Do you know where the oldest church in Ohio is? While you might think it’s an ornate Catholic church, it’s actual a humble stone building hiding in a cemetery. The Old Wyandot Mission Church in Upper Sandusky is the country’s first officially recognized mission of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Today, it’s a historic landmark that houses artifacts from the early 1800s and still holds Sunday services during select times of the year. This is one stop every Ohio history buff needs to explore at least once.
The Old Wyandot Mission Church is both the oldest church in Ohio and the site of the Methodist’s very first North American mission.
Nyttend/Wikimedia Commons You’ll find it in the Old Mission Cemetery on the northeast corner of the intersection of N 5th Street and E Church Street in Upper Sandusky.
Originally built in 1824, this historic little church has quite the story behind it. It was initially built for the converted Wyandot Indians, before they were removed from Ohio in 1843.
Traveling around Ohio/YouTube Over the years, the church fell in disarray. It was fully restored in 1889 and has since been updated.
Inside, you’ll find several artifacts and documents on display. In 1960, the church was designated a national shrine by the United Methodist Church. It was also placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976.
Traveling around Ohio/YouTube Please note: Sunday services are held at 8 a.m. during the months of June, July and August. During the week, the church is open to the public from 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. in the months of June, July and August. For more information, click here.
Nyttend/Wikimedia Commons
You’ll find it in the Old Mission Cemetery on the northeast corner of the intersection of N 5th Street and E Church Street in Upper Sandusky.
Traveling around Ohio/YouTube
Over the years, the church fell in disarray. It was fully restored in 1889 and has since been updated.
Please note: Sunday services are held at 8 a.m. during the months of June, July and August. During the week, the church is open to the public from 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. in the months of June, July and August. For more information, click here.
Did you know about this historic church? Have you ever been here before? Share your thoughts and experiences with us!
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