Medina in Medina County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
First Congregational Church of Medina
In February 1819, seven individuals met in Isaac Barnes’ home to form a Congregational Church and entered into covenant. Reverend William Hanford of the Connecticut Missionary Society provided guidance and charged the new congregation to “walk worthy of their high vocation.” Prominent members led the way. In 1832, charter member Nira B. Northrup led the Wadsworth Presbytery in releasing Reverend John Shipherd from pastoral duties to help found what would become Oberlin College. Harrison Gray (H.G.) Blake was committed abolitionist who, as a state senator, helped repeal the Ohio Black Laws and who was a principal “station master” on the Underground Railroad.
Blake, who held other elected offices, originated the idea of the U.S. Postal Service’s money-order system while a U.S. Representative. Another member, Amos Ives (A.I.) Root. helped to standardize beekeeping equipment, which popularized efficient methods of harvesting honey without destroying the hive. Root also wrote many publications on beekeeping and published eyewitness accounts of the Wright Brothers’ flights. The congregation dedicated a brick church at the northeast corner of Medina’s square in April 1837. The current sanctuary (as of 2019) replaced that building in 1882.
Erected 2019 by William G Pomeroy Foundation; United Church of Christ, Congregational; and The Ohio History Connection. (Marker Number 12-52.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Air & Space • Churches & Religion • Communications. A significant historical month for this entry is February 1819.
Location. 41° 8.355′ N, 81° 51.738′ W. Marker is in Medina, Ohio, in Medina County. Marker is at the intersection of East Liberty Street (Ohio Route 3) and Public Square (North Broadway Street) (U.S. 42), on the right when traveling west on East Liberty Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 217 E Liberty St, Medina OH 44256, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Medina County Courthouse (within shouting distance of this marker); The Court House (within shouting distance of this marker); Medina County Veterans Memorial (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); World War II 57 Millimeter Cannon (about 300 feet away); Public Square Park (about 400 feet away); American House Hotel (about 400 feet away); Canfield Building (about 500 feet away); Original Court House and Jail (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Medina.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 17, 2021. It was originally submitted on June 14, 2020, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 275 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on June 14, 2020, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. 5. submitted on July 13, 2021, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee.