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 in Mount Pleasant, Ohio. It was built in 1814. This special building was the first Quaker meeting house of its kind west of the Allegheny Mountains. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1970 because of its history.
Contents
A Special Place in History
The Friends Meetinghouse is a historic building. It is located near OH 150 in Mount Pleasant, Ohio. This meetinghouse was built by Quakers in 1814. It became a very important place for their yearly meetings.
What is a Quaker Meetinghouse?
A Quaker meetinghouse is a place where Quakers gather. Quakers are members of a religious group called the Religious Society of Friends. They believe in peace and equality. Their meetinghouses are often simple buildings. They are designed for quiet worship and community gatherings.
Mount Pleasant's Role in History
Mount Pleasant is a village with a rich history. It is known as a National Historic Landmark District. This is because of its strong connection to the antislavery movement. This movement worked to end slavery in the United States. It happened before the American Civil War.
The Underground Railroad
Mount Pleasant was a key location for the Underground Railroad. This was a secret network. It helped enslaved people escape to freedom. The village had five known "stations." These were safe houses where people could hide. The Friends Meetinghouse played a part in this important work.
Celebrating 200 Years
In 2014, Mount Pleasant celebrated its 200th birthday. There were special tours and programs. One special event was held at the 1814 Quaker Meeting House. John D. Ong, a former U.S. Ambassador, spoke there. He was a descendant of Jacob Ong.
Jacob Ong: The Builder
Jacob Ong (1760–1849) was the main builder of the Meeting House. He was like a modern-day contractor. Jacob Ong was also a Quaker minister. People remembered him as a loving and emotional speaker. He would often cry while sharing his message. He encouraged everyone to love God and each other.
The Meetinghouse Today
Today, the Friends Meetinghouse is still important. The Ohio History Connection owns the building. The Mount Pleasant Historical Society helps manage it. They call it the Quaker Yearly Meeting House. It is now a museum. Visitors can learn about its history. They can also learn about the Quakers and the antislavery movement.
