St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church

St. John the Baptist Church is a stone structure on John's Hill Road featuring Georgian architecture with balanced, symmetrical lines. The building sits on elevated ground overlooking the Licking River and retains its 19th century form.

Nine German families built the stone structure in 1858, replacing an earlier log building that had stood on the same site since 1847. The shift from simple wood construction to solid stone reflects the community's growth and increased stability.

The church reflects the heritage of German immigrants who settled in this region and maintained their religious traditions across generations. Visitors can sense today how the community keeps those roots alive through services and the space itself.

The church sits on elevated ground and is visible from most nearby roads, making it easy to find. Visitors should expect uneven terrain around the building and check service times if they want to see the interior.

During the American Civil War, the location on John's Hill played a strategic role in protecting nearby Cincinnati. The hilltop provided a natural vantage point over the surrounding area and river approach.

Location: Wilder

Inception: 1858

GPS coordinates: 39.01306,-84.47139

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:02