greek Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 76001430 |
| Added to NRHP | May 28, 1976 |
The Auburn Free Will Baptist Church is an old church building in Auburn Township, Ohio. It was built a long time ago, in the early 1800s. Even though the church group that built it doesn't use it anymore, it's still an important part of the area's history. It's even listed as a historic site.
A Church with a Long Story
The Auburn Free Will Baptist Church group started around 1839 or 1840. Their first leader was Elder Miller. The church members worked hard and were able to build their own church building by the end of 1840.
Before the building was ready, the group met in different places. Sometimes they worshipped in a schoolhouse. Other times, they used a barn owned by a farmer named Richard Slitor.
After it was built, the church building was used by more than just the Baptists. The Methodists also used it for many years. The Baptists continued to use the building until around the time of World War II.
What Makes the Church Special?
The church building has walls made of clapboard, which are overlapping wooden boards. Its base, or foundation, is made of sandstone. The most interesting part of the church is its roof.
From the outside, the roof looks like a normal gable roof, which has two sloping sides. But inside, the way the roof is held up is very unusual. It uses a special system of trusses and diagonal supports. Local historians say this type of roof construction is very rare in the Connecticut Western Reserve area.
Besides its unique roof, the church looks like other Greek Revival churches from that time. It has three windows on each side. On the front of the building, there are three windows on the second story. The main door is in the middle of the first floor, with one window on each side. There used to be a tower on top of the front of the building.
A Recognized Historic Place
In May 1976, the Auburn Free Will Baptist Church was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it's officially recognized as an important historic site. It qualified because of its special architecture and its role in local history.
This church is the only place in Auburn Township listed on the National Register. It is one of three churches in Geauga County with this special honor. The other two are the Claridon Congregational Church and the South Newbury Union Chapel.
