Sun 1/25 @2-3PM
Geauga County has a surprising number of existing buildings from the 19th century, many of which have fascinating histories.
South Newbury Union Chapel was built in 1858 after a church across the street from its current location cancelled a speech by future president James A. Garfield, deeming it too controversial. But he found an audience elsewhere in the South Newbury community which built the chapel in response. It became known as the “Free Speech Chapel” due to its mission “”To be used for literary, scientific, moral and religious purposes, and free for lectures upon all useful subjects, open and free for all denominations, but to be monopolized by no one or to the exclusion of anyone.” Since then it has been a center advocacy for progressive causes, most notably women’s suffrage.
Today a nonprofit organization works to educate people about the chapel’s history and to maintain the space for tours. It will be carrying on its education mission when it hosts a program called “South Newbury Union Chapel: A Bold Past, A Bright Future” at the West Woods Nature Center of the Geauga Park District. It’s free and open to all and no registration is required. It’s also wheelchair and stroller accessible/