Grace Episcopal Church (Jonesville, Michigan) facts for kids
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Grace Episcopal Church
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 Location in Michigan
Location in the United States
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| Location | 360 E. Chicago Street Jonesville, Michigan |
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| Area | Less than one acre |
| Built | 1848 |
| Architectural style | Gothic, Greek Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 71000391 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | May 6, 1971 |
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Grace Episcopal Church is an old and important building in Jonesville, Michigan. It's located at 360 East Chicago Street. In 1971, it was recognized as a special historic place in Michigan. It was also added to the National Register of Historic Places. This church is one of the very first church buildings built in Michigan, especially west of Detroit. It's also a rare example of early Michigan church design.
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History of Grace Episcopal Church
The story of Grace Episcopal Church began a long time ago. In 1833, a missionary named William N. Lyster came from Ireland. He traveled around southern Michigan, helping small communities. In 1836, he held the very first church service in Jonesville.
Two years later, in 1838, a church group was officially formed by Darius Barker. They started building this church in 1844. It was finished on November 15, 1848. Building it cost about $3,000 back then.
In 1946, an old schoolhouse was moved next to the church. It was used as a community hall for church events. In 2007, the church was sold and later became a coffee shop. In 2021, new owners bought the church. The community area has been updated. It can now be rented out for people to stay in. The main church area is also being fixed up. It can be used for special events like weddings.
What Does the Church Look Like?
Grace Episcopal Church is a 1-1/2 story building. It is shaped like a rectangle. The building is made of wood and covered in clapboard siding. Its style is called Greek Revival.
The church has a small entrance area that sticks out. On top of this entrance is a square tower. This tower connects to the main part of the church. Square columns, called pilasters, go up each corner of the building. Both the entrance and the main building have a pointed roof, called a gable roof.
Unique Windows
The sides of the building have special windows. They are called Gothic double-arched lancet windows. These windows give the church a mix of Greek Revival and Gothic styles, which is quite rare. Similar single-arched windows are found on each side of the entrance.
Inside the Church
Inside, the church has dark wood paneling made of black walnut. The church benches, called pews, are also made from the same wood. There is a small altar, also made of black walnut. It is surrounded by beautiful wall paintings, known as frescoes.
