Old Worthington in Franklin County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Saint John's Church of Worthington and Parts Adjacent / Church and Graveyard
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., October 17, 2008
1. Saint John's Church of Worthington and Parts Adjacent Marker
Inscription.
Saint John's Church of Worthington and Parts Adjacent, also, Church and Graveyard. .
Saint John's Church of Worthington and Parts Adjacent. In October of 1803, members of The Scioto Company, led by James Kilbourne, came from Connecticut and founded Worthington. On February 6, 1804, the Articles of Agreement establishing St. John's Church of Worthington were executed. St. John's, which had been planned in Connecticut prior to the Company's departure, became the first Episcopal church established in the Northwest Territory and served as the founding church for several Episcopal churches in Ohio. James Kilbourne served as the church's first Deacon. Reverend Philander Chase, the first Rector of St. John's, became the first Episcopal Bishop of Ohio and founded Kenyon College. St. John's Church and graveyard are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.,
Church and Graveyard. This Gothic Revival style church was completed in 1831. The first settlers brought an altar, which is still in use. A bell brought with the settlers served the early school and church in a log cabin located on the northeast quadrant of the Village Green. Today the bell is in the bell tower of Kilbourne Middle School. The present church bell was purchased in Pittsburgh and first tolled here in 1833. The church graveyard was established with the burial of Captain Abner Pinney on November 23, 1804, and served as the community burial ground in the early nineteenth century. James Kilbourne is buried in the graveyard. There are 317 documented burials including five Revolutionary War and seven War of 18 12 veterans.
Saint John's Church of Worthington and Parts Adjacent
In October of 1803, members of The Scioto Company, led by James Kilbourne, came from Connecticut and founded Worthington. On February 6, 1804, the Articles of Agreement establishing St. John's Church of Worthington were executed. St. John's, which had been planned in Connecticut prior to the Company's departure, became the first Episcopal church established in the Northwest Territory and served as the founding church for several Episcopal churches in Ohio. James Kilbourne served as the church's first Deacon. Reverend Philander Chase, the first Rector of St. John's, became the first Episcopal Bishop of Ohio and founded Kenyon College. St. John's Church and graveyard are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Church and Graveyard
This Gothic Revival style church was completed in 1831. The first settlers brought an altar, which is still in use. A bell brought with the settlers served the early school and church in a log cabin located on the northeast quadrant of the Village Green. Today the bell is in the bell tower of Kilbourne Middle School. The present church bell was purchased in Pittsburgh and first tolled here in 1833. The church graveyard was established with the burial of Captain Abner Pinney on November
Click or scan to see this page online
23, 1804, and served as the community burial ground in the early nineteenth century. James Kilbourne is buried in the graveyard. There are 317 documented burials including five Revolutionary War and seven War of 1812 veterans.
Erected 2003 by Ohio Bicentennial Commission, The Longaberger Company, St. John's Church, and The Ohio Historical Society. (Marker Number 54-25.)
Location. 40° 5.325′ N, 83° 1.047′ W. Marker is in Worthington, Ohio, in Franklin County. It is in Old Worthington. Marker is on Dublin-Granville Road (Ohio Route 161) 0.1 miles east of High Street (U.S. 23), on the right when traveling east. Saint John's Church borders the southeast quadrant of the village green. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 700 High Street, Columbus OH 43085, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., October 17, 2008
3. Saint John's Episcopal Church
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., October 17, 2008
4. Saint John's Episcopal Church Entrance
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., October 17, 2008
5. St. John's Episcopal Church (in background)
A sundial and benches give a place to pause for reflection. There is a plaque on the sundial in remembrance of Rosemary "Ro" Reeder Kessler (see next picture).
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., October 17, 2008
6. Rosemary "Ro" Reeder Kessler Plaque
A Time of Reflection
"The sunshine of our lives, Ro was like no other. She cared, she shared her wealth of talent and tenderness with the world. We were nurtured by the warmth of her smile, guided by her wit and wisdom, inspired by her courage. In time you will remember. We never will forget."
Kris, Rod, Kaye Kessler
and a World of Friends
Credits. This page was last revised on February 3, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 18, 2008, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 1,310 times since then and 21 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on October 18, 2008, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. 5, 6. submitted on October 20, 2008, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.
