Dixboro United Methodist Church is a historic church located at 5221 Church Street in Dixboro, Michigan. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972 and designated a Michigan State Historic Site in 1971.[2] It is significant as a nearly unaltered example of a mid-19th century Greek Revival-style church designed by a professional architect.
History
The first Methodist services in the village of Dixboro were performed in 1828.[3] For the next 30 years, services were performed sporadically by circuit riders. Finally, in 1857, a group of Dixboro citizens met, elected a Board of Trustees, and authorized the building of a church for a price not to exceed $2500.[3] The Board hired Ypsilanti, Michigan architect Abraham Cooper to design the church and Saline builder E. W. Ford to construct it.[2] The building was completed in 1858, for a total cost of $2241.[3]
In 1920, a basement was dug underneath the church and a furnace installed.[3] In 1950-51, a wing was added and the cupola was shortened.[2] In 1969, a second wing was added.[3] Finally, in 1997-98, the structure was completely renovated, and the cupola was restored to its original height.[3] The church is still used for weekly services.
Description
The Dixboro United Methodist Church is a single-story, frame, Greek Revival structure topped with a square cupola and belfry.[2] It is clad in clapboard siding. The front facade is divided into four bays by Doricpilasters, and a pedimented portico shelters the entrance. The entrance is flanked by triple-hung sash windows, which continue on each side of the church.[2]
