First Congregational Church in downtown Columbus is undergoing a $1 million preservation project, with funds for the project coming from generous donations, nonprofit grants and fundraising from the church's congregants.
A press release states the building needs some updates to its stone masonry, front steps and stained glass windows. The church will also get new landscaping.
“Preserving this historic church is about much more than stone, stained glass and architecture. It is about caring for a place where Columbus history has been made through interfaith social justice efforts that impact the entire community,” church moderator Sarah Reed said in a statement.
The towering stone, gothic church on East Broad Street is on the National Register of Historic Places not just for its iconic architecture, but for the history of its congregation that preceded the structure. Church-goers built a spiritual community during the U.S. Civil War when the congregation helped support anti-slavery causes.
Later, in 1931, the church was built where it stands today. Architect John Russell Pope, also designed the Jefferson Memorial, the National Archives and the West Building of the National Gallery of Art.
The church is sandwiched between the Columbus Museum of Art and the Washington Gladden Social Justice Park. Gladden was a pastor at the church from 1882 to 1918, driving the congregation's advocacy for causes including civil rights, workers’ rights, voting rights and more.
The National Fund for Sacred Places, National Trust for Historic Preservation and the Columbus Foundation will provide $600,000, while church members and community partners fundraise the remaining costs.
The press release said work is being completed by Berglund Construction under the supervision of the Schooley Caldwell architectural firm.
