Universalist Church of Westfield Center facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Universalist Church of Westfield Center
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Front of the church
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 Location in Ohio
Location in the United States
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| Location | LeRoy and Greenwich Rds., Westfield Center, Ohio |
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| Area | 0.5 acres (0.20 ha) |
| Built | 1849 |
| Architectural style | Greek Revival, Stick/eastlake |
| NRHP reference No. | 78002135 |
| Added to NRHP | November 29, 1978 |
The Universalist Church of Westfield Center is an old and important church building in Westfield Center, Ohio, United States. It is one of the very first Universalist groups in Ohio. This church has a long and mostly peaceful history since it started in the 1830s. The building stands on the village green and is known as a historic site.
How the Church Started and Grew
In May 1839, about ninety Universalists came together to form their church. They held their first meetings and worship services in a Baptist church and the local schoolhouse. This group was only the second Universalist church ever started in Ohio.
In 1847, they bought a piece of land on the public square in Westfield Center for $60. Building work on their own church started one year later. The church building was officially opened on June 16, 1849. The church records show that there were very few disagreements among the members. A small split happened in 1853, but not many people left, and it did not affect the church much. The original building is still used today, though it has been made bigger. Now, the church is part of the Unitarian Universalist Association.
What Does the Church Building Look Like?
The church building is made of weatherboard, which are overlapping wooden boards. It sits on a foundation made of stucco, a type of plaster. The main part of the building has a balanced, gabled roof, which means it has a triangular shape at the ends. It also has a partial pediment, which is a triangular part above the entrance.
On top of the church is a rectangular tower with a steep, pointed roof. The main entrance has double windows on each side. These windows are part of a trabeated entryway, which means it uses horizontal beams supported by vertical posts.
Even though parts of the church were changed in the late 1800s and early 1900s, it still looks a lot like its original Greek Revival style. This style is known for being simple and balanced. You can still see original features like pilasters (flat, decorative columns) and the belfry, which is the part of the tower where bells are kept. A side part was added in the late 1800s. This addition uses a different style called Stick style, but it still fits well with the older part of the church.
Why is This Church Protected?
In 1978, the Universalist Church was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it is recognized as an important historical site. It earned this honor because of its special architecture and its important role in local history.
The church has been a well-known landmark in the community for a long time. It is one of 28 places in Medina County that are on the National Register. It is also the only building in Westfield Center to be listed.
