Tiffin in Seneca County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Early Electric Illumination, 1884
Photographed By J. J. Prats, July 28, 2019
1. Early Electric Illumination, 1884 Marker
When St. Paul’s Methodist Episcopal Church was dedicated on January 6, 1884, an ornate brass chandelier presented by the Edison Electric Light Company provided illumination for the ceremony. Wired for electric lighting before its completion, St. Paul’s was one of the first churches in the nation lighted by Edison lamps. The Tiffin Edison Electric Illuminating Company, the first central electric power station in Ohio and the tenth in the United States, was built in Tiffing in late 1883. With a 100 horsepower boiler, a 120 horsepower engine and two dynamos, it supplied direct current sufficient to light 1,000 lamps. It stood two blocks north of this site. The original brass “electrolier” still hangs in the sanctuary inside.
Erected 2001 by the Ohio Bicentennial Commission, the Longaberger Company, St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, St. Paul’s Daughters, and The Ohio Historical Society. (Marker Number 4-74.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Churches & Religion • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical date for this entry is January 6, 1884.
Location. 41° 6.791′ N, 83° 10.643′ W. Marker is in Tiffin, Ohio, in Seneca County. Marker is on Madison Street east of South Monroe Street, on the right when traveling
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Louis Jones (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Ohio Historical Flood Marker (about 500 feet away); William Harvey Gibson (about 700 feet away); Former Federal Post Office Building (about 700 feet away); State's First Female Lawyers (about 800 feet away); The Ritz Theater (approx. ¼ mile away); Founding of Tiffin (approx. ¼ mile away); Judge John W. Schaufelberger House (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Tiffin.
Also see . . . St. Paul’s UMC. Website homepage:
“In the spring of 1883 work began to complete the interior of the second floor. In October of that year, plans were also underway to erect the Edison Electric Illuminating Company building on Monroe Street. In December 1883, quick-thinking contractors wired the church for electric lights, making St. Paul’s Church the first public building in the world to be wired for electricity while being built. To mark the occasion, Thomas A. Edison presented the church a splendid electric light chandelier—still in use today.” (Submitted on October 11, 2019.)
Photographed By J. J. Prats, July 28, 2019
2. Early Electric Illumination Marker
Photographed By J. J. Prats, July 28, 2019
3. St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, Tiffin, Ohio
Photographed By Craig Doda, April 2, 2022
4. United Methodist Church Historic Site and NRHP Markers
Photographed By Craig Doda, April 2, 2022
5. St. Paul's Methodist Episcopal Church Cornerstone Details
Credits. This page was last revised on July 16, 2022. It was originally submitted on October 11, 2019, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 603 times since then and 75 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 11, 2019, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. 4, 5. submitted on April 8, 2022, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. Photo of the chandelier • Can you help?
