First Presbyterian Church (Marion, Iowa) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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First Presbyterian Church of Marion, Iowa
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The First Presbyterian Church in 2013.
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 Location in Iowa
Location in the United States
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| Location | 802 12th St. Marion, Iowa |
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| Built | 1885 |
| Built by | W.W. Dawson (stonework) L.E. White (carpentry) |
| Architect | Frank M. Ellis, et al. |
| Architectural style | Gothic Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 92000924 |
| Added to NRHP | July 24, 1992 |
The First Presbyterian Church is a historic church building in Marion, Iowa, United States. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1992. This means it's recognized as an important historical place.
Contents
History of the Church
How the Church Started
The First Presbyterian Church began on February 5, 1842. It started with just nine members. Many of these first members came from another church, the Linn Grove Presbyterian Church. This church was near Springville, Iowa.
At first, the church was called the Old School Presbyterian Church. This name meant it was a more traditional church. Before the American Civil War, it also meant the church was against slavery.
Early Years and First Building
In its early years, the church met in public places. This included the Linn County courthouse, which was in Marion at that time. For a while, the church did not have a full-time pastor. A missionary named Rev. Salmon Cowles visited about four times a year. In 1849, the Marion and Linn Groves churches shared a pastor, Rev. J.S. Fullerton.
In 1851, the church bought land on Market Street (now Tenth Street) for $60. It took five years to build the first church building. Volunteers helped with the construction. In 1852, a Sunday School was started. Around the same time, Rev. Alexander S. Marshall became the pastor. He led the church for nearly 40 years and saw the first building finished.
Building the Current Church
As the church grew, people started planning a new, bigger building. Construction on the current church began in July 1884. This building is designed in the Gothic Revival style. The architect was Frank M. Ellis from Marshalltown, Iowa. Stone for the building was brought from Stone City, Iowa. The new church was officially opened on September 27, 1885. A special thing about this church in Iowa is its unique eight-sided (octagonal) shape.
Changes and Additions Over Time
The first big addition to the church was the Westminster House. It was built between 1954 and 1956. At the same time, a kitchen was added, and a new Moller organ was bought. In 1967, the church had a major update. This included a new ceiling and new pews (church benches).
In 1988, another addition was built. This new part included a lounge, a choir room, and the pastor's office. In 1989, the church bought the land northwest of the building. The old building on it was torn down to create a parking lot.
More updates happened in the late 1990s. In 1997, the main worship area (sanctuary) was updated with new carpet and pew cushions. The next year, handbell choirs were started. The church also began a project to restore its beautiful stained glass windows. The first part of this project finished in 1999.
In 2000, Pastor Howard Chapman worked in a Presbyterian church in Scotland for the summer. During that time, First Presbyterian hosted a Scottish pastor, Eric Foggit, and his family. In 2001, the second part of the stained glass window restoration was finished. Also, the Westminster House chapel was updated to be a multi-purpose room and a chapel.
Church Architecture
The First Presbyterian Church building has a very balanced and notable design. It features a steeply sloped hipped roof. It also has a square tower at one corner with a tall, pointed top called a spire. There are four large, sticking-out sections called gables.
Three of these gabled sections have large stained glass windows. The fourth gable holds the pipe organ inside the church. There are two main entrances into the building. One is in the tower, and the other is in the northeast corner.
The main worship area (sanctuary) is an open space. It does not have columns or other dividers. The main decoration inside is the Gothic-style wood carvings. These frame the large windows and the ceiling. The pews are placed at an angle to fit the church's unique octagonal shape. The addition built in the 1950s is right next to the west wall of the sanctuary.
Social Ministry
Helping the Community
The First Presbyterian Church also helps people in the community. In 1985, they built Mission House just north of the church.
The Churches of Marion Pantry is located in Mission House. This pantry started in 1982. It is run by nine local churches. The pantry provides food to people who need it.
Also in Mission House is the Helping Hands Storeroom. Volunteers from First Presbyterian run this storeroom. It gives donated clothing, bedding, household items, and toys to people who are in need.
