1911 cornerstone being laid

By 1905 our congregation had outgrown the small church building on Madison. Membership had reached 179 with Sabbath School attendance over 100. The need for a larger church, as well as more room for church school, became readily apparent. In 1907, land at Elm and Catherine Avenues was purchased for $2,350. However, it wasn’t until 1910 that plans began for our second church, which was to be patterned after a church in Wales (square tower and short spire typifying sturdy character and sincere aspirations of the Presbyterian denomination). Construction was started on a cold, snowy Tuesday, January 31, 1911. On April 16, 1911, the cornerstone was laid and the building was dedicated on March 3, 1912. Twenty years had passed since the dedication of the first building on Madison, and membership had increased to 300.

1912 Church at Elm and Catherine

“First Church” offered not only opportunities for spiritual growth but Christian fellowship. Interestingly, The Men’s Association built a bowling alley in the basement under the Sanctuary. Unfortunately, no photos remain, but accounts in Session minutes called for “limited use on Sunday mornings as the noise was disturbing services” (see photo of Session notes below).

1912 Church Exterior

1912 Church Sanctuary

Sanctuary North Window

1912 Session Bowling Alley Approval