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.
Ionia Church of Christ. . 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.
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: Churches & Religion. 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. Marker is on East Washington Street near
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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.
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 117 times since then and 41 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.
