First Congregational Church of Ovid

Main Street Building, United Church of Ovid
U.S. National Register of Historic Places
Michigan State Historic Site
Location	222 Main St., Ovid, Michigan
Coordinates
Area	less than one acre
Built	1872 (1872)
Built by	George Fox
Architectural style	Gothic Revival
NRHP Reference #	72000607
Significant dates
Added to NRHP	January 13, 1972
Designated MSHS	April 23, 1971

The First Congregational Church of Ovid, is a religious building located at 222 Main Street in Ovid, Michigan. It was designated a Michigan State Historic Site in 1971 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972.

History

In 1871, 22 people began Ovid's First Congregational Church with minister Reverend William Mulder. The next year, the congregation hired master carpenter George Fox to construct this building at the corner of High and Park Streets. In 1876, a bell was installed in the belfry. In 1899, with a growing congregation, the structure was moved to its current location and enlarged, adding a basement and two porticoes. In 1843, the Congregational and Methodist churches merged, using both buildings until 1972. In 1979, this church became a private residence.

Description

The First Congregational Church of Ovid is a frame Gothic Revival structure, in a modified T-plan. The original section measures 34 feet (10 m) by 58 feet (18 m); later additions increase the size. It has a gable roof and clapboard-covered walls with pilaster strips at the corners. The 75 feet (23 m) tall, three-stage two-story square tower topped with an octagonal belfry contains unique decorative touches. Gothic elements include tall, narrow arch-top windows and a rose window.