Information about the German Target Club, also known as the ‘Schuetzen Platz”, arrived in my mailbox thanks to Bob Leighty, president of the Merion Village Association. In an earlier post I questioned the information I had heard surrounding the building that now houses St. Paul United Church of Christ at 225 East Gates.
According to the articles, the Target Club opened the shooting range in the latter part of 1859. The three-acre area is said to have encompassed land between what is now Hanford Street to the south and Nursery Alley to the north. For thirty-three years the area was used for shooting practice. In July of 1892 the Target Club was dissolved as the younger generation of Germans lost interest in the activity.
Between 1892 and 1908 the building was owned by local florist Earl Metzmaier whose son William was a member of an organization known as The White Owl Club, but it is not stated with what activities the White Owl Club was involved.
The building later became a church and appears to have remained in use as such since 1908.
2 responses so far ↓
Carol Deakins // 9 April, 2008 at 9:08 am
St.Paul United Church of Christ is still housed and operating in what was once the target club you mention in your article. We incorporated as a church in 1908 and we will be celebrating 100 years September 14, 2008 with a service, dinner and program. If interested in attending you may call the church office at 444-1311 Tuesday through Thursday 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM or leave your name and number and we will get back with you. The original church still stands and is being used by the Southside Community Ministries Food Pantry and The Columbus Pride Program. The stain glass windows still shows signs of the club.
Alan Hicks // 9 April, 2008 at 9:30 am
How wonderful to see this write-up concerning the history of what is now a part of St. Paul United Church of Christ on Gates Street.
It is true that the original wing of the church was purchased and turned into St. Paul Evangelical Church in 1908. This year marks the 100th anniversary of the congregation, and we are thrilled that we are still a vital part of the southend community.
Though the original sanctuary (the building you referenced) was replaced with a new sanctuary in 1950, the original building remains a vital ministry all its own as the home of Southside Ministies Food Pantry.
We are extremely proud of the longevity and heritage of the neighborhood, and grateful to God that we can stil play an active role in serving the community.
Please join us for worship and fellowship sometime. We welcome ALL!
Alan Hicks, Pastor
St. Paul United Church of Christ
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