Oak Hill Welsh Congregational Church facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Oak Hill Welsh Congregational Church
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Front and side
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 Location in Ohio
Location in the United States
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| Location | 412 E. Main St., Oak Hill, Ohio |
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| Area | Less than 1 acre (0.40 ha) |
| Built | 1868 |
| Architect | Isaac Parry; Thomas Herbert |
| Architectural style | Greek Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 78002090 |
| Added to NRHP | May 23, 1978 |
The Oak Hill Welsh Congregational Church is a special old building in Oak Hill, Ohio. It used to be a church for Welsh miners who moved to the area. Today, it is a historic site and a museum.
Contents
A Home for Welsh Miners
Why Welsh People Came to Ohio
Long ago, in the early 1800s, many Welsh miners came to southern Ohio. They came from a place in Wales called Cardiganshire. These miners worked in blast furnaces and iron mines. They helped build the industry in the region.
Forming a Church Community
Some of these Welsh immigrants were part of the Congregational faith. In 1832, they started their own church group in Jackson County. Nine years later, the church group moved to Oak Hill. Their church building, the one you see today, was finished in 1869.
The Church Building's Design
What the Church Looks Like
The church building is made of brick. It has a tin roof and a strong foundation made of sandstone. Two main builders, Isaac Parry and Thomas Herbert, designed it. They used a style called Greek Revival. This style often looks like ancient Greek temples.
Special Features of the Building
Even though the church is only one story tall, it has a tall bell tower on its roof. The main part of the building is shaped like a simple rectangle. However, the bell tower itself is shaped like an octagon, which means it has eight sides.
From Church to Museum
Changes Over the Years
Over many years, fewer people attended the church. In 1962, the church group officially closed. Another church group, local Baptists, bought the building. They used it for nine years before moving to a new place.
Becoming a Museum Today
In 1972, some local people who were of Welsh descent bought the old church. They wanted to save it and share their heritage. They turned it into a museum called the "Welsh-American Heritage Museum." This museum teaches visitors about Welsh culture and history in America. It also works with the Welsh studies center at the nearby University of Rio Grande.
A Recognized Historic Place
In 1978, the Oak Hill Welsh Congregational Church was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it is an important historic site. It was recognized for its unique architecture and its role in the local history of religion and Welsh culture. It is one of twelve places in Jackson County on this special list.
