First Congregational Church (Manistee, Michigan) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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First Congregational Church of Manistee, Michigan
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First Congregational Church of Manistee, July 2012
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 Location in Michigan
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| Location | 412 S. 4th St. Manistee, Michigan |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1888 |
| Built by | Sheridan and Newcomb |
| Architect | William Jenney, William Otis |
| Architectural style | Romanesque Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 74000995 |
| Added to NRHP | June 25, 1974 |
The First Congregational Church of Manistee, Michigan is a beautiful and historic church. You can find it at 412 South 4th Street in Manistee, Michigan. This special building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1974. This means it's recognized as an important historical place in the United States.
Contents
History of the Church
Early Beginnings (1862)
The First Congregational Church started on July 20, 1862. It began with just ten founding members. A minister named Rev. George Thompson helped organize the new church. He had recently returned to Michigan after doing missionary work in Africa. He preached the very first sermon for the new congregation.
Growing Congregation and New Building
The church first met in a building at the corner of Second and Oak streets. However, the number of people attending quickly grew. By 1886, their first building was too small for everyone. So, the church decided to build a new, larger home.
They hired famous architects William Jenney and William Otis from Chicago. These architects designed the new church building. Construction on the new church began in 1888. Local builders, Sheridan and Newcombe, oversaw the work. The church was officially finished and dedicated on December 12, 1892. Later, in 1911, a new organ was installed inside the church.
About the Church Building
Outside Appearance
The First Congregational Church of Manistee is built in the Romanesque Revival style. This style often uses round arches and strong, heavy walls. The church has a special shape called a cruciform plan. This means it looks like a cross from above. It measures 128 feet long and 74 feet wide.
The church has a strong stone foundation. Its walls are made of solid brick, colored red. The roof is covered with black slate tiles. The outside of the church is quite simple, but it has a very large, arched stone entrance. The windows are also topped with arched brickwork. These arches are decorated with terra cotta, which is a type of baked clay.
Inside the Church
When you step inside, the main worship area is very impressive. The ceiling is 60 feet high! It is supported by curved arches and special wooden beams called hammer-beam trusses. The church also has several beautiful stained glass windows. One of these windows is a very famous Tiffany glass window. These windows let colorful light stream into the church.
