First Congregational Church Bell Tower - Spokane, WA
Posted by: T0SHEA
N 47° 39.142 W 117° 25.069
11T E 468623 N 5277747
The First Congregational Church sits majestically on the southeast corner of the intersection of 4th Avenue and Washington Street, its view of the city now greatly reduced by the presence of Interstate 90.
Waymark Code: WMJGJP
Location: Washington, United States
Date Posted: 11/16/2013
Views: 2
Built in 1890,
First Congregational is today the oldest church standing in Spokane. It is also home to the oldest church organization in Spokane County, having been founded by the pioneer missionary, the Reverend Henry T. Cowley on May 22, 1879.
Originally constructed with a single round tower on the northwest corner, in 1927 the tower was remodelled into a larger, square tower and the tower on the northeast corner was added. These were to gain more interior space. When built, this was the highest bell tower in Spokane with the largest bell, so it was employed not only to call the flock to services, but also as a fire warning bell.
In 1909 the sanctuary was remodelled at a cost of $12,000 and in 1924 an addition was added to the south end. This became necessary with the absorption of three smaller congregations, Pilgrim, Plymouth, and Corbin Park. Its uneven rough stonework is unique among churches in the city, setting it apart from all others and adding to its overall visual appeal.
Spokane experienced its worst and largest fire in 1889 and, in 1890, when other congregations were rebuilding with wood frame buildings, First Congregational intended to exhibit its faith in the city's future by constructing a large and permanent structure of stone. 123 years later, it still stands, while its contemporaries are all gone. A full desription of the interior and exterior architectire is Here.
Designed by Worthy Niver, a little known architect of the time, with assistance by John K. Dow, a member of the church, the building was to cost $29,245. Ultimately, Dow completed the church without Niver. The finished building cost $40,000 and the builder, Thomas Olsen, loaned the church $17,000 to ensure completion.
View from the Northwest