Old Worthington in Franklin County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Saint John's Church of Worthington and Parts Adjacent
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Church and Graveyard
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., October 17, 2008
1. Saint John's Church of Worthington and Parts Adjacent Marker
Saint John's Church of Worthington and Parts Adjacent. In October of 1803, members of The Scioto Company, led by James Kilbourne, came from Connecticut and founded Worthington. On February 6, 1804, the Articles of Agreement establishing St. John's Church of Worthington were executed. St. John's, which had been planned in Connecticut prior to the Company's departure, became the first Episcopal church established in the Northwest Territory and served as the founding church for several Episcopal churches in Ohio. James Kilbourne served as the church's first Deacon. Reverend Philander Chase, the first Rector of St. John's, became the first Episcopal Bishop of Ohio and founded Kenyon College. St. John's Church and graveyard are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Church and Graveyard. This Gothic Revival style church was completed in 1831. The first settlers brought an altar, which is still in use. A bell brought with the settlers served the early school and church in a log cabin located on the northeast quadrant of the Village Green. Today the bell is in the bell tower of Kilbourne Middle School. The present church bell was purchased in Pittsburgh and first tolled here in 1833. The church graveyard was established with the burial of Captain Abner Pinney on November 23, 1804, and served as the
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Erected 2003 by Ohio Bicentennial Commission, The Longaberger Company, St. John's Church, and The Ohio Historical Society. (Marker Number 54-25.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Religion & Religious Structures. In addition, it is included in the Ohio Historical Society / The Ohio History Connection series list. A significant historical month for this entry is February 1802.
Location. 40° 5.321′ N, 83° 1.048′ W. Marker is in Worthington, Ohio, in Franklin County. It is in Old Worthington. It is on Dublin-Granville Road (Ohio Route 161) 0.1 miles east of High Street (U.S. 23), on the right when traveling east. Saint John's Church borders the southeast quadrant of the village green. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 700 High Street, Columbus OH 43085, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Scioto Valley and in the Columbus Metropolitan Area. It is also in the American Midwest and in the Corn Belt. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, and the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Bicentennial Oak (within shouting distance of this marker); Worthington Historic District (within shouting distance of this marker); Eclectic Medical College
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., October 17, 2008
2. Church and Graveyard Marker
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., October 17, 2008
3. Saint John's Episcopal Church
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., October 17, 2008
4. Saint John's Episcopal Church Entrance
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., October 17, 2008
5. St. John's Episcopal Church (in background)
A sundial and benches give a place to pause for reflection. There is a plaque on the sundial in remembrance of Rosemary "Ro" Reeder Kessler (see next picture).
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., October 17, 2008
6. Rosemary "Ro" Reeder Kessler Plaque
Credits. This page was last revised on April 8, 2026. It was originally submitted on October 18, 2008, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. This page has been viewed 1,660 times since then and 49 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on October 18, 2008, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. 5, 6. submitted on October 20, 2008, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. A link to the National Register of Historic Places nomination form, citing historical significance. • Can you help?
