First Book of Record

The First Book of Records contains documents that incorporate St. John's as an ecclesiastical establishment and a corporation under Ohio law, an unusual arrangement. The contents include discussions of governance, membership,income and management of the church glebe or farm lot. The first two pages scanned outline an agreement between one Erie Bristol and the churchwardens to lease a portion of the church lot for lumber production. The question of taxation vs. subscriptions for the support of the church points out conflicts between the original founders, new settlers and rival churches. The negotiations with Bishop Philander Chase, founder of Kenyon College, add a fascinating sidelight. Many names that later become prominent in Columbus history appear here for the first time.

Note: Full text is provided for portions of this item, not pictured in its entirety.