First Christian Church of Columbus, 1942

Previously: Tabernacle Church of Christ

531 5th Street, Columbus, IN 47201

Architect: Eliel Saarinen

DESCRIPTION:

First Christian Church occupies one city block and is made of five structures: the sanctuary, the chapel, the classroom area, and the tower. The last structure is “the bridge” which is a two story linear structure of offices that connects the sanctuary, chapel and classroom areas. While all the structures are connected and are important to Saarinen’s design the most prominent structures are the sanctuary and tower. The sanctuary façade is a large grid of rectangular limestone panels that extend from the surface of the brick wall. Four limestone panels feature relief work while the others are smooth, additionally; a cross is set in limestone relief slightly off center and spans four panels across and six panels high. The entrance of the sanctuary is off center and features a deep concrete canopy. The tower, or campanile, is a 166-foot rectangular structure. The only ornamentation is a grid of semi-transparent plastic panels near the top on the east and west sides. The panels replaced lattice brick infill in 1976 after weather damage was found. A large metal clock is in line with the bottom of the grid work on the north side of the structure.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT – INCLUDING SPECIAL STATUS AND AWARDS WON:

First Christian Church was one of the first churches to be built in the United States in a modern architectural style. The church was also the first modern structure in the city of Columbus and set a new precedent for modern architecture within the city.

DESIGNATION STATUS:

National Historic Landmark, 2001

National Register of Historic Places, 2001

Style: Modern

Owner (past/present): First Christian Church congregation

Materials: Brick, Indiana limestone

Additions and/or changes with date:

1957, reflecting pool filled with lawn

1974, lattice brick infill in tower replaced with plastic panels

Historic use/current use: Non-denominational church

Is building open to the public?: Yes

Condition : Excellent

Website and/or sources of information:

Church website: http://www.fccoc.org/

City website: http://www.columbus.in.us/columbus/art-architecture/first-christian-church

Research Sources:

“First Christian Church.” Columbus Indiana. 2015. Accessed July 18, 2015.http://www.columbus.in.us/columbus/art-architecture/first-christian-church

National Register of Historic Places, First Christian Church, Columbus, Bartholomew, IN, 20010103. 2001.

pdfhost.focus.nps.gov/docs/nrhp/text/01000067.PDF