Ohio Historical Marker: Ambassador William Graves Sharp

Washington Avenue Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), in conjunction with the Elyria Historical Association and the Ohio History Connection, unveiled Lorain County’s 35th Ohio Historical Marker on the church’s front lawn at 301 Washington Avenue on Thursday, September 3, at 11 a.m. Remarks were presented by the Honorable Frank Whitfield, Mayor of the City of Elyria; Mr. Bill Bird, President of the Elyria Historical Association; Ms. Kerri Broome, Director of the Lorain County Historical Society; and the Rev. Nathan A. Russell, Senior Pastor.

The historical marker commemorates William Graves Sharp, former United States Ambassador to France during World War I and three-term congressional representative. Sharp is one of two Elyrians to have served in Congress and also one of two Lorain Countians to have served as Ambassador to France during the early 20th century.

In 1945, the church purchased Sharp’s home and made plans to relocate its 2nd Street campus to Washington Avenue. Though the exterior of the home was incorporated into the newly built sanctuary, many of the mansion’s interior architectural details remain, including the plaster reliefs alongside the walls in the parlor, the beautiful grand staircase, and a fully accessible library.

The Elyria Historical Association had the imagination for the marker and provided the bulk of the historical research for the project. At the association’s invitation, the church partnered with the association in the marker application process and fundraising.