First Presbyterian Church Bell Tower - Keytesville, Missouri - Bell Towers on Waymarking.com

County of church Chariton County
Location of church: Hill St., between Park St. & Ash St., Keytesville
Church Built: 1853 - Style: Classic Revival
Tower Built: 1900 - Style Romanesque Revival
Tower Architect: A.R. Elliot

"The bell tower is assumed to date from 1853; the bell is inscribed "Meneelys West Troy New York 1853." An examination of the oak timbers of the tower reveals that those of the upper portion differ from those of the original church. Additionally, the nails are slightly different. It is believed that the tower was probably enlarged between 1853 and 1900.

"The only doorway is now in the tower giving access to a foyer.
The tower is approximately 45 feet tall." ~ Missouri Office of Historic Preservation [link below]

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KEYTESVILLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH "The Keytesville Presbyterian Church was built in 1853, twenty years after the town of Keytesville was founded, and was the first permanent religious structure in Keytesville. The original, simple design was maintained during a renovation in 1900 when architect A.R. Elliott planned for the addition of the current 45-foot bell tower and vestibule, stained glass windows, and gabled extension on the east wall. At the time of the renovation, the pews that had originally faced north were replaced with curved, walnut pews that faced east, and the slave balcony (along the south wall) was removed. The interior of the church features white plaster walls above pressed metal wainscotting, and a tongue and groove wooden floor. Lack of membership in the late 1950's and early 1960's forced the church to cease operation. The Friends of Keytesville, Inc. now owns and maintains the property. The building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976." ~ Marker on site, erected by The Dred and Lula Finnell Trust Fund Board and The Friends of Keytesville, Inc.

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"The First Presbyterian Church, Keytesvi11e, Missouri, is a rectangular-plan, plus addition wood-frame, one-story building designed in the Classic Revival, style in 1853 with a turn-of-the-century Romanesque Revival derivative style addition. The building faces south. A southwest, two-story plus belfry tower is a dominant feature. The mid-portion of the east wall has a semi-octagonal, gabled addition.

"The church had a balcony, at the rear of the sanctuary, for slaves. This facility reflected the slave economy of the early members, many of whom came from Virginia and Kentucky to settle this region of Missouri known as "Little Dixie."

"The 1900 renovation project was designed by an architect, A. R. Elliott. Carpenters for the project were Fuqua & Ziemer. The stone foundation for these sections was laid by John Bulch "of the vicinity of Indian Grove."' ~ NRHP Nomination Form

Address of Tower: Hill and East Sts. Keytesville, Missouri 65261 Still Operational: yes Number of bells in tower?: 1 Relevant website?: [Web Link] Tours or visits allowed in tower?: Yes Rate tower: Not listed

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