West Union Presbyterian Church facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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West Union Presbyterian Church
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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 | 108 S. 2nd St., West Union, Ohio |
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| Area | Less than 1 acre (0.40 ha) |
| Built | 1810 |
| Architect | Thomas Metcalfe |
| NRHP reference No. | 76001359 |
| Added to NRHP | November 18, 1976 |
The West Union Presbyterian Church is a very old church in West Union, a village in southern Ohio. This church was started way back in 1800. It's special because its building was constructed by a person who later became the governor of Kentucky. Also, one of its first members became the governor of Ohio! Because of these connections, the building is now a recognized historic site.
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The Church's Story
The West Union Presbyterian Church began in 1800. At first, the members met near Eagle Creek, outside West Union. But by 1809, they decided to build a church right in the village.
Early on, the church faced some challenges. Some members, including their first pastor, left the group. However, the remaining members were determined to build a new church. Leaders like Joseph Darlinton and Thomas Kirker helped gather money for the project. They created a subscription list, which was a list where people promised to donate money for the building.
The church building cost $500 to construct. Half of this money went to the main builder, Thomas Metcalfe. He was a skilled stone worker and later became the Governor of Kentucky.
Standing Up Against Slavery
As the church grew, its leaders became known for speaking out against slavery. Ministers like William Williamson, Dyer Burgess, and John Van Dyke were strong supporters of abolitionism, which was the movement to end slavery.
In 1830, a famous abolitionist named John Rankin even came to preach at the church. He was a minister from a nearby Presbyterian church in Ripley.
The "Church of the Governors"
One of the most important early members was Thomas Kirker. He owned the land where the church first met. He also served as a church elder from 1808 until he passed away in 1837.
Thomas Kirker was also very active in politics. He held many important jobs:
- He helped write Ohio's first constitution in 1802.
- He was a state representative for Adams County in 1803.
- He served as a state senator from 1803 to 1815.
- He even became the governor of Ohio from 1807 to 1808! He was governor because he was the Speaker of the Senate at the time.
Because Thomas Kirker was a governor and Thomas Metcalfe, the builder, also became a governor, the church earned the nickname "Church of the Governors."
The Church Building
The West Union Presbyterian Church is made of stone. It has a simple design with the main entrance at the front. Most of its windows are on the sides. A small bell tower sits on top of the roof near the front. While the original stone building is still mostly the same, a wooden addition was built onto the back in 1941.
In 1976, the West Union Presbyterian Church was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This is a list of important places in the United States that are worth protecting. The church was recognized because of its connection to Thomas Metcalfe, the future governor who built it.
It is one of three historic buildings in West Union on this list.
