Near Union in Boone County, Kentucky — The American South (East South Central)
Big Bone Methodist Church
— Historic Feature in Boone County, Kentucky —
Photographed By Rev. Ronald Irick, October 14, 2014
1. Big Bone Methodist Church Marker
close up of text on marker in front of Church
Big Bone Methodist Church was constructed in 1888 The original congregation, which was organized in 1887 and led by Reverend George Froh, helped in the construction. As was the custom, a social order lodge shared the expense of the construction and upkeep and occupied the upper floor, accessed by a separate stairway.
The foundation of the church was made from limestone rock, mostly carried up from Big Bone Creek. What makes the church unique is its simplistic nature that manages to incorporate vernacular Gothic Revival and Queen Anne features into the design. The church is listed on the National Register of Historic Places primarily due to its architectural significance.
Big Bone Methodist Church is one of the few two-story churches left standing in Kentucky from that era. Services were held here until the mid- 1980’s, when the congregation disbanded to other area churches. To preserve the church’s historical significance, it was acquired by the state in 2003 as an addition to Big Bone Lick State Park.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Churches & Religion
this page online
Location. 38° 53.324′ N, 84° 45.081′ W. Marker is near Union, Kentucky, in Boone County. Marker is on Beaver Road (Kentucky Route 338), on the left when traveling west. church and markers are on the south side of St Rt 338, just west of the entrance to Big Bone Lick State Park, about two miles west of US 127. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 3435 Beaver Rd, Union KY 41091, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 6 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Big Bone Lick (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Mary Ingles (about 400 feet away); Lewis and Clark in Kentucky (approx. 0.2 miles away); Mary Draper Ingles (approx. 0.2 miles away); a different marker also named Big Bone Lick (approx. 2˝ miles away); Major John P. Gaines (approx. 5 miles away); Dr. Elwood Mead (approx. 5.4 miles away in Indiana); Richwood Presbyterian Church (approx. 5.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Union.
Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, May 31, 2021
2. Big Bone Methodist Church Marker
Photographed By Rev. Ronald Irick, October 14, 2014
3. A "necessary" part of an historic Church
Photographed By Rev. Ronald Irick, October 14, 2014
4. Plaque at the site
Credits. This page was last revised on June 13, 2021. It was originally submitted on November 21, 2014, by Rev. Ronald Irick of West Liberty, Ohio. This page has been viewed 606 times since then and 85 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on November 21, 2014, by Rev. Ronald Irick of West Liberty, Ohio. 2. submitted on June 12, 2021, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. 3, 4. submitted on November 21, 2014, by Rev. Ronald Irick of West Liberty, Ohio. • Al Wolf was the editor who published this page.
