9020 Chillicothe Road (Route 306), Kirtland; built in 1836. Georgian Gothic.

Exterior: Berea Sandstone, from local quarries located just south of Kirtland, was used for much of this structure. Most of the sandstone is covered by stucco. However, sandstone set in several courses of blocks can be seen at the base of the building. Sandstone can also be seen at some other areas of the exterior, including doorways and around windows. Long sandstone quoins are also exposed. The central area of the exterior of the quoins is marked with a criss-cross pattern. Most of the remainder of the upper portion of the building is made of rubble stone; this material is completely covered by white stucco. The original stucco had outlines of faux stone blocks painted on it, making it appear as if the building was made of coursed stone. This old stucco weathered over the years and was removed in the late 1950s. The new stucco layer does not have painted outlines of blocks. Also, the original stucco had bits of glass and other material imbedded in it, which would have provided a glistening effect somewhat akin to marble.

Remarks: Brick was originally to be used for this building, but the brick to be used was judged to be of poor quality so stone was used instead. According to local tradition, the stone used for the church was quarried in what is now Chapin Forest Reservation of the Lake County Metroparks. Remnants of an old quarrying operation can still be seen in the lower portion of the park, along a small stream that runs downstream from Quarry Pond, which is located near the Route 306 end of the park. According to Hitchcock (1965) the site of the Temple may have been chosen because of its proximity to supplies of sandstone. Hitchcock (1965, p. 129) has also provided a discussion of various possible quarry sites.

References: Andrew, 1978; Hatcher, 1949; Hitchcock, 1965; Launius, 1986.

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