First Congregational Church of Ovid

The First Congregational Church of Ovid is a religious building in Ovid, Michigan. It was designated a Michigan State Historic Site in 1971[2] and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972.[1] Registered Site #: Local Site #0114

Main Street Building, United Church of Ovid
First Congregational Church of Ovid is located in Michigan
First Congregational Church of Ovid
First Congregational Church of Ovid is located in the United States
First Congregational Church of Ovid
Location222 N. Main St.,
Ovid, Michigan
Coordinates43°00′26″N 84°22′17″W / 43.0072°N 84.3714°W / 43.0072; -84.3714
Arealess than one acre
Built1872 (1872)
Built byGeorge Fox
Architectural styleGothic Revival
NRHP reference No.72000607[1]
Significant dates
Added to NRHPJanuary 13, 1972
Designated MSHSApril 23, 1971[2]

History

edit

In 1871, 22 people began Ovid's First Congregational Church with minister Reverend William Mulder.[2] The next year, the congregation hired master carpenter George Fox to construct this building at the corner of High and Park Streets. In 1876, a bell was installed in the belfry. In 1899, with a growing congregation, the structure was moved to its current location and enlarged,[2] adding a basement and two porticoes.[3] In 1843, the Congregational and Methodist churches merged, using both buildings until 1972.[2] In 1979, this church became a private residence.[citation needed]

Description

edit

The First Congregational Church of Ovid is a frame Gothic Revival structure,[2] in a modified T-plan.[3] The original section measures 34 feet (10 m) by 58 feet (18 m); later additions increase the size. It has a gable roof and clapboard-covered walls with pilaster strips at the corners.[3] The 75 feet (23 m) tall, three-stage two-story square tower topped with an octagonal belfry contains unique decorative touches.[2][3] Gothic elements include tall, narrow arch-top windows and a rose window.

References

edit
  1. ^ a b "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. July 9, 2010.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g "First Congregational Church of Ovid". Michigan State Housing Development Authority: Historic Sites Online. Archived from the original on December 30, 2013. Retrieved December 13, 2013.
  3. ^ a b c d Melissa McDonald, Congregational Church (United Church), Ovid Michigan: HABS No. MI-250 (PDF), Istoric American Building Survey, archived from the original (PDF) on 2013-12-31, retrieved 2013-12-28