Delaware in Delaware County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
William Street United Methodist Church / Rutherford B. Hayes, 19th President of the United States
William Street United Methodist Church. The first Methodist class in Delaware was organized in 1818, later to become William Street United Methodist Church. The first church building was dedicated in 1824 directly across N. Franklin Street from where you are now. Three other church buildings followed, all where the present church building stands. Adam Poe, the first pastor of William Street Church in the early 1840’s, had a leading role in the founding of Ohio Wesleyan University in 1842. The first commencements of the university were held in William Street Church. All other United Methodist churches in Delaware derive from William Street Church.
Rutherford B. Hayes, 19th President of the United States. This corner of N. Franklin and W. William Streets was the boyhood home of Rutherford B. Hayes, who went on to become President of the United States in the 1870’s. Hayes recalled his boyhood home this way: “We lived in a new two-story brick house on the northeast corner of William and Franklin Streets, opposite the old brick Methodist meeting house”—the first William Street Church. In 1846, the William Street Church Trustees purchased this lot from the mother of President Hayes for a new church structure. The former Hayes home became the first parsonage for William Street Church. Three church buildings have occupied this site.
Erected 2018 by Jack & Mary Hilborn, in memory of Wayne, Margaret, and Katherine Hilborn.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Churches & Religion. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #19 Rutherford B. Hayes series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1818.
Location. 40° 17.945′ N, 83° 4.165′ W. Marker is in Delaware, Ohio, in Delaware County. Marker is at the intersection of West Willam Street (Marysville Road) (U.S. 36) and North Franklin Street, on the right when traveling west on West Willam Street (Marysville Road). Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 28 W William St, Delaware OH 43015, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Mrs. Murray’s School (within shouting distance of this marker); Rutherford B. Hayes (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); St. Peter’s Episcopal Church (about 400 feet away); Frederick Douglass And William Tecumseh Sherman Spoke Here (about 400 feet away); African-American Civil War Soldiers (about 500 feet away); Old City Hall and Opera House (about 600 feet away); 41 North Sandusky Street (about 600 feet away); Rutherford B. Hayes Birthplace (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Delaware.
Credits. This page was last revised on March 31, 2021. It was originally submitted on March 31, 2021, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 202 times since then and 11 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on March 31, 2021, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.