First Congregational Church

The First Congregational Church of Richmond is probably the city's oldest remaining public building. It appears to be the only building in the city representing the vernacular Gothic it so clearly depicts. The community of Richmond was formed in the mid-1880s. There are a few public buildings and several original structures have been razed.

There is no record that an architect designed the church, but the builder is known to be Charles W. McCauley. The cornerstone was laid in June of 1887 and the church was dedicated in December of that year. The congregation had formerly been housed in a frame church on the same site.

Since its founding, the families who were original settlers in Richmond, the church's members have been leaders in the commercial and cultural development of the City of Richmond. Over the years they were leaders in business and government, the schools and cultural groups. The records of the Ladies Aid Society, still intact in the National Bank of Richmond vault, tell of civic involvement that promoted music programs, encouraged union with other churches, benefited youth groups, aided soldiers in World War I, developed and promoted libraries, city parks, and recreation. Recently, the congregation voted to provide the old Congregational Church, then vacant after merging with the United Church of Christ, converted the old church into a center For The Performing Arts.

In cooperation with the United Church of Christ, the Board of Education of the Richmond Community Schools is administering a Center for the Performing Arts in this building. The Community Theater is permanently housed here; it also allows other groups to use the facility.

The First Congregational Church, built in 1887, is a vernacular interpretation of the Gothic style. It is basically a simple rectangle with a square tower. The wood belfry is wedded to the brick tower by a belt course of paneled wood. The bell is sheltered by louvered walls; the castellated belfry terminates with four corner pinnacles and a balustrade.

The church is red brick, alternating stone and brick form flat pointed arches above the doors and windows, giving a dramatic effect. Two cast iron lamp posts in front of the church will be put back into service by the current owner. Most of the original stained glass windows are intact. However, vandalism required the replacement of the window above the arch over the front door, and small sections at the peak of the center window on the west side of the building.

The interior of the church has been altered to suit the needs of the Community Theater. A stage replaces the alter and lighting appropriate for theater presentations was installed. A small entrance has been added to the southwest corner of the church. Situated on the corner with its yard full of birch and maple trees, ornamental shrubs, flowering trees, and evergreens, the church is an aesthetic entity worthy of preservation.