South Newbury Union Chapel (13-28)
Posted by: miatabug
N 41° 26.284 W 081° 12.463
17T E 482646 N 4587409
This marker identifies the location of Union Chapel, which was built to provide a platform for free speech. The site is now a part of the Geauga Park District. The marker can be visited, but the property requires permission for entry.
Waymark Code: WMC82K
Location: Ohio, United States
Date Posted: 08/06/2011
Views: 5
Front Text : "South Newbury Union Chapel"
Called the "Cradle of Equal Suffrage" and "Free Speech Chapel," Union Chapel was to be "…open and free for all denominations, but to be monopolized by no one or to the exclusion of anyone." Built in 1858 or 1859 on land donated by Anson Matthews, the chapel reputedly exists in response to incident triggered by James A. Garfield, then principal of the Western Reserve Eclectic Institute (now Hiram College) and later president of the United States. He was scheduled to speak at the Congregationists' "Brick Church" in December 1857. Because of the supposed controversial nature of Garfield's speech, however, the invitation was withdrawn. (Continued on other side)
Back Text : "South Newbury Union Chapel"
(Continued from other side) Outraged citizens built Union Chapel in response. Fulfilling its mission, the chapel welcomed groups crusading for many causes in late 19th century America, including women's dress reform and temperance. One of the most active groups at the chapel was the Newbury Woman's Suffrage Political Club, founded in January 1874. The chapel was the club's meeting place and the site of lectures by Susan B. Anthony and Harriet Taylor Upton, leaders in the woman's suffrage movement. The chapel also hosted singing schools, plays, and other social, religious, and political gatherings.
Marker Number: 13-28
County: Geauga
Significance of Location: Building or House
Bicentenial Mark: no
Website address: [Web Link]
Additional Coordinate: Not Listed
Additional Coordinate description: Not listed
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Visit Instructions:
If possible, unique photographs taken at the site, are requested. These can be of the site, your companions on your visit, or whatever. Tell of what you learned or thought of the site.