Mount Vernon in Knox County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

First Congregational United Church of Christ

— The Mount Vernon Historic Walking Tour —

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, May 25, 2024

1. First Congregational United Church of Christ Marker

Inscription. The building before you was built in 1868, but the story of The First Congregational Church of Christ in Mount Vernon began in 1834.

The values of the Church founders included their position against slavery. The church members felt it was important to show that everyone, regardless of race, is equal in the eyes of God. Two large stain glassed windows inside the church depict African-Americans as Biblical characters.

During the Civil War, 59 men from the Church volunteered to fight in the Union Army; only 29 returned.

Over the years, First Congregational Church members have supported temperance and women's suffrage issues, and today consider themselves an open and affirming congregation.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Religion & Religious Structures • War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1834.

Location. 40° 23.744′ N, 82° 29.121′ W. Marker is in Mount Vernon, Ohio, in Knox County. It is at the intersection of North Main Street and West Sugar Street, on the right when traveling south on North Main Street. Marker is mounted on a "No Parking" sign post. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 201 N Main St, Mount Vernon OH 43050, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Amish Country.

It is also in the American Midwest

and in the Corn Belt.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

and the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers.

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At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: “Seek Justice. Love Kindness” (a few steps from this marker); Dr. Frank Carter Larimore (within shouting distance of this marker); Mary Ann Ball Bickerdyke (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Mary Ann Ball (about 700 feet away); Millstone (about 700 feet away); Ellamae Simmons, M.D. (1918-2019) / "The Goal Will Be Met, So Long As We Persevere" (about 800 feet away); Clement L. Vallandigham's Anti-War Speech (about 800 feet away); Civil War Monument (about 800 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Mount Vernon.

Also see . . .
1. A History of Love and Activism. Several written histories of the church with photographs of its stained glass windows. (First Congregational United Church of Christ) (Submitted on May 30, 2024, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

2. Historic Mount Vernon Walking Tour ~ 507 ~ First Congregational Church. Short video, created by gifted students in Mount Vernon elementary schools, about the church. (Uploaded May 20, 2015 by Mark Bohland) (Submitted on May 30, 2024, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

3. North Main-North Gay Streets Historic District (PDF). National Register nomination for the district, which includes the church. (Prepared

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, May 25, 2024

2. First Congregational United Church of Christ Marker

It is across North Main Street from the church.

by Sandra Davies and Stephen George, Ohio Historical Society; via National Archives) (Submitted on May 30, 2024, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

National Register of Historic Places Plaque image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, May 25, 2024

3. National Register of Historic Places Plaque

The church sanctuary was listed in 1990.

Credits. This page was last revised on May 31, 2024. It was originally submitted on May 30, 2024, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 308 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 30, 2024, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.