First Congregational Church of Sterling facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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The Big Red Church - First Congregational Church of Sterling
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 Location in Illinois
Location in the United States
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| Location | 311 Second Ave., Sterling, Illinois |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1898 |
| Architect | Wesley Arnold |
| Architectural style | Richardsonian Romanesque |
| NRHP reference No. | 95001234 |
| Added to NRHP | November 7, 1995 |
The First Congregational Church of Sterling is a very old and important church building. It is located in Sterling, Illinois, in the United States. This church was built between 1897 and 1898. It is a great example of a special building style called Richardsonian Romanesque architecture. Because of its unique design and history, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1995. This means it's officially recognized as a place worth protecting.
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Building the Church: A Look Back
On May 15, 1896, people in Sterling heard exciting news. The Congregationalists, a group of Christians, were planning to build a brand new church. Later that year, on July 1, the local newspaper, the Sterling Gazette, shared more details. They reported that an architect's design had been chosen.
At first, people thought the church would cost about US$15,000 to build. But in the end, the building cost more, around US$25,000. Construction began soon after and was finished between 1897 and 1898.
Church Design: Its Unique Look
This church building is made from red Portage sandstone. You can find it right in the middle of downtown Sterling. A tall, square tower stands out, reaching about 100 feet (30 meters) into the sky. It's a major part of the church's look.
The church also has some of the most beautiful stained glass windows in Sterling. These colorful windows are so famous that some local people used to call the building "the church with the windows." Inside, the main meeting area, called the auditorium, is shaped like a half-circle or an octagon.
Richardsonian Romanesque Style
The First Congregational Church of Sterling was designed by an architect named Wesley Arnold. The builder was P.J. Van Horne. They used a style called Richardsonian Romanesque. This style has a few key features you can see in the church.
For example, it has a very strong, heavy foundation made of sandstone. This contrasts with the smooth and rough bricks used higher up. You can also see wide, round arches over rows of windows. The church also has two towers, which is another common feature of this style.
The Akron Plan Layout
The inside of the church follows a special layout known as the "Akron Plan." This plan became popular through architectural pattern books. It usually features a semi-circular auditorium (the main seating area). Around this auditorium, there are smaller Sunday school classrooms. These classrooms are often on one or two floors, separated into different sections.
Why This Church is Important
The First Congregational Church is very important for its architecture. It's a great local example of a Richardsonian Romanesque religious building. In fact, it's the only church of its kind in all of Whiteside County, Illinois.
The church is also important because of its role as a religious place in the community. It has served the people of Sterling for many years. Its historical value was officially recognized when it was added to the National Register of Historic Places on November 7, 1995.
