Hilliard Methodist Episcopal Church
Also known as: Hilliard United Methodist Church
Why it's listed
Built in 1883 at Main and Norwich Streets in Old Hilliard, Ohio, this brick church was designed in a Gothic style with wood trim, a gabled sanctuary and a square bell tower holding the main entrance. Pointed-arch windows with brick hoodmolds, a round window with Star of David tracery, and quatrefoil details in the wood porch and gable give it its character. A classroom wing was added in 1936 and a small office addition around 1950. The church replaced a frame building of 1855 on land set aside by town founder John Hilliard in 1853 for a church. It is recognized for its architectural integrity and because it is the only 19th century church still standing in Hilliard; two other frame churches were demolished before 1945. The Methodist congregation used it until 1957, after which it passed to other congregations, and it remains a place of worship with little change to its original design.
Significance in brief: The nomination argues the church is significant under Criterion C for its architectural integrity as an 1880s religious building. It is also the only 19th century church in Hilliard to survive. Its Gothic detailing, including a dominant bell tower, has been largely maintained, and it compares favorably with Wesley Chapel in Norwich Township.
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 88000634, listed August 4, 1988. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence high).
Key facts
| Address | 4066 Main St., Hilliard |
|---|---|
| County | Franklin County |
| Listed | August 4, 1988 |
| Reference number | 88000634 |
| Resource type | Building |
| Period of significance | 1883 |
| Architectural style | Gothic |
| Criteria |
|
| Areas of significance | Architecture |
| Level of significance | Local |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Continues to be used for religious services; sold by the Methodists in 1957, then used by the First Baptist Church and, since 1977, by Northwest Bible Church. |
| Acreage | 0.9 |
| Coordinates | 40.03467, -83.15831 (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 88000634.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikipedia article (used for cross-checking only; text not reproduced here)
- Wikidata Q14716449
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.