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 building was acquired by the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, who transformed it into a place of worship and community support. Beyond serving their congregation, the church played a vital role in the neighborhood by providing resources and services to refugees, establishing the building as more than just a physical space—but a center for connection, culture, and care.
In 2020, the property entered a new chapter under new ownership. With deep respect for its past, restoration efforts were driven by a commitment to preserve the building’s historic character while bringing it back to life for a new generation. This vision led to the rebirth of the space as The Sanctuary—a name that honors both its architectural roots and its legacy as a place of gathering.
As The Sanctuary evolved, it quickly became a versatile venue, hosting weddings, concerts, and corporate events. Once again, the building filled with energy—its purpose reimagined, but its spirit intact.
Today, that evolution continues with Vessel Columbus, the dedicated music venue operating within The Sanctuary. Vessel represents the next phase of the building’s story—focused on live music, community, and culture. While the format has changed, the mission remains the same: to create a space where people come together, experience something meaningful, and become part of something larger than themselves.