Lakeside in Ottawa County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

United Methodist Church

Lakeside Heritage Trail

— Lakeside Chautauqua 150 Years 1873 - 2023 —

United Methodist Church Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Doda, July 24, 2025

1. United Methodist Church Marker

Inscription. Throughout Lakeside's history, Methodists have been a vital part of our community.

Erected 2023 by Lakeside Heritage Society. (Marker Number 23.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Religion & Religious Structures.

Location. 41° 32.533′ N, 82° 44.951′ W. Marker is in Lakeside, Ohio, in Ottawa County. It is at the intersection of Central Avenue and West 5th Street, on the right when traveling south on Central Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 461 Central Ave, Lakeside Marblehead OH 43440, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on the Lake Erie Shore

and in the Toledo Metropolitan Area.

It is also in the American Midwest,

on the Great Lakes,

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 Viceroyalty of New France,

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: Wo-Ho-Mis (within shouting distance of this marker); Wesley Lodge (within shouting distance of this marker); The Fire of October 20, 1929 / The Lakeside Volunteer Fire Protective Association (within shouting distance of this marker); German Auditorium (within shouting distance of this marker); South Auditorium (within shouting distance of this marker); Hoover Potato Digger & Lakeside (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Epworth Lodge (about 500 feet away); Linga Longa (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lakeside.

Also see . . .
1. Welcome to the Lakeside Heritage Trail

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. One hundred and fifty years ago, the founders of Lakeside stood on the shores of Lake Erie envisioning a place for the faithful to gather in community. Since then, millions of people have been beckoned to this beautiful, peaceful sanctuary to deepen their connection to Lakeside’s timeless mission…

To enrich the quality of life for all people, to foster traditional Christian values, and to nurture relationships through opportunities for renewal and growth – spiritually, intellectually, culturally and physically – while preserving Lakeside’s heritage.

With the new year, we welcome Lakeside’s 150th Anniversary – a time to honor the past, celebrate the present and look to the future. This exciting Sesquicentennial Celebration connects us to the mission through enriching religious life programs, educational lectures, cultural arts performances and recreational activities. (Submitted on August 11, 2025, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio.)

2. 23. United Methodist Church. Then
Soon after Rev. John H. Blackburn began his ministry at the Methodist Episcopal Chapel in 1899, he held a seven-week revival. He had so many conversions that the chapel (now Heritage Hall) could no longer hold the bulging congregation. It was fortunate that another building was available near Fifth Street and Central Avenue. In 1883, the Order of the Good Templars began construction

Photographed by Craig Doda, July 24, 2025

2. United Methodist Church Marker

of a building that was intended to be used as their summer headquarters. The Templars ran out of money and abandoned their plans. The church purchased the property for $1200, an amount which would cover a lien held on the property and unpaid taxes. The Ladies Aid Society agreed to assist by paying the $300 down payment. Enough money was raised to cover all additional bills and the “Brick Church” was dedicated on July 29, 1900.

Disaster struck on Sunday morning, October 20, 1929, when a huge fire destroyed the church, a local print shop and over 26 cottages. The church parsonage was the only structure left standing in the area. The Great Depression and World War II prevented the congregation from rebuilding for several years. Sunday services were held in Orchestra Hall, while Sunday School and other church organizations met in the Ladies Aid Hall (now Heritage Hall). By 1950, enough money had been raised to begin construction of the new church and ground was broken on the last Sunday of the Lakeside season.

Many changes have occurred over the years including the addition of pews, wood trim, carpet, heating and air conditioning, a sound system, and a pipe organ. The parsonage was moved across the street to make way for the construction of a new Educational Wing in 1966.

Now
The Lakeside United Methodist Church is the only year-round church in Lakeside.

United Methodist Church Cornerstone image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Doda, July 24, 2025

3. United Methodist Church Cornerstone

Many guests and summer vacationers enjoy attending church services and engaging in the many activities that are available. The church is very active with organizations that include Bible Study groups, United Methodist Women, United Methodist Men, Adult Choir, Bell Choir and Vacation Bible School. Visit Lakeside United Methodist Church for more information. (Submitted on August 11, 2025, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio.)

Credits. This page was last revised on August 26, 2025. It was originally submitted on August 11, 2025, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. This page has been viewed 73 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 11, 2025, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.