First Church of Christ, Scientist (Mason City, Iowa) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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First Church of Christ Scientist
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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| Location | 23 Third St., NW Mason City, Iowa |
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| Built | 1928 |
| Architect | Clyde W. Smith |
| Part of | Mason City Downtown Historic District (ID05000956) |
| NRHP reference No. | 97001285 |
| Added to NRHP | October 30, 1997 |
The former First Church of Christ, Scientist building in Mason City, Iowa, is a special old building. It's located at 23 3rd Street, N.W. This building is important because it was added to a list of historic places called the National Register of Historic Places in 1997. It's also part of the Mason City Downtown Historic District. Today, it's not a church anymore; it holds offices for different businesses.
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A Special Building in Mason City
This historic building was designed by an architect named Clyde W. Smith from Minneapolis. He created it in 1928. The building is considered important because it shows a unique mix of architectural styles from the 1920s. It has parts that look like Romanesque buildings and parts that look like Gothic Revival buildings.
Why This Building Is Unique
The design of the First Church of Christ, Scientist, was quite different from many other churches built at the time. Christian Scientists often chose to design their buildings in a new way. This building, for example, does not have many of the usual religious symbols or decorations you might expect to see in a church.
Instead, it was built with very high-quality materials and construction methods. It was seen as a very modern and advanced design for its time. This focus on simple, high-quality construction, without traditional religious art, made it stand out.
What the Building Is Used For Now
After serving as a church for many years, the building changed its purpose. As of 2025, it is no longer used as a church. Instead, it has been repurposed and now houses various professional offices. This means different businesses and companies use the space for their work.
See also
- List of former Christian Science churches, societies and buildings
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Cerro Gordo County, Iowa
