First Congregational Church of Ovid

Main Street Building, United Church of Ovid
U.S. National Register of Historic Places
Michigan State Historic Site
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Location	222 N. Main St., Ovid, Michigan
Coordinates	43°00′26″N84°22′17″W / 43.0072°N 84.3714°W / 43.0072; -84.3714
Area	less than one acre
Built	1872 (1872)
Built by	George Fox
Architectural style	Gothic Revival
NRHP reference No.	72000607 [1]
Significant dates
Added to NRHP	January 13, 1972
Designated MSHS	April 23, 1971 [2]

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

History

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

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

1. "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places . National Park Service. July 9, 2010.
2. "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. 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