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. It is located in Westfield Center, Ohio, in the United States. This church is one of the oldest Universalist groups in Ohio. It has had a calm history since it started in the 1830s. The church building stands on the village green. It is now known as a historic site.
How the Church Started
Ninety people who followed the Universalist faith started their church in May 1839. At first, they held their meetings and worship services in a Baptist church. They also used the local schoolhouse. This was only the second Universalist church ever formed in Ohio.
In 1847, the church bought a piece of land. They paid $60 for it. This land was on the public square in Westfield Center. Building the church started one year later. The church was officially opened on June 16, 1849. The church records show very few problems among the members. A small split happened in 1853. But only a few members left. The church group was not much affected. The original building is still used today, though it has been made larger. Now, the church is part of the Unitarian Universalist Association.
Church Building Style
The church building is made of weatherboard. This means it has overlapping wooden boards on the outside. Its base, or foundation, is made of stucco. The main part of the church has a balanced design. It has a gable roof, which is triangular. There is also a partial pediment at the front. On top of the roof is a tall, rectangular tower. This tower has a steep, pointed roof.
The main entrance has two windows on each side. These windows are placed above a flat beam, like in ancient Greek buildings. Even though parts of the church were changed later, it still looks mostly like it did when it was built. It keeps its simple and balanced Greek Revival style. You can still see parts like the flat columns, called pilasters. The bell tower, or belfry, is also original. A side part was added later in the 1800s. This addition has a different style called Stick style. But it still fits well with the older part of the church.
Protecting the Church
In 1978, the Universalist Church was added to the National Register of Historic Places. It earned this honor for two reasons. First, its unique architecture was important. Second, it played a big part in the local history of Westfield Center. This church is a long-standing landmark in the community. It is one of 28 places in Medina County that are on the Register. It is also the only one in Westfield Center.
