First Presbyterian Church and Manse (Baltimore, Maryland) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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First Presbyterian Church and Manse
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 Location in Baltimore
Location in Maryland
Location in the United States
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| Location | 200--210 W. Madison St., Baltimore, Maryland |
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| Area | 1 acre (0.40 ha) |
| Built | 1854 |
| Architect | Lind, E.G.; Starkweather, Norris G. |
| Architectural style | Gothic Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 73002186 |
| Added to NRHP | June 18, 1973 |
The First Presbyterian Church and Manse is a very old and important church building in Baltimore, Maryland. It is located in the Mount Vernon-Belvedere neighborhood. This historic church is known for its beautiful design and tall steeple. It stands as a landmark in the city.
The church building is made of brick and has a tall tower in the middle. This tower has eight-sided smaller towers, called turrets, on each corner. Next to the church, there is a two-story building that looks like a part of the church. This building, called the manse or rectory, is where the church's minister used to live. It is made of stone. The church's design is in the Gothic Revival architecture style, which means it looks like old European cathedrals.
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Building the First Presbyterian Church
The construction of the church started around 1854. An architect named Norris G. Starkweather began the work. His assistant, Edmund G. Lind, finished the church around 1873. Together, they created this impressive building.
Baltimore's Tallest Church Steeple
The steeple of the First Presbyterian Church is the tallest in Baltimore. It reaches about 273 feet (83 meters) into the sky. It was completed by 1875. The steeple is supported by strong cast iron columns. A smaller spire next to it is 125 feet (38 meters) tall. Another even smaller one on the southwest corner is 78 feet (24 meters) high.
Much of the ironwork for the church was made by Wendel Bollman. He was famous for building strong iron bridges. His company, Patapsco Bridge and Ironworks, created many important structures. The stone used for the manse is a red sandstone from New Brunswick.
A Historic Baltimore Landmark
The First Presbyterian Church and Manse was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. This means it is recognized as a very important historic site. Today, it is known as the First and Franklin Presbyterian Church. This new name came about after it joined with the former Franklin Street Presbyterian Church in 1973. The Franklin Street Church was built in 1847. It was designed in the English Tudor Revival style.
Oldest Presbyterian Church in Baltimore
The First Presbyterian Church is the oldest Presbyterian group in Baltimore. It was started way back in 1761. Its first building was in a different part of downtown Baltimore. Over the years, the church moved a few times. Its original site was later used to build a U.S. Courthouse.
This church played a big role in creating other Presbyterian churches in Baltimore. It helped establish the local Presbytery of Baltimore. It also helped start many "daughter congregations," like the Second Presbyterian Church. The church and manse were officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places on June 18, 1973. They are also part of the Baltimore National Heritage Area, which protects important historical and cultural sites.
See also
- Franklin Street Presbyterian Church and Parsonage, the reunited sister congregation, also listed on the National Register of Historic Places, no longer occupied by a Presbyterian congregation
