Nomination for Zion's Evangelical Lutheran Church

From the form

The catalogue entry the section above was filed under.

NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018 (Rev. 10-90) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES REGISTRATION FORM classification, materials, and areas of significance, enter only categories and subcategories from the instructions. Place additional entries and narrative items on continuation sheets (NPS Form 10-900a). Use a typewriter, word processor, or computer, to complete all items. 1. Name of Property Zion's Evangelical Lutheran Church Other names/site number Obetz Christian Church 2. Location street & number 4501 Groveport Road N/A - not for publication city or town Obetz N/A - vicinity _ county Franklin _ zip code 43207 3.

State/Federal Agency Certification As the designated authority under the National Historic Preservation Act of1986, as amended, I hereby certify that this LX nomination - request for determination of eligibility meets the documentation standards for registering properties in the National Register of meets - does not meet the National Register Criteria. I recommend that this property be considered significant -] nationally C statewide [X locally.)( See continuation sheet for additional comments.) April 23,2004 Signature of certifying official Ohio Historic Preservation Office State or Federal agency and bureau In my opinion, the property - meets - does not meet the National Register criteria. (- See continuation sheet for additional Signature of commenting or other official 4.

National Park Service Certification 1, hereby certify that this property is: determined not eligible for the entered in the National Register - See continuation sheet. removed from the National Register other (explain): comments.) Date National Register FRECEIVED Historic name Inventory G Registration Denartment Head state Ohio Date of Action code OH MAY6 2004 Historic Places and meets the procedural and professional requirements set forth in 36 CFR Part 60. In my opinion, the property X Franklin County, Ohio 5. Classification Ownership of Property Category of Property Number of Resources within Property (Check as many boxes as apply) (Check only one box) (Do not include previously listed resources in the count) X private X building(s) - public-State - public-Federal - object Name of related multiple property listing Number of contributing resources previously listed 6.

Function or Use Religion/religious facility / church 7. Description Late Victorian / Romanesque Revival Patterned slate Noncontributing other Total Sandstone Foundation roof structure Narrative Description Materials Brick site Architectural Classification walls Historic Functions Current Functions in the National Register Zion's Evangelical Lutheran Church (Describe the historic and current condition of the property on one or more continuation sheets.) (Enter categories from instructions) district public-local NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018 (Rev.

10-90) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES CONTINUATION SHEET Section number Z Page 1 Zion's Evangelical Lutheran Church Franklin County, Ohio The Zion's Evangelical Lutheran Church, now Obetz Christian Church, is located in southeastern Franklin County, Ohio on Groveport Road in the village of Obetz. The village of Obetz is a suburb of Columbus, Ohio. The church is in a semi-rural setting. There are homes nearby, with a freeway and businesses less than a mile away. The area of the church is open and easily accessible. The church faces northeast toward Groveport Road at an angle with a cemetery behind. About 25 feet to the west is a parish hall that is used for meetings, office, and classrooms (The cemetery and parish hall are not included in the nomination).

The large one story, gable front, Romanesque Revival style church building was constructed in 1873. The symmetrically designed building measures 66' long, 40'5" wide with rear apse and 110' steeple [Fig. 1: Floor plan]. It is constructed of common bond brick and rests on a sandstone block foundation. The front features a central entrance with historic double paneled wood doors, (Photo #1) and a half round stained glass window over it leading to the narthex. (#10) There are three full size stained glass windows in the front, one on each side of the door and one over the door in the bell tower. (#15,20) Both side elevations are relieved by four stained glass windows exhibiting religious symbols. (Photo # 11-14; 16-19). The apse at the rear of the church has a wood panel door and two stained glass windows, one on each side of the door.

(#5) All stained glass windows, with the exception of the half round stained glass window over the entrance, are original. The bell tower is square with wood louvers on each side. The roof of the bell tower comes to a point with a cross at the top. The roof is sheathed in patterned imbricated slate. (#4) The church interior consists of painted plastered walls and a pressed metal ceiling. The doors, woodwork, pews, and altar are built of oak. The two rooms in the Narthex are closets. At the front of the sanctuary is a hand carved altar with two high-back armed wood chairs, one on each side. (#23) A wood cross hangs on the wall twelve feet long. There are twelve pews on each side with a wide aisle down the middle and narrow aisles on each side of the pews. The added electrical lights consist of six ceiling fans with schoolhouse globe lights, and spotlights high-lighting the altar.

The church is in good condition although some maintenance and steeple repair are needed. The church is used every Sunday and at various other times for church services. choir loft is a hand carved, two-piece, wooden eagle lectern. (#22) There are twenty-four pews approximately over the altar.Also up front are the pulpit on one side and the choir loft on the opposite side.Just outside the Franklin County, Ohio 8. Statement of Significance

Statement of significance

Areas of Significance (Mark "x" in one or more boxes for the criteria qualifying the property - A Property is associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of our history. -B Property is associated with the lives of persons significant in our past. X C Property embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period,or method of construction or represents the work of a master, or possesses high artistic values, or represents a significant Period of Significance and distinguishable entity whose components lack individual distinction. - D Property has yielded, or is likely to yield information important in prehistory or history. (Mark "X" in all the boxes that apply.) A owned by a religious institution or used for Significant Person (Complete if Criterion B is marked above) B removed from its original location. - C a birthplace or a grave.

- D a cemetery. E a reconstructed building, object,or structure. - F a commemorative property. within the past 50 years. Narrative Statement of Significance 9.

The rest of the file

Bibliography, boundary description, and the people who prepared and reviewed the nomination.

Major Bibliographical References (Cite the books, articles, and other sources used in preparing this form on one or more continuation sheets.) Previous documentation on file (NPS) - preliminary determination of individual listing (36 CFR 67) has been requested - previously listed in the National Register - previously determined eligible by the National - State Historic Preservation Office - Other State agency - designated a National Historic Landmark - Federal agency L recorded by Historic American Buildings Survey - Local government - University - recorded by Historic American Engineering Record - Other 1873-1913 Register Architecture Architect/Builder Bibliography Unknown Criteria Considerations religious purposes.

Zion's Evangelical Lutheran Church Name of repository: Applicable National Register Criteria Property is: Significant Dates for National Register listing) (Enter categories from instructions) Primary location of additional data G less than 50 yearsof age or achieved significance (Explain the significance of the property on one or more continuation sheets.) Cultural Affiliation NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018 (Rev. 10-90) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES CONTINUATION SHEET Section number & Page 1 Zion's Evangelical Lutheran Church Franklin County, Ohio Zion's Evangelical Lutheran Church is eligible under National Register Criterion C as an excellent local example of Romanesque Revival ecclesiastical architecture in southern Franklin County, Ohio. The Lutheran's church architecture.

During the 1860s and 1870s Lutheran church accommodations and the value of their church property in Franklin County ranked third of all 88 counties in the state [Eighth and Ninth Census]. Zion's Evangelical was the only Lutheran church in Hamilton Township, and today is the only nineteenth century church still standing in Obetz. The church meets Criteria Consideration A by virtue of its local European Americans settled the area around Zion's Evangelical Lutheran Church in southeastern Franklin County around 1805. The settlers were of the Lutheran faith and comprised of three brothers and their families with the last name of Helsel, who came from York, Pennsylvania. The settlement became known as the "Helsel Settlement". Other settlers came to the area and in 1838 Charles Obetz and his family settled a large farm in the area.

As more settlers arrived, the area became known as Obetz Junction, from the intersecting lines of the Norfolk and Western and Hocking Valley railroads. In 1909, the village was laid out on the old Obetz farm. The land was sold to two companies who laid out the village. The Jacob Wilbur Land Company of Boston, and The Scioto Valley Traction Company of Columbus, who had an electrical line passing through the village and was the junction of two lines running from Columbus to Chillicothe. After the Scioto Valley Traction was discontinued, Obetz Junction was changed to Obetz, and the village was incorporated on July 28, 1928. After building shelters and starting their farms and businesses, the Helsels' looked to their faith. They ministered to each other until 1812 when Reverend William Foster was invited to preach, and stayed.

These early services were held in the home or barn of Philip Helsel, one of the early settlers. In 1821 the first church building was erected of hewn logs, about 200 yards east of the present church. In 1844, under the leadership of Reverend Philip Gast, the first brick church was built west of the log church. The building was used for services for about 30 years (Figure 2). In 1873, when the present church was built, the Obetz congregation was part of the Ohio Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, formed in 1818. The first brick church was used for classes and residences. In 1955 the first brick church was razed after 111 years. The present church at 4501 Groveport Road was built in 1873 under the leadership of Reverend Professor Emanuel Schmid (Figure 3). The congregation purchased 38/1 00 of an acre from the cemetery association for $200.00.

The church was erected for about $9,000.00. The eagle lectern was added around 1900 as a symbol of the Ascension of Christ, immortality and the Apostle John. In Background History architectural significance. physical presence in Franklin County was substantial during the 19t century, and it is vividly reflected in their NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018 (Rev. 10-90) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES CONTINUATION SHEET 1903 45/100 of an acre was purchased from the cemetery for $75.00 to be used as a hitching post, now the parking lot. Various improvements were made during the 1910s, i.e. redecorating, new steel ceiling, new altar, new carpet, enlarging the parsonage, gas lights in 1913, then electric lights in 1916. In 1923, one-third of an acre just west of the church was purchased from the cemetery for $500.00.

A parish hall was erected in 1925 (Figure 4). Sometime between 1941 and 1959 the original crockets were removed impractical to remodel the old church and started looking for a new location and building. In 1962 the Lutherans sold the church with the pews, alter, and lectern along with the parish hall for $42,000 to Christian Columbus, Ohio, but very close to Obetz (Figure 5). In 1967, a bell from a one-room schoolhouse was donated and in 1968 it was installed in the church. In 1977 storm glass, with screens and ventilators were installed over the sanctuary windows to protect the art glass. In 1979 the Christian Church paid off the mortgage and in 1986 an access ramp was added to the entrance of the congregation that included ancestors who started the church after arriving as early settlers to this area in a new state. It has since been sold to a different Christian congregation.

A few changes have been made to the church but the original appearance inside and out has not been lost while still serving its historical function. The Ohio Historic Inventory indicates there are no comparable examples of Romanesque Revival ecclesiastical or secular architecture in Hamilton Township. Zion's Evangelical Lutheran Church exhibits many of the hallmarks of the Romanesque Revival style, notably the arched window and door lintels, brick corbelling, brick piers, and symmetrical fenestration. In addition, the patterned imbricated slate roof and tall steeple further enhance the historic character of the church. church.

Architectural Significance Franklin County, Ohio Zion's Evangelical Lutheran Church The church has served two Christian denominations for 130years.It began with a growing Lutheran from the steeple.In 1926,a new furnace was installed in the church.In1959 the Lutheran congregation found it Section number 8 Page 2 Church, Disciples of Christ. The Lutheran congregation subsequently built a new church, which is located in Franklin County, Ohio 10. Geographical Data UTM References 1 17 333422 4415612 Verbal Boundary Description (Describe the boundaries of the property on a continuation sheet.) (Explain why the boundaries were selected on a continuation sheet.) 11. Form Prepared By name/title organization Gary D.

Weaver, Historical Committee Chairman, Obetz Christian Church date street & number 2296 Bridlewood Blvd Telephone 614-497-8890 city or town Obetz _state OH zip code 43207 Submit the following items with the completed form: A USGS map (7.5 or 15 minute series) indicating the property's location. Representative black and white photographs of the property. (Check with the SHPO or FPO for any additional items) Property Owner (Complete this item at the request of the SHPO or FPO.) name Obetz Christian Church street & number 4501 Groveport Rd telephone 614-491-1295 Paperwork Reduction Act Statement: This information is being collected for applications to the National Register of Historic Places to nominate instructions, gathering and maintaining data, and completing and reviewing the form.

Direct comments regarding this burden estimate or any aspect of Maps Photographs Additional items Continuation Sheets Additional Documentation Boundary Justification Zone Easting Northing Zion's Evangelical Lutheran Church (Place additional UTM references on a continuation sheet) continuation sheet. Acreage of Property less than one acre A Sketch map for historic districts and properties having large acreage or numerous resources. Estimated Burden Statement: Public reporting burden for this form is estimated to average 18.1 hours per response including the time for reviewing this form to the Chief, Administrative Services Division, National Park Service, P.0.Box37127,Washington, DC 20013-7127; and the Office of Management and Budget, Paperwork Reductions Project (1024-0018), Washington, DC 20503. NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018 (Rev.

10-90) United States Department of the Interior NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES CONTINUATION SHEET Section number 9,10,11 Page 3 Zion's Evangelical Lutheran Church Franklin County, Ohio Major Bibliographical References HISTORY OF ZION LUTHERAN CHURCH 1812-1992 180 YEARS OF SERVICE. Obtainable from Zion's HISTORY OF OBETZ Compiled and Written by Obetz Federated Woman's Club August 1977 pp. 8 and 9. Mulkin, Clarence D., THE EARLY YEARS OF THE OBETZ CHRISTIAN CHURCH (DISCIPLES OF ABSTRACT OF TITLE - Property of Obetz Christian Church starting with survey 1796. A HISTORY OF HAMILTON TOWNSHIP - Written in the late 1800s. 1812-1912 "One hundred fifty years of Blessing and Progress" Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church Bulletin October 1962. Information compiled by the following members: Pastor Tom Fowler, Richard Fowler, William Kurey, and Liz Information provided by Dr.

Don Huber, Professor of Church History, Capital University, Columbus, Ohio. signed March 27, 1873 and filed April 8,1874 for a consideration of $200.00. The church property is in a form Weaver. Ohio. Boundary Justification Verbal Boundary Description Evangelical Lutheran Church. CHRIST) (1962-1982). National Park Service United States.Eighth and Ninth Census.Statistics of Populations of the United States,1860;1870. Churches of The land was patented (deeded) to Isaac Weatherington May 1,1817. A warranty deed for the church was The boundary of Obetz Christian Church is shown by a darkened line on parcel map with copy of stamp"Issued Dodds, GIlbert F "Pioneer Lutheran Church"The Columbus Dispatch Magazine-March 29, 1959, pp. 16. Feb 2, 1979", and encompasses Parcel 1 shown on the map. See Volume 358, Page 476. NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018 (Rev.

10-90) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES CONTINUATION SHEET Section number 9,10,11 Page 4 Zion's Evangelical Lutheran Church Franklin County, Ohio of a trapezoid, with the north side measuring 108 ft., the west side 231,ft., the south side 84 ft., and the east side 163 ft, and contains .38 acre. The parish hall and adjoining cemetery are not included in the nomination. NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018 (Rev. 10-90) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES CONTINUATION SHEET Section number 11 Page 5 Zion's Evangelical Lutheran Church Franklin County, Ohio Additional Documentation All photographs taken by Gary Weaver All photographs taken in August 2002 Photographer has all negatives.

Photographs and slides by number Frontal view looking south Frontal side view from southeast Side view from southeast Close-up of slate roof from southeast Closer view of rear Rear side view from southwest Frontal side view from northwest Close-up of sandstone inlay noting when church was built Close-up of window over door noting when church opened for Christian services Stained glass window on southeast side with a Bible shown in the upper circle Second stained glass window on southeast side, moving toward main doorway, with a dove and vessel in Third stained glass window on southeast side with a cross in crown in upper circle Fourth stained glass window on southeast side with palm branches in upper circle Stained glass window, looking south on east side of main doorway, from outside, with a dove in upper Stained glass window on southwest side with ten commandment tablets in upper circle Second stained glass window on southwest side, moving toward main doorway with communion cup Third stained glass window on southwest side with crown of thorns in upper circle Fourth stained glass window looking southwest side with crown in the upper circle Stained glass window looking south on west side of main doorway from outside, with a torch in upper View of altar from main doorway Wooden eagle lectern, located to the left of altar on photograph 21.

This leçtern is comprised of two pieces of wood. One of a few left in the country Closer view of altar Close details of pastors' pew, to the right of altar. This view shows how the areas were carved out, not added to the pew walls circle Rear view looking north upper circle and bread in upper circle NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018 (Rev. 10-90) United States Department of the Interior NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES CONTINUATION SHEET Franklin County, Ohio View of church from altar Closer view of decorative panels. Notice how the black squares form a cross Proclamation from Obetz mayor, proclaiming church as an Obetz Historical Landmark. Dated 1987 Large painting of "Last Supper" at main doorway Distant view of Obetz Christian Church looking east Floor Plan and Historic Photo Sources: Figure 1. Floor plan, 2003. Figure 2.

1812 - 1962 "One Hundred Fifty Years of Blessing and Progress" Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church 1080 Obetz Road Columbus Ohio Figure 3. 1812 - 1912 "History of Zion's Evangelical Lutheran Church Obetz Junction Ohio" Figure 5. 1812 - 1962 "One Hundred Fifty Years of Blessing and Progress" Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church 1080 Obetz Road Columbus Ohio Additional Documentation Zion's Evangelical Lutheran Church National Park Service Section number 11 Page 6 (1.495 Ac) 11- 16-67 .79 Ac 3.47 Ac Vol Christian 1979 624 SUB POPLAR Cemetery N-124-E SOUTHDOWN EXT OBETZ Lutheran Zion's LOCUST Evangelical CHURCH DAWSON'S Franklin Co Ass 0Ac 270 844 14AS VIRGINIA - GROVEPORT *9 56 2 -5-75 1.25 AC 955 ROAD Pg.476 Ohio NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018 (Rev.

10-90) National Park Service Figure 1 Zion's Evangelical Lutheran Church CONTINUATION SHEET United States Department of the Interior Franklin County, Ohio NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES Floor Plan 40'-5" 13'-6" 10'-2" 20'-1' 000 Section number Doc. Add- Page L Add. OMB No. 1024-0018 (Rev. 10-90) Franklin County, Ohio 3641 Alum Creek Drive Add. CONTINUATION SHEET Site of Congregation's First Service FIGURE 2. United States Department of the Interior NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES National Park Service Zion's Evangelical Lutheran Church The First Brick Church Built in l844 NPS Form 10-900 Section number Doc. Page NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018 (Rev. 10-90) Section number Doc. Page Erected Under the Pastorate Prof. E. Schmid, June 1873. Add.

National Park Service CONTINUATION SHEET United States Department of the Interior Zion's Evangelical Lutheran Church Franklin County, Ohio FIGURE 3. NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018 (Rev. 10-90) Franklin County, Ohio The Second Brick Church - Built 1873 The Parish Hall - Built 1925 Add. Section number Doc. Page Zion's Evangelical Lutheran Church FIGURE 4. CONTINUATION SHEET United States Department of the Interior 4501 Groveport Road National Park Service NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES OMB No. 1024-0018 (Rev. 10-90) National Park Service Our New Church - 1080 Obetz Road New Church, 1962. Add. Figure 5.

CONTINUATION SHEET Zion's Evangelical Lutheran Church NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES United States Department of the Interior Franklin County, Ohio NPS Form 10-900 Section number Doc: Page NATIONAL PARK SERVICE NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES NAME : DATE OF 16TH DAY: OTHER : N PDIL: N PERIOD: PROGRAM UNAPPROVED: COMMENT WAIVER: N ABSTRACT/ SUMMARY COMMENTS : DOCUMENTATION see attached comments Y/N see attached SLR Y/N If a nomination is returned to the nominating authority, the TELEPHONE DATE 6/09/04 REJECT RETURN 5/06/04 DISCIPLINE MULTIPLE 6/19/04 REVIEWER RECOM./CRITERIA ACCEPT EVALUATION/RETURN SHEET DATE RECEIVED: UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR REASONS FOR REVIEW: DATE OF WEEKLY LIST: DATE OF 45TH DAY: DATE OF PENDING LIST: LESS THAN 50 YEARS: REQUEST: N N SLR DRAFT: N STATE & COUNTY: OHIO, Franklin 5/25/04 PROPERTY SAMPLE: NATIONAL: Zion's Evangelical Lutheran Church National Registor Bntered in the Obetz Christian Church Frontal View looking SWo Zion's Evangelical Luthwan Franklin Co, Ohio 9026 Obetz Christian Church Franklin Co, Ohio 90026 Obetz Christian Church Franklin Co Ohio Zions Evangelical Phat, Gary Weaver Side View from SE 90026 Franklin Co Ohio R728 F20 145 0 16 16 97016 Obetz Christian Churth Phat, Gary Weaver Zions Evangelical 02002 R728 F19 128 0 16 16 Zion's Evangelical R728 F17 124 0 16 16 Lutheran Chweh Obetz Christian Church 97016 Franklin Co Ohio Zions Evangelical 92002 R728 F16 129 0 16 16 Obete Christian Church Zions Luthvan chureh Franklin Co: Ohio 97016 R728 F15 109 0 16 16 Franklin Co Ohio 97016 EVANGELICAL CHURCH LUTHERAN ZION'S R728 F14 122 0 16 16 Frank lin County Ohio Zions Evangelical Lutheran Chweh 97016 OBETZ 1962 CHRISTIAN R728 F13 110 0 16 16 Obetz Christian Church Franklin County Ohio 97016 Franklin County Zion's Evangelical 2002 Zion's Lutheran Fank lin County Ohio Zion's Evangelical Franklin County Ohio Zion's Evangelieal 90026 Obete Christian Church Zions Evangelical Lutheran Chweh 91026 Franlalin County Ouio Zion's Evangelical Gbetz Christian Church 20028 Franklin County Onid Zion's Evangelical huthsan Chunh Zion's Evergelical Zaons Evangelical 91026 Zions Evangelieal Zion's Evangelical Franklin County Ohio Ohotz Christian Church R728 F9 68 0 16 16* 97016 Ziens Evangelical Obetz Christian Church R728 F8 68 0 16 16 97016 R728 F7 64 0 16 16 Franklin County Chia 97016 82002 R728 F6 73 0 16 16 Zion's Evangelical Lutheran Chweh 97016 Obefe Chritian Church Office of the Mayor O roclamation hereas: Zion's Evangelical 91026 R729 F4 80 0 16 16 97016 Zions Evangelical Ohetz Christian Church Luhwen Church R729 F1 139 0 16 16 Franklin County SOUTHEAST COLUMBUS, OH GEOLOGICAL SURVEY 7.5 MINUTE SERIES (TOPOGRAPHIC) SOUTHEAST COLUMBUS QUADRANGLE UNITED STATES Zion's 4415612 OHIO-FRANKLIN CO.

Evangelical UTM Reference T7/333422/ DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR ROAD CLASSIFICATION Church