Central Presbyterian Church (Saint Paul, Minnesota) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Central Presbyterian Church
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Central Presbyterian Church from the west
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 Location in Minnesota
Location in the United States
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| Location | 500 Cedar Street, Saint Paul, Minnesota |
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| Area | Less than 1 acre |
| Built | 1889– (1900)(presumed date of finish of the edifice religious) |
| Architect | Warren H. Hayes |
| Architectural style | Richardsonian Romanesque |
| NRHP reference No. | 83000926 |
| Added to NRHP | February 10, 1983 |
Central Presbyterian Church is a historic church building found in downtown Saint Paul, Minnesota. This beautiful church is special because it's listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means it's recognized as an important building with a rich history and unique design.
Contents
Discovering Central Presbyterian Church
Central Presbyterian Church is a landmark in Saint Paul. It was built in 1889 and finished around 1900. The church stands out with its unique style, known as Richardsonian Romanesque architecture. This style is named after architect Henry Hobson Richardson.
A Look at the Church's Design
The church building has some cool features. You'll notice big, arched entrances. These arches are a key part of the Richardsonian Romanesque style. They are decorated with carvings of flowers and geometric shapes. The outside walls are made from rough-cut Lake Superior brownstone. A huge 90-foot gable, which is the triangular part of the wall under the roof, sits above the arches.
The architect who designed this church was Warren H. Hayes. He was known for his special way of arranging the inside of churches.
The Akron Plan: A Unique Seating Style
Inside the Central Presbyterian Church, the seating is arranged in a unique way called the "Akron Plan." Imagine a theater, and you'll get the idea!
- The area where the speaker stands, called the chancel, is raised and shaped like a half-circle. This puts the speaker right in front and center of everyone.
- The church benches, called pews, are curved. They are set up in a half-circle pattern on a floor that gently slopes downwards.
- This design helps everyone in the church see and hear the speaker clearly, just like in a modern auditorium.
A History of Growth
The story of Central Presbyterian Church began a long time ago.
- The church community was first started in 1852.
- They built their very first church building in 1854.
- As more and more people joined, the church grew quickly. The first building was made bigger in the 1870s.
- But even that wasn't enough space! So, the church members decided to build the much larger and grander building you see today, starting in 1889.
This new building has served the community for over a century. It stands as a testament to the church's long history and its important place in Saint Paul.
