Methodist Episcopal Church
Also known as: Omar--Fisher's Landing Methodist Church
Why it's listed
This small wooden church in the hamlet of Omar, surrounded by farmsteads and open farmland along Route 180, houses a Methodist congregation founded in 1849. The original brick building was torn down in 1892 and replaced by the present Gothic Revival structure, which rests on a hewn limestone foundation. Its open square belfry, wooden pinnacles at the front corners, scalloped shingles and arched windows with colored glass give it a distinct character among the town's 19th-century churches. Alterations include vinyl siding, asphalt roofing, a community room added around 1965 and acoustical tile covering the pressed tin ceiling. Inside, the original pews, altar railing with turned spindles, wainscoting and pressed tin walls survive. The church was recognized for its architecture, including a rare intact apse, and for its long role as a community gathering place. It remains in use, with the congregation meeting in the back room during winter.
Significance in brief: The church is described as a largely intact late-19th century vernacular example of Gothic Revival architecture, with a pinnacled belfry, pinnacled front corners and pointed arch windows. Its apse and turned wooden altar railing are called rare in the region. It is also significant for serving as a community center and shaping the social life of the community.
Machine-generated summary. This summary was generated by a language model from the official nomination document and has not been reviewed line by line by an editor. It may contain errors. Check the source document before relying on any detail. Source: nomination document (PDF) · National Archives catalog entry. NRHP reference 96000663, listed June 28, 1996. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence high).
Key facts
| Address | S side of NY 180, W of jct. with Gore Rd., Hamlet of Omar, Orleans |
|---|---|
| County | Jefferson County |
| Listed | June 28, 1996 |
| Reference number | 96000663 |
| Resource type | Building |
| Period of significance | 1892 - 1937 |
| Architectural style | Late Victorian/Vernacular; Gothic Revival |
| Criteria |
|
| Areas of significance | Architecture, Social History |
| Level of significance | Local |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Still used as a church with an active congregation; in winter the congregation meets in the rear community room to save on heating costs. |
| Acreage | 0.9 |
| Coordinates | 44.26197, -75.97612 (NPS GIS) |
What listing means for this property
Religious properties are listed for their architectural or historical significance, not their religious use. Listing is honorary and does not restrict the congregation's use of the building. The federal rehabilitation credit is generally unavailable unless part of the building is income-producing; some state programmes and preservation grants do cover religious buildings. Federal funding or permits trigger Section 106 review.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm with your State Historic Preservation Office or a qualified adviser.
Sources and further reading
- National Park Service, National Register of Historic Places database (snapshot May 2026), reference 96000663.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikipedia article (used for cross-checking only; text not reproduced here)
- Wikidata Q14706943
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.