Friends Meetinghouse (Mount Pleasant, Ohio) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Friends Meetinghouse
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 Location in Ohio
Location in the United States
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| Location | Near OH 150, Mount Pleasant, Ohio |
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| Area | 5 acres (2.0 ha) |
| Built | 1814 |
| NRHP reference No. | 70000504 |
| Added to NRHP | November 10, 1970 |
The Friends Meetinghouse is a very old and important building located near OH 150 in a village called Mount Pleasant, Ohio. It's a special kind of church for a group of people known as Quakers. This building was finished in 1814. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1970, which means it's recognized as a significant historical site. It was also the very first Quaker meeting house of its kind built west of the Alleghenies mountains.
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The Historic Friends Meetinghouse
Mount Pleasant is a village with a rich history. It was named a National Historic Landmark District because of its strong connection to the antislavery movement. This movement worked to end slavery in the years leading up to the American Civil War. The village was a safe place for many people seeking freedom.
A Special Place in History
Mount Pleasant was an important stop on the Underground Railroad. This was a secret network of safe houses and routes that helped enslaved people escape to freedom. The village had five known "stations" where people could find help and shelter.
Helping People Find Freedom
The Friends Meetinghouse played a role in this history. Quakers were often involved in helping others. The building itself stands as a reminder of the brave people who worked for freedom and justice.
Celebrating 200 Years
In 2014, the village of Mount Pleasant celebrated its 200th birthday. There were special tours, displays, and programs for everyone to enjoy. A special event took place inside the 1814 Quaker Meeting House. The Hon. John D. Ong, who used to be the U.S. Ambassador to Norway, spoke at the event. He is a descendant of Jacob Ong, who helped build the Meeting House. Jacob Ong was a Quaker minister, which is like a spiritual leader. People remembered him as someone who always shared messages of love. He would often get emotional while speaking, encouraging everyone to love God and each other.
Visiting the Meetinghouse Today
Today, the Friends Meetinghouse is owned by the Ohio Historical Society. It is managed by the Mount Pleasant Historical Society. They call it the Quaker Yearly Meeting House. It serves as a museum and a place where people can learn about its important past. Visitors can explore the building and imagine what life was like during the time of the Underground Railroad and the fight against slavery.
