First United Presbyterian Church (Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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First United Presbyterian Church
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First United Presbyterian Church, 1983
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 Location in Michigan
Location in the United States
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| Location | 309 Lyon St., Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan |
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| Built | 1903 |
| Architect | Edward Demar |
| Architectural style | Romanesque Revival |
| Demolished | 2000 |
| NRHP reference No. | 84000538 |
| Added to NRHP | December 27, 1984 |
The First United Presbyterian Church is a special old church located at 309 Lyon Street in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. It was built a long time ago, in 1902. This church building was so important that it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1984. Sadly, the original building was destroyed by a fire in the year 2000. But don't worry, a new church was built in its place by 2002. Today, the church community is part of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
Contents
The Church's Early Beginnings
The story of the Presbyterian Church in Sault Ste. Marie began in 1823. A student named Robert McMurtrie Laird came to help the soldiers at Fort Brady. He didn't stay long, but another minister, Reverend Jeremiah Porter, arrived in 1831. He also helped the troops at Fort Brady.
In 1832, the First Presbyterian Church of Sault Ste. Marie was officially started. A small church building was put up by Mrs. John Johnson. However, Reverend Porter left in 1833 to go to Fort Dearborn in Chicago. When he left, the church community in Sault Ste. Marie became very small.
A New Start for the Church
In 1853, a man named Charles T. Harvey helped bring the church back to life. He asked for a new pastor. Reverend William McCullough came to Sault Ste. Marie in 1854. A new church building was built, and the community was formally organized. This made it the first Presbyterian church in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.
Sadly, Reverend McCullough became sick and passed away. The church community became small again, with only six members by 1860.
Growing Stronger
In 1864, Reverend Thomas R. Easterday became the new pastor. He was a very popular leader, and the church grew quickly. It soon had about 200 members. Around 1872, the church building was rebuilt again. Reverend Easterday retired in 1882, but he remained a part of the community until he passed away in 1927.
Over the next few years, several pastors led the church. In the early 1890s, the church bought land where the current building stands. They planned to build a new, fourth church building there.
Building the 1903 Church
Reverend James A. Kennedy became the pastor in 1902. Plans for the new church were already ready, designed by architect Edward Demar. Just four months after he arrived, Reverend Kennedy helped lay the first stone of the new church in August 1902. The building was finished and opened on Easter Sunday in 1903.
What the 1903 Church Looked Like
The First Presbyterian Church built in 1903 was designed in the Romanesque Revival style. It was made from Jacobsville Sandstone, a type of stone. The main part of the church had a hip roof, which slopes on all sides. It also had two square towers with pyramid-shaped roofs. Each tower had an entrance at its base.
The roof was made of metal and painted green to look like tiles. Inside, the church had a gallery shaped like a horseshoe. The main area had a central pulpit, which is where the pastor speaks. There was also a special area for the choir and the organ. Later, in 1957-1958, an educational wing was added to the back of the building.
The Church's Later Years
After Reverend Kennedy, many other pastors served the church. During the time of Reverend David McClean (1949-1959), the educational wing was built, and new steps were added to the church.
The Fire of 2000
On Sunday, May 7, 2000, a sad event happened. The church building caught fire and was completely destroyed. It was thought that the fire started because of faulty electrical wires. Only a few things from the 1903 church could be saved. These included official church records, some dishes and silver, some of the beautiful stained glass windows, and some furniture. One special item saved was a pew that was originally in the 1854 church!
Rebuilding the Church
Even though the insurance didn't cover all the costs, the church community decided to rebuild. A new church was constructed on the same spot where the old one stood. Work began on July 22, 2001. The cornerstone for the new building was laid on September 30, 2002. The very first service in the new church was held on August 10, 2003.
After Reverend David Henderson retired in 2008, Dr. Richard Bates became the temporary pastor. In 2010, Reverend Mark Gabbard became the permanent pastor. The First United Presbyterian Church continues to be an important part of the Sault Ste. Marie community today.
See also
In Spanish: Primera Iglesia Presbiteriana Unida (Sault Ste. Marie) para niños
