There’s something magical about stepping into a space that was once sacred, only to find it repurposed into something equally awe-inspiring. Like, let’s say, sipping an espresso under stained glass or catching a country concert where a choir once sang.
Central Ohio is full of these places, and honestly, we cannot get enough of it.
So whether you’re here for caffeine, concerts, or powerful civil rights history, these are a few church-turned-businesses that prove holy ground can still raise a ruckus.
Historic Columbus Churches and their New Lives
The Bluestone
📍 583 E Broad St, Columbus, OH 43215
If you’ve ever wanted to get spiritually lifted and hear country music on the same night, The Bluestone is the place. Once a century-old Baptist church, this venue now throws down as one of the coolest concert halls in the city. We’re talking stained glass windows, vaulted ceilings, and a main stage where a pulpit used to be. But don’t let the holy origins fool you, because this place gets rowdy.
From EDM concerts that bleed into the morning hours to hip-hop and bluegrass, the Bluestone doesn’t discriminate. It hosts everything from weddings to wild shows, all with that ethereal church glow that makes you feel like you’re witnessing something divine. Except instead of pipe organ, you get ripping guitar solos and massive beat-drops.
For more on the transformation, check out our full article: From Church to Concert Hall.
Stauf’s Coffee (Victorian Village Location)
📍 1334 Neil Ave, Columbus, OH 43201
If you’re even a little bit of a coffee lover in Columbus, you know Stauf’s. While all their shops bring a unique charm, none quite match the Victorian Village location, nestled inside a beautifully preserved church. That’s right — order your latte and sip it under some of the prettiest stained glass windows in the city, or soak up the gorgeous tree-lined streets of Victorian Village on their front patio.
It’s cozy, stunning, and surprisingly versatile. Whether you’re cramming for finals, catching up with friends, or simply vibing with your espresso, this spot hits the holy trifecta of atmosphere, comfort, and caffeine.
It just might be the most aesthetic place in Columbus to finish your term paper or spiral about your life decisions.
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The Refectory Restaurant
📍 1092 Bethel Rd, Columbus, OH 43220
The amount of times customers have said “holy s&*#” after their meal at The Refectory should’ve clued you in to the fact that this famed Columbus restaurant occupies a space that was once an 18th Century church.
The dining room specifically is where the church’s architecture still remains, with exposed wooded beams that support a beautifully constructed wooden roof. One of the rooms in the restaurant is even named “The Choir Room,” which makes total sense now knowing the building’s history.
If you haven’t treated yourself to a dinner at The Refectory, you are in for a spiritual awakening.
Ohio Baptist General Association Headquarters (OBGA)
📍 48 Parkwood Ave, Columbus, OH 43203
Now this one isn’t your typical café or concert venue. It’s something way deeper. The OBGA headquarters was originally a family home built in the early 1900s, but by the mid-1950s, it became a powerful force in the civil rights movement as the epicenter for Ohio’s Black Baptist churches.
This building hosted NAACP meetings, condemned the murder of Emmett Till, and trained new ministers while teaching Sunday school to kids. It was a space where faith and activism came together to push for desegregation, education, and social justice.
After sitting vacant for decades, the space was restored and reopened in 2023 with a new purpose: modern living with historical reverence. Original elements like decorative wall coverings, stained glass, and porch tiles were preserved, and today, the building stands as a symbol of resistance, restoration, and remembrance. A new mural next door helps keep the legacy alive.
Whether you’re looking for good coffee, great music, or a powerful history lesson, these Central Ohio gems offer all the spiritual energy minus the pews.
History in Central Ohio
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