Old Otter Creek Union Church

Description:	Drawing by Juliet A. Peddle, local architect and artist. Drawing of Old Union Church, Made by Juliet A. Peddle, Terre Haute Architect and Artist.The OLD UNION CHURCH of Otter Creek Township stands on Highway 41 one-quarter of a mile north of Otter Creek. For some years previous to the construction of the church the church-going people of the community had been meeting in each others homes and in the schoolhouses. Various denominations were represented in these meetings, principally the Methodists and Baptists, but none of them felt quite strong enough to swing a church alone. It was agreed to build a union church and submerge their denominational differences in their common need for a church.The deed to the property was dated 1839, and in January, 1842, rules were adopted for the use of the building so I think we may safely assume that the church was constructed shortly before that date.In the course of time the requirements of the neighborhood changed and the building was no longer needed for its original purpose. In 1914 the Kings Daughters purchased it and made such alterations as were necessary to provide living quarters in the back portion of the building, retaining the front part for their meetings and the basement as a dining room. The Kings Daughters cross appears on the front today. The living quarters at the back are regularly occupied by an elderly couple who make it their home and are in charge of the building.In a very much simpler way this building suggests the Greek temple which is so well illustrated in the G. A. R. Memorial of last weeks articles. The columns are not free standing here but columns are suggested by pilasters across the front and sides. This is said to be the first church building in Otter Creek Township. Though it has passed from actual church use it still shelters an organization which is interested in the welfare of its fellow men.
Origin:	01/01/2005
Contributor(s):	Peddle, Juliet, 1899-1979
Source:	http://indianamemory.contentdm.oclc.org/cdm/ref/collection/rose/id/813
Collection:	Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology Logan Library
Rights:	http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/UND/1.0/
Copyright:	Copyright Undetermined
Subjects:	Architectural drawings Architecture Churches International Order of the Kings Daughters and Sons Architecture Religion Social Life

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