Congregational Church of Ada facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
|
|
Congregational Church of Ada
|
|
 |
|
 Location in Minnesota
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | E. 2nd Ave. and 1st St., Ada, Minnesota |
|---|---|
| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1900 |
| Architect | Charles Waterbury |
| Architectural style | Bungalow/craftsman, Queen Anne |
| NRHP reference No. | 84000236 |
| Added to NRHP | November 8, 1984 |
The Congregational Church of Ada is a historic building located in Ada, Minnesota. It stands at E. 2nd Avenue and 1st Street. This church was built in 1900 and holds many interesting stories from its past. It was the very first brick church in Ada and is now recognized as an important historic landmark.
Contents
A Historic Church Building
The Congregational Church of Ada was designed by an architect named Charles Waterbury. He was related to one of the church members, Fred Hampson. The church was built in 1900 and cost about $6,000. Before this building, the church members met in a schoolhouse. The new church was officially opened on December 25, 1900. Reverend H. William Stiles was the first pastor to lead services in this new building.
The Architect: Charles Waterbury
Charles Waterbury, the architect who designed the church, was a very talented person. He studied at MIT, a famous university, and graduated in 1895. In 1909, he became a member of the American Institute of Architects. Charles Waterbury worked in Chicago for a while. Later, in 1918, he moved to Washington D.C. During World War I, he became an Army Captain in May 1918. He served as the Chief of the Army's Construction Division until he passed away in October of that same year.
A Special Bell
The church needed a bell for its tower. Reverend Edward F. Wheeler, who was the pastor from 1886 to 1890, helped get one. He wrote to his mother, who lived in New England, and told her about the church's need. She asked several churches in her area for help. They collected enough money and sent it to her son, allowing the church to get its bell.
Bees in the Belfry!
In April 1938, something surprising was discovered in the church's bell tower, also known as the belfry. A large colony of bees had made their home there! A beekeeper was called to safely remove the bees using smoke. They found a huge amount of honey. The Ladies' Aid, a group of women from the church, extracted the honey from the combs. They canned nearly one hundred quarts of honey, which they then sold to local stores.
A New Chapter for the Congregation
On June 5, 1970, the members of the Congregational Church decided to join with the United Methodist Church of Ada. Together, they formed a new church called Faith United Church. This new congregation built a new building on the west side of Ada, on Highway 200. Reverend Rolf Stohler was the last pastor to serve in the original Congregational Church building.
After the congregation moved, their old building was given to the Norman County Historical Society. The Historical Society used the church building to house their museum. However, they had to move out after the big Flood of 1997.
Becoming a Historic Landmark
In 1984, the Norman County Historical Society applied to have the old church building recognized as a historic place. Their application was approved, and the Congregational Church of Ada was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means the building is considered important to the history of the United States and is protected.
