The Old Rectory/Worthington Historical Society

50 W. New England Ave.

Images: (1) Old Rectory; (2) Rectory, late 1800's, on the Village Green to the right of St. John's Episcopal Church; (3) Rectory, 1948, when it was located at 799 Hartford St; (4) Moving the Rectory down High Street, 1978

The Old Rectory, now the headquarters of the Worthington Historical Society, was completed in 1845 as a rectory for St. John's Episcopal Church. The Reverend R.S. Eliot and his family were the first of 15 rectors who lived in this residence for the next 80 years.

The house was originally located beside the church on the southeast corner of the Village Green. In 1924 it was moved to 799 Hartford St. where it served as a rental property and later as administrative offices for Worthington Schools. In 1978, the Worthington Historical Society acquired this property, moved it to its present location, and renovated it for use as their admistrative office, and storage of archives and collections.

The Old Rectory is classic Greek revival in style, with an addition on the north side. The interior walnut woodwork and the cherry siding show the quality of the native lumber and the desire of the local 19th century carpenters to make a beautiful home for their rector.

Today the Old Rectory houses a Gift Shop and Doll Museum which are open Tuesday - Friday 1-4 and Saturday 10-2. The research facilities, including the library, are open by appointment.