Berea in Cuyahoga County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
First Congregational United Church of Christ of Berea
Inscription.
Seven original members, who were staunch abolitionists, organized the First Congregational Church of Berea in the nearby Union School House on June 9, 1855. These members publicly articulated opposition to slavery and their desire for a church with full local autonomy. The church purchased this property and erected this sanctuary in 1869, the oldest still standing structure used as a church in Berea and the original Middleburg Township. It is constructed of locally manufactured brick with a foundation from the Berea sandstone quarries. The 100-foot spire was added in 1954 to celebrate its 100th anniversary since the founding of the church in 1855. The church joined the newly formed United Church of Christ in 1961. During its long history, the church has developed many programs to assist person in need in the Berea area and developed collaborative ventures with other churches and civic groups.
Erected 2005 by First Congregational United Church of Christ, Berea Historical Society, The Ohio Historical Society. (Marker Number 18-82.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Abolition & Underground RR • Churches & Religion. In addition, it is included in the Ohio Historical Society / The Ohio History Connection series list. A significant historical month for this entry is June 1837.
Location. 41° 22.073′ N, 81° 51.086′ W. Marker is in Berea, Ohio, in Cuyahoga County. Marker is at the intersection of Seminary Street and Church Street on Seminary Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Berea OH 44017, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Lyceum Square (a few steps from this marker); The Berea Triangle (about 800 feet away, measured in a direct line); The “Big Quarry” (approx. 0.2 miles away); Berea Sandstone Quarries (approx. 0.2 miles away); Ogilvy Chapel of St. Thomas Episcopal Church (approx. 0.3 miles away); Adams Street Cemetery (approx. 0.4 miles away); Baldwin University (approx. 0.4 miles away); Berea District Seven School (approx. 0.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Berea.
More about this marker. By the numbering conventions of the Ohio Historical Society, this should be marker number 82-18.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 20, 2020. It was originally submitted on November 13, 2007, by Christopher Light of Valparaiso, Indiana. This page has been viewed 2,134 times since then and 134 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on November 13, 2007, by Christopher Light of Valparaiso, Indiana. • J. J. Prats was the editor who published this page.