First Baptist Church (Columbus, Indiana) facts for kids
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First Baptist Church
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First Baptist Church, Columbus, Indiana
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 Location in Bartholomew County, Indiana
Location in Indiana
Location in the United States
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| Location | 3300 Fairlawn Dr., Columbus, Indiana |
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| Architect | Harry Weese |
| Architectural style | Modern |
| MPS | Modernism in Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Design, and Art in Bartholomew County, 1942-1965 MPS |
| NRHP reference No. | 00000707 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | May 16, 2000 |
| Designated NHL | May 16, 2000 |
The First Baptist Church in Columbus, Indiana, is a very special building. It's one of only six National Historic Landmarks in the city! A famous architect named Harry Weese designed it, and it was finished in 1965. This church is unique because it was one of the first to use a modern style of architecture for a church building. The building has stayed mostly the same since it was built.
Where is the Church Located?
The First Baptist Church is found at 3300 Fairlawn Drive in Columbus, Indiana. It sits in a suburban neighborhood with many homes built in the 1960s and 1970s. The church shares a large open area with two other important buildings. These are Richards Elementary School, built in 1965, and the Par 3 Golf Course and Clubhouse, built in 1972. These buildings stand out and help define the area.
What Does the Church Look Like?
The First Baptist Church was one of the first church groups in Columbus. Before moving to Fairlawn Drive in 1965, they were at a different location. The current church sits on a large piece of land, about 7.1 acres. They chose this spot because it had plenty of room for the church to grow and for parking cars. There were once many walnut trees along one side of the property. Now, other trees have been planted around the grounds.
The church building is made of red brick. It has five main parts:
- the narthex (entrance area)
- the sanctuary (main worship space)
- an office wing
- a fellowship hall (for gatherings)
- a chapel
All these parts are built around a central courtyard. The windows on the building are tall and narrow.
Inside the Sanctuary
The sanctuary is the most important room inside the church. It's a room without windows, designed with simple features. These features work together to create a space that feels both dramatic and peaceful. Each part, like a brick wall or a beam, is simple. However, they are all made a bit larger or taller than usual. This makes the space feel very grand and special.
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