Westerville in Franklin County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

First Presbyterian Church

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, May 25, 2024

1. First Presbyterian Church Marker

Inscription. The first sermon preached for Presbyterians in this area was held in 1812 in a log cabin where City Hall stands today. Eventually a building to serve the village of Westerville was desired, and the edifice pictured above was constructed here in 1864. It was razed and replaced by the present-day structure in 1913. The new building incorporated the same tower design and the original bell was reused.

Historically, church members have taken active roles in local and national movements. Hannah Mayne, president of the Women's Christian Temperance Union local chapter, led an effort to ban the State Theatre from showing movies on Sunday. She was the first woman elected as an elder in the Columbus Presbytery. Named in her honor are a city park and a residence hall at Otterbein University. Agnes Meyer Driscoll joined the U.S. Navy in 1918 and was assigned the highest position allowed for women, Chief Yeoman. A leading cryptanalyst, she was instrumental in breaking complex Japanese navy codes during World War II.

Erected by Uptown Westerville Inc.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists:

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Religion & Religious Structures • War, World II • Women. A significant historical year for this entry is 1913.

Location. 40° 7.538′ N, 82° 55.979′ W. Marker is in Westerville, Ohio, in Franklin County. It is at the intersection of West College Avenue and South Knox Street, on the right when traveling east on West College Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 41 W College Ave, Westerville OH 43081, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Scioto Valley

and in the Columbus Metropolitan Area.

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. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: 11 West College Avenue (within shouting distance of this marker); J.R. William's Bakery (within shouting distance of this marker); Uptown Westerville Historic District

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, May 25, 2024

2. First Presbyterian Church Marker

(about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Markley Block (about 400 feet away); The Public Opinion (about 400 feet away); Heritage Green Park (about 400 feet away); Bank of Westerville (about 400 feet away); Robinson Block (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Westerville.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 2, 2024. It was originally submitted on June 2, 2024, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 181 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 2, 2024, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.