West Union Presbyterian Church facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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First Presbyterian Church of West Union
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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 around the year 1800. Its members meet in a building that was built a long time ago, in the early 1800s. A person who later became the governor of Kentucky helped build it. Also, one of the first people to join this church later became the governor of Ohio. Because of its history, the church building is now a special historic site.
How the Church Started
The West Union Presbyterian Church began in 1800. At first, the church members met near Eagle Creek, outside of West Union. But by 1809, they decided to move their church into the village.
The church faced some challenges early on. In 1805, some members, including their pastor, left to join another group called the Shakers. A minister named William Williamson from Kentucky helped lead the remaining members. Even with disagreements, the church members decided to build a new church in West Union.
In 1809, leaders like Joseph Darlinton and Thomas Kirker helped gather money for the new building. The church paid $500 for the construction. Half of this money went to Thomas Metcalfe, who was a skilled builder. He later became the Governor of Kentucky.
Fighting for Freedom
As the church grew stronger, its ministers often spoke out against slavery. William Williamson and other early ministers like Dyer Burgess and John Van Dyke believed that slavery should be ended. They were called abolitionists.
In 1830, a famous abolitionist named John Rankin visited and preached at the church. He was a minister from a nearby town called Ripley.
Important Leaders
One of the most important people in the church and the community was Thomas Kirker. He was an elder in the church from 1808 until he passed away in 1837. He also owned the land where the church first met.
Thomas Kirker was a very active politician. He helped Ohio become a state in 1802. He served as a state representative and a state senator for many years. From 1807 to 1808, he even served as the governor of Ohio.
Because Thomas Kirker was a governor and Thomas Metcalfe (who built the church) also became a governor, the church was sometimes called the "Church of the Governors."
The Church Building
The church building is made of stone. It has a simple design with the main entrance at the front. Most of the windows are on the sides. A small bell tower sits on top of the roof near the front.
The original stone building is still mostly the same. However, a wooden addition was built onto the back of the church in 1941.
In 1976, the West Union Presbyterian Church was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This is a list of important historic places in the United States. The church was added because of its connection to Thomas Metcalfe. It is one of three historic buildings in West Union on this list.
