Our Story
The Sanctuary on Neil is the premier wedding and event venue in Columbus, Ohio
The Sanctuary started life as a church in the 1800’s. Sadly the last decade saw it falling into disrepair. Every time we both drove past we thought how sad that such a beautiful old building had ended up in this state.
We both love historic buildings so when the “for sale” sign went up we had to check it out!
Immediately the thought of what a great venue space it would make went through both of our minds. We had to look past broken windows and floors but knew there was hope for this historic building.
After almost a year of major renovations we were ready to open.
Windows had been replaced, new floors put down and old ones restored to their original 1885 beauty.
We tell everyone this was like an HGTV show and you never knew what news the contractors were going to give you. Trust me it wasn’t always good!
We are not a cookie cutter version of the modern venues you’ve seen. You won’t find modern furniture and bare open spaces with plain walls.
What you will find are rooms set up for the bride and groom with beautiful antique furniture.
You’ll find a “haint” blue ceiling soaring high above the hand-planked wooden floors. This was in the original and supposedly kept away bad spirits
You’ll find another ballroom set up for the best party with club lighting.
You’ll find beautiful antique mirrors to reflect the beauty of your day.
As we turn the page on the next chapter of this building we hope you will be part of the story!
A Rich History
In 1872, Neil Chapel moved his congregation from Thurber Village to the corner of Neil Avenue and Goodale Street; the future home of the Neil Avenue United Methodist Episcopal Church. The church was built in two parts spanning 25 years. The northern half of the building, including the grand rotunda, was designed by architect J.W. Yost and completed in 1890. A large addition, designed by architects Stribling & Lum, was added to the south side of the church in 1914. This southern addition included living quarters for clergy and nuns. The church remained in operation for many decades and was even partially ravaged by a fire in 1984 which damaged the altar and the 116-year-old pipe organ.
In 1996, the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church purchased the building to house their congregation. The EOTC also provided social resources including services to refugees. When the building found new ownership in 2020, restoration to its prior grandeur and paying homage to the building's rich history and importance in the neighborhood was paramount, hence its new name, The Sanctuary. The legacy of stewardship continues.
