Gospel Hill Lighthouse, Warsaw

At 74 feet from the ground to the tip of the cross crowning the Gospel Hill Lighthouse’s dome, it’s hardly the tallest of its kind. But its quiet claim to fame becomes apparent as its light beams across the woods and farmland of Coshocton County: This lighthouse is completely landlocked.

“It started back in 1976,” says pastor Ron Davis, who founded Warsaw’s Gospel Hill Ministry in 1973. “I used to travel a lot. The Lord spoke to my spirit, and said, ‘Go back to Gospel Hill and build this lighthouse.’ ”

Construction didn’t begin until 2002, but since its dedication and opening in September 2003, the largest working inland lighthouse in the nation has been a beacon for visitors from 41 states and 19 countries. Inside, a spiral staircase winds up to a prayer deck on the second level, where the building satisfies one of its central purposes. “We have prayer meetings there every morning,” says Davis. Climb farther, and visitors reach the observation deck. “It’s beautiful up there, especially in different seasons,” he adds.

Along with providing a place for prayer, the view is one of the main reasons Davis felt moved to build the lighthouse. In addition to hosting church gatherings, the prayer room welcomes travelers seeking a place to worship, and guests can even hold small weddings inside the narrow structure. Above all, Davis says he wanted everyone to feel welcome at the lighthouse, which is open daily from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

“We built it to lift up the Lord,” says Davis, “and hopefully satisfy people who are just interested in lighthouses.” 

27610 Twp. Rd. 45, Warsaw 43844, 740/824-3300, gospelhillministry.org