By Liz Gordon-Hancock

Is Bluffton a destination location? Ryan and Jessica Meyer think so. 

The couple bought the True Word Tabernacle church, located at 104 E. Elm Street behind Town Hall, back in February 2023 with the vision of providing unique short- and long-term housing for Bluffton.

Back in 2021, the Meyers opened up a short-term vacation rental in rural Bluffton and were surprised at the immediate demand for the rental. Guests constantly noted there were few if any places to stay in the immediate area, unless you drove to Lima or Findlay. 

So when the c. 1890s church building remained vacant and unsold after months, they started to envision a new use for the building. Jessica said “Why not continue to use it as a sanctuary to serve the community as a place where people could still find peaceful rest, whether they live there or just stay for the night?” And thus, Sanctuary Housing was born with the vision to provide housing that highlights the historic features and values of the church. The business also shows the Meyers’ heart for hospitality and desire to invest in the Bluffton community.

Read more at Elm St. church transformed as Sanctuary Housing