Welsh Congregational Church facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Welsh Congregational Church
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Front and southern side in 2014
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 Location in Ohio
Location in the United States
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| Location | 220 North Elm Street, Youngstown, Ohio, US |
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| Area | Less than 1 acre (0.40 ha) |
| Built | 1861 |
| Architectural style | Greek Revival, Queen Anne |
| Demolished | April 28, 2022 |
| MPS | Downtown Youngstown MRA |
| NRHP reference No. | 86001947 |
| Added to NRHP | July 23, 1986 |
The Welsh Congregational Church was an important historic building in Youngstown, Ohio, United States. It was built in 1861 by Welsh immigrants who came to live in the United States. For many years, it was a central place for the Welsh community in Youngstown. The church was even listed on the National Register of Historic Places because of its history. Sadly, after being empty for a long time, the church was torn down in 2022, even though people tried to save it.
Contents
A Home for the Welsh Community
How Youngstown Grew
In the mid-to-late 1800s, Youngstown became a very important industrial city. Many factories and businesses opened there. Because of this, lots of people moved to Youngstown. Thousands of immigrants from Western Europe came to find work.
The Welsh Arrive
A large group of these new residents were from Wales. Many Welsh people came to work in the coal mines near Brier Hill, which is west of Youngstown. These Welsh immigrants brought their culture and traditions with them.
Building a New Church
Some of the Welsh people started a Congregational church in Brier Hill in 1845. As more Welsh families arrived, the church grew too big for its original building. So, in 1861, they built a new, larger church in Youngstown itself, closer to the city center. This new building became more than just a place for worship. It also served as a community center for the Welsh people living in the area.
Changes Over Time
The church building was significantly updated in 1887. These changes completely changed its architectural style. After that, not many other big changes were made to the building for over 100 years. By the 1980s, it was the oldest church in Youngstown. It was also the only church built with a wooden frame that had not been changed much recently.
The Church's Design
The Welsh Congregational Church was about one and a half stories tall. Its outside walls were made of weatherboarded wood and shingled sections. The roof was made of asbestos, and the whole building sat on a strong stone foundation.
Architectural Styles
When it was first built, the church was designed in the Greek Revival style. This style often uses elements from ancient Greek temples. However, after the big changes in 1887, the church mostly looked like a Queen Anne building. This style is known for its decorative details and varied shapes.
Unique Shape
The church's floor plan was somewhat shaped like a cross. The "arms" of the cross were very close to the street, making them look like the front of the building. The "top" part of the cross stuck out only a little bit from the arms. All parts of the roof had a gable shape, meaning they sloped down on two sides. Small dormer windows, which are windows that stick out from a sloping roof, were placed in the arm roofs. A tower with many sides and a steep roof sat on top of the front of the church.
A Historic Landmark
Listed on the National Register
In 1986, the Welsh Congregational Church was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This is a list of places in the United States that are important for their history or architecture. The church qualified for this list because of its unique architectural style and its important role in the community's history.
Part of a Larger Project
The church was part of a larger group of buildings in downtown Youngstown that were added to the Register at the same time. This group included many business buildings, the Masonic Temple, and the First Presbyterian Church. By the time it was listed, the Welsh community no longer owned the church. Instead, it had become home to the Messiah Holiness Church.
End of an Era
Efforts to Save the Church
By the late 2010s, the church building was in very poor condition. Many local people tried hard to save it. They wanted to move the church to new locations, like Wick Park or an area called "The Wedge" in downtown. However, these plans did not work out.
Demolition
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Youngstown owned the building. They became discouraged by how long it would take to move and fix up the church. So, they decided to have the building torn down. On April 28, 2022, the Welsh Congregational Church was demolished. It had stood for 161 years.
