Built by community effort in 1871 of native limestone as the Congregational Church, this building served that role until a new brick church was constructed from 1887 to 1890. A nearby stone parsonage, first occupied in 1867, was sold in 1870 to help fund the 1871 church. The old church then housed the chapel, classrooms, and library of Weeping Water Academy, established in 1885 because its founders believed local public schools did not provide adequate training for their children. The Rev. George Hindley actively promoted the school, and through his efforts it became and remained identified with the Congregationalists, although its work was largely nondenominational. The academy offered three formal courses of study: classical, scientific, and English Normal. As enrollment grew, other buildings were used or constructed, the largest being Hindley Cottage. The school closed in June 1914 because enrollment declined as public schools improved. During its 29 years, the academy graduated about 220 students. In 1917, this building became the Weeping Water Academy Library and continues to serve as the public library today.