County of Church: Sullivan County
Location is a question. I show below 4th & Lincoln because that is what the street signs said when I stood beneath it.
BUT, official locations show address such as: 1 East St. Nat. Reg); 2nd St. & Lincoln (Google); etc...so some confusion exists
Built: 1918
Architect: Charles F. Church, Lamoni, Iowa
Architectural Style: Classical Revival with Tuscan Columns
Sign beside the church reads:
United
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
U.S.A.
Sunday School 10:00 am
Worship 11:00 am
WELCOME
"The Green City Presbyterian Church, 1 East Street, Green City, Sullivan County, was
constructed in 1918. This architect-designed, 2-story brick church building is dominated by a full-height
portico supported by limestone Tuscan columns. Numerous hallmarks of the Classical Revival style as
applied to a church building are displayed. While the tall classical columns are appropriate for the style,
the simplified capitals are a departure perhaps for economic reasons-from the more complex Ionic or
Corinthian capitals found on many nonsectarian examples. Other stylistic elements include a pedimented
and dentiled porch gable, an entablature with a wide frieze band, cornice returns and boxed eaves. While
the primary facade shows great symmetry, other portions of the building are largely asymmetrical in
keeping with the plan requirements of a medium-size church building in the 20th century. Many stained
glass windows are present and those on the west elevation facing Lincoln Street are particularly
impressive. The west windows include a large round-arched opening with a design depicting Christ in the
central portion along with six other windows in two sizes, some depicting biblical scenes. Windows
throughout the building have lugsills of smooth limestone. The church interior is arranged according to an
Akron plan variation in which classrooms have folding doors that open onto the main sanctuary, enabling
the minister to address all classes simultaneously. The basement contains a kitchen, fellowship hall and
restroom. Except for replacement asphalt roofing, the historic appearance of the Green City Presbyterian
Church has not been changed and integrity of location, design, setting, materials, workmanship, feeling
and association is retained.
"To design a larger and more substantial church building that would meet the denomination's needs in the
early 20th century and beyond, the Green City Presbyterian Church selected Charles F. Church of
Lamoni, Iowa. The location was to be one block southwest of the original Presbyterian church in Green
City, and one block from the town square. Church, employed as a millwork salesman by the Rock Island
Sash and Door Company of Rock Island, Illinois, was apparently self-taught in the art of design. He
traveled by train across Iowa and Northern Missouri selling millwork and lumber. As an incentive for a
customer to do business with his employer, Church would draft plans for the project. Church's original
blueprints, showing the details of all interior and exterior features, have been retained along with other
records of the Green City Presbyterian Church.
"The new church building was dedicated on July 7,1918. According to the Green City Press, at the close
of the morning service the Rev. A. F. Zeigel asked all present to contribute to the morning offering in the
hope that the building could be dedicated free from debt. Pledges began to come in until $4,100 had been
raised. With $400 more needed to clear the church from debt. Reverend Zeigel decided to postpone the dedication until the evening service. That evening, Reverend Zeigel raised more money than was needed
for the church to be dedicated debt-free; the Green City Press stated that pledges went "over the top."
Building and construction costs totaled $18,000 and members of the community felt that they had erected
one of the finest and most modern church buildings in northeast Missouri." ~ NRHP Nomination Form