First Methodist Episcopal Church of Rome
Also known as: First United Methodist Church
Why it's listed
Occupying about a third of a city block in Rome, New York, this red brick church was completed in 1868 for a Methodist congregation with roots reaching back to the eighteenth century. It rests on a limestone foundation under a slate gable roof. The street front has three arched entrances, stained glass windows, and an offset bell tower balanced by a smaller buttress-like spire. Inside, a wide nave is ringed by a horseshoe-shaped gallery carried on ornamented iron posts, and decorated roof trusses span the ceiling. The Ninde Memorial Chapel, added in 1910-11, deliberately echoes the original design in matching brick and slate. A 2006 education wing is considered non-contributing. The church is valued as a fine example of Romanesque Revival architecture, a round-arch style that appealed to Low church denominations such as the Methodists. It also reflects the prosperity Rome enjoyed as an Erie Canal port. The congregation still uses the building.
Significance in brief: The nomination argues the church is architecturally significant as a distinguished example of Romanesque Revival church architecture in Rome. It is tied to the city's prominence as an inland port on the Erie Canal in the mid to late nineteenth century. It is noted for its Victorian-era details and craftsmanship, and retains substantial integrity.
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 09001286, listed January 29, 2010. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence medium).
Key facts
| Address | 400 N. George St., Rome |
|---|---|
| County | Oneida County |
| Listed | January 29, 2010 |
| Reference number | 09001286 |
| Resource type | Building |
| Period of significance | 1868-1922 |
| Architectural style | Late Victorian: Romanesque Revival |
| Criteria |
|
| Areas of significance | Architecture |
| Level of significance | Local |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Still used as a church. A non-contributing education wing was added in 2006. |
| Acreage | 0.9 |
| Within district | Rome Residential Historic District |
| Coordinates | 43.21842, -75.45749 (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 09001286.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikipedia article (used for cross-checking only; text not reproduced here)
- Wikidata Q5453325
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.