Universalist Church Of Westfield Center
Why it's listed
This wood-frame church stands at the corner of LeRoy and Greenwich Roads in Westfield Center, Medina County, Ohio. The congregation formed in 1839 as the second Universalist church in the state, bought a half-acre site for $60 in 1847, and built the present structure in 1849 for $1,500. Its temple form, pilastered belfry and trabeated entrance reflect the simple lines and balanced proportions of the Greek Revival style. A log Sunday School once stood in front and was replaced in 1896 by a two-story side wing, whose vertical emphasis follows the Stick Style while complementing the original building. Later changes include a pyramidal roof in place of wooden crenellations on the tower, clear glass instead of the original stained glass windows, and a rear vestibule. Services have continued for more than 135 years, making the church both an architectural survivor of the Greek Revival period and a lasting local institution.
Significance in brief: The nomination calls it an excellent example of Greek Revival architecture, with later 19th and early 20th century alterations that respect the original building. It is also a local landmark. The congregation, organized in 1839, was the second Universalist church in Ohio and has held continuous services for over 135 years.
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 78002135, listed November 29, 1978. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence high).
Key facts
| Address | LeRoy and Greenwich Rds., Westfield Center |
|---|---|
| County | Medina County |
| Listed | November 29, 1978 |
| Reference number | 78002135 |
| Resource type | Building |
| Period of significance | 1800-1899 |
| Architectural style | Greek Revival, with a late Victorian Stick Style side addition |
| Areas of significance | Architecture, Religion |
| Level of significance | Local |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Listed as occupied, in good condition and altered; used for religious purposes with continuous services for over 135 years. |
| Acreage | 0.5 |
| Coordinates | 41.02749, -81.93290 (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 78002135.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikipedia article (used for cross-checking only; text not reproduced here)
- Wikidata Q7894181
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.