Ionia in Ionia County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Ionia Church of Christ

Photographed by J.T. Lambrou, February 1, 2023

1. Ionia Church of Christ Marker

Inscription. In Merritt’s Hall on January 24, 1859, the Reverend Isaac Errett and forty-three members signed the original charter of the Ionia Church of Christ (First Christian Church). The first church of this denomination had been founded in nearby Muir in 1856. In 1861 James A. Garfield, later the twentieth President of the United States, was a guest speaker at a revival meeting held by the church. The site of the present church was purchased in 1864. The basement was completed in 1867. Services were held there until the church was completed in 1873. Patterned after Romanesque models in the east, the church displays the influence of Philadelphian architect Samuel Sloan. The E. H. Stafford Company of Ionia designed and built the wooden pews. In 1889 the church was enlarged. Its stained glass windows were installed in 1917.

Erected 1986 by Bureau of History, Michigan Department of State. (Marker Number L1170.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Religion & Religious Structures. In addition, it is included in the Michigan Historical Commission series list. A significant historical date for this entry is January 24, 1859.

Location. 42° 59.031′ N, 85° 3.725′ W. Marker is in Ionia, Michigan, in Ionia County. It is on East Washington Street

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near Library Court, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 130 East Washington Street, Ionia MI 48846, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in West Michigan

and in Greater Grand Rapids.

It is also in the American Midwest

and on the Great Lakes.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Frederick Hall House (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Ionia County Civil War Memorial (about 400 feet away); Alonzo Woodruff - Medal Of Honor Recipient (about 400 feet away); St. Johns Parish House (about 400 feet away); G.A.R. Memorial (about 400 feet away); St. John's Episcopal Church and Parish House (about 500 feet away); Ionia County Courthouse (about 500 feet away); Ionia County Korean and Vietnam Veterans Memorial (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Ionia.

Also see . . . First Christian Church in Ionia, MI. (Submitted on February 11, 2023, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan.)

Photographed by J.T. Lambrou, February 1, 2023

2. Ionia Church of Christ Marker

First Christian Church image. Click for full size.

Photographed by J.T. Lambrou, February 1, 2023

3. First Christian Church

Credits. This page was last revised on February 14, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 11, 2023, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. This page has been viewed 406 times since then and 42 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 11, 2023, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.