A Presidential Farewell/First Community Church

First Community Church in Marble Cliff was the setting on March 18, 1987, for the funeral of Woodrow “Woody” Hayes, head football coach for The Ohio State University from 1951 to 1978. In his tenure at OSU, Hayes captured 13 Big Ten Conference titles and three consensus National Championships. The small church was packed with 1400 attendees, including many former OSU football players and coaches who worked with Hayes. The eulogy was given by former President of the United States, Richard Nixon, a close friend of Hayes for 30 years. Nixon noted in his eulogy: “If you take no risks you will suffer no defeats, but if you take no risks you will win no victories. Woody was not one to play it safe…”.

Because of the large attendance and number of onlookers, security and traffic control by the Grandview Heights Police Department was bolstered by Columbus Division of Police, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, OSU Police, and the Ohio State Highway Patrol. 

Historical information on First Community Church can be found on the Marble Cliff Highlights tour.  

Nixon delivering eulogy for Hayes at First Community Church (Columbus Dispatch photo).

Hayes with Presidential candidate Nixon at Ohio Statehouse rally in 1968 (Columbus Dispatch photo).

Excerpt from Nixon's 1979 letter to Hayes after Hayes firing by OSU (University Libraries).