Upper Sandusky in Wyandot County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Wyandott Indian Mission

First Methodist Mission in America

— United Methodist Church Registered Historic Landmark —

Wyandott Indian Mission Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Dale K. Benington, August 6, 2008

1. Wyandott Indian Mission Marker

Inscription. Founded by John Stewart, a black man, in 1816, the Wyandott Indian Mission became the first officially recognized mission of the Methodist Episcopal Church in America three years later. A stone Mission Church was built on this spot in 1824, under the supervision of the Rev. James B. Finley. The Wyandott Indians worshipped here until 1843. The building fell in ruins in later years. It was restored in 1889 and designated a national historic shrine by the General Conference of The Methodist Church in 1960.

Erected 1974 by The General Commission on Archives and History, The United Methodist Church.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Churches & Religion • Native Americans. In addition, it is included in the United Methodist Church Historic Sites series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1816.

Location. 40° 50.136′ N, 83° 16.722′ W. Marker is in Upper Sandusky, Ohio, in Wyandot County. Marker is at the intersection of East Church Street and North 4th Street, on the left when traveling east on East Church Street. To view this historic marker, when traveling on US 23, take the exit for state routes 53 and 67 and head south towards the village of Upper Sandusky, Ohio, for approximately 1.6 miles.

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Then look to turn left (east) on East Church Street. Upon turning onto East Church Street, head east for approximately 0.2 miles and the marker should be readily seen on the left (north) side of the street, the side of the street where the cemetery is located, about 0.2 miles east of state routes 53 and 67. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 200 East Church Street, Upper Sandusky OH 43351, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Departure of the Wyandot Indians (within shouting distance of this marker); Wyandot Mission Church (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); John Stewart (about 400 feet away); a different marker also named Wyandot Mission Church (about 400 feet away); Wyandot County World War II Memorial (approx. 0.2 miles away); Wyandot County World War I Memorial (approx. 0.2 miles away); Wyandot County Vietnam War Memorial (approx. 0.2 miles away); Wyandot County Veterans Memorial (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Upper Sandusky.

Photographed By Dale K. Benington, August 6, 2008

2. Wyandott Indian Mission Marker

View of historical marker in the foreground with Ohio Historical Marker for the "Departing Wyandot Indians" in the right background and the Missionary Church in the distant left background.

Wyandott Indian Mission image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Dale K. Benington, August 6, 2008

3. Wyandott Indian Mission

View of the Wyandott Indian Mission.

Credits. This page was last revised on August 19, 2023. It was originally submitted on January 17, 2010, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. This page has been viewed 1,313 times since then and 30 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 17, 2010, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio.