First Presbyterian Church (Coldwater, Michigan) facts for kids
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First Presbyterian Church
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Church in 2012
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 Location in Michigan
Location in the United States
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| Location | 52 Marshall St., Coldwater, Michigan |
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| Area | 2.2 acres (0.89 ha) |
| Built | 1866–1869 |
| Built by | Bennett, John C. |
| Architectural style | Romanesque |
| NRHP reference No. | 86002111 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | July 31, 1986 |
The First Presbyterian Church is a very old and important church building in Coldwater, Michigan. You can find it at 52 Marshall Street. It was built a long time ago, between 1866 and 1869. This church is special because it's recognized as a Michigan State Historic Site and is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means it's a really important part of history!
Contents
History of the First Presbyterian Church
Early Beginnings
The First Presbyterian Church group started in 1837. This was the same year that Coldwater became an official village. For a while, the church didn't have its own building. They finally built their first church in 1844.
Building the Current Church
The church building you see today began construction in 1866. It took three years to finish, opening in 1869. A builder named John C. Bennett worked on it. The whole project cost $40,104, which was a lot of money back then!
When it was first built, this church had the most seats of any building in Coldwater. Because it was so big, people often used it as a public meeting hall. Many important speakers came here. For example, Sojourner Truth spoke in 1877. Elizabeth Cady Stanton, a famous leader for women's rights, also spoke at the church.
Recent Changes and Recognition
From 1958 to 1959, a new two-story part was added to the church. This addition was built to be used for education.
The building was officially named a Michigan State Historic Site on June 15, 1979. It was then added to the National Register of Historic Places on July 31, 1986. A special sign with information about its history was put up on April 27, 1987. In 2004, the tall steeple (the pointed top part) was rebuilt. People in the community gave money to help pay for this important repair.
Architecture of the Church
Design and Materials
The church was designed in the Romanesque Revival style. This style often uses round arches and thick walls, like old Roman buildings. This church is the biggest one in Branch County built in this style.
The building is made of red brick. It has a rectangular shape with a gable roof (a roof that slopes down on two sides). A tall tower sticks out from the front, right in the middle. A band of sandstone, called a belt course, goes around the building. It separates the basement from the main worship area, called the sanctuary.
The Tall Steeple
The steeple is very tall, standing about 185 feet (56 meters) high. It is a major landmark in Coldwater. It's also one of the tallest steeples in all of southern Michigan. The steeple is covered with white shingles. It has two sets of narrow, gabled dormers, which are small windows sticking out from the roof.
Inside the belfry (the part of the steeple where the bell is), there is a bell made in 1853. It was made by the Meneely Bell Foundry in West Troy, New York.
Windows and Art
The beautiful stained and painted glass windows in the sanctuary were put in during 1868. These colorful windows were created by a company called George A. Misch and Brothers from Chicago.
See also
In Spanish: Primera Iglesia Presbiteriana (Coldwater) para niños
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Branch County, Michigan
- List of Michigan State Historic Sites in Branch County, Michigan
- List of Presbyterian churches in the United States
