Obetz in Franklin County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Zion's Evangelical Lutheran Church
Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, May 26, 2024
1. Zion's Evangelical Lutheran Church Marker
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Religion & Religious Structures. In addition, it is included in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1873.
Location. 39° 52.578′ N, 82° 56.864′ W. Marker is in Obetz, Ohio, in Franklin County. It is at the intersection of Groveport Road and Bridlewood Boulevard, on the left when traveling north on Groveport Road. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 4501 Groveport Rd, Columbus OH 43207, 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,
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: D. Greg Scott Park (approx. half a mile away); The Ohio Military Hall of Fame Monument (approx. 3.4 miles away); 1st Squadron 9th Cavalry Memorial (approx. 3.4 miles away); Groveport Veterans' Park (approx. 3.6 miles away); Groveport United Methodist Church (approx. 3.7 miles away); Sharp's Landing (approx. 3.8 miles away); Groveport Log House (approx. 3.8 miles away); Beginnings And Endings (approx. 3.8 miles away).
Regarding Zion's Evangelical Lutheran Church. Excerpt from the National Register nomination:
European Americans settled the area around Zion's Evangelical Lutheran Church in southeastern Franklin County around 1805. The settlers were of the Lutheran faith and comprised of three brothers and their families with the last name of Helsel, who came from York, Pennsylvania.…
After building shelters and starting their farms and businesses, the Helsels' looked to their faith. They ministered to each other until 1812 when Reverend William Foster was invited to preach, and stayed. Theseearly services were held in the home or barn of Philip Helsel, one of the early settlers. In 1821 the first church building was erected of hewn logs, about 200 yards east of the present church. …Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, May 26, 20242. Zion's Evangelical Lutheran Church Marker
The present church at 4501 Groveport Road was built in 1873 under the leadership of Reverend Professor Emanuel Schmid. The congregation purchased 38/100 of an acre from the cemetery association for $200.00. The church was erected for about $9,000.00.
Also see . . . Zion's Evangelical Lutheran Church (PDF). National Register nomination for the church, which was listed in 2004. (Prepared by Gary D. Weaver, Obetz Christian Church; via National Archives) (Submitted on June 12, 2024, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)
Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, May 26, 2024
3. Zion's Evangelical Lutheran Church Church
The Lutheran congregation sold the church to Obetz Christian Church for $42,000 in 1962. The Village of Obetz acquired the church in 2018.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 12, 2024. It was originally submitted on June 12, 2024, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 349 times since then and 59 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 12, 2024, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
