Devils Lake in Ramsey County, North Dakota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Westminster Presbyterian Church
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, September 2, 2023
1. Westminster Presbyterian Church Marker
is listed in the
National Register
of Historic Places
by the United States
Department of the Interior
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Churches & Religion • Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the National Register of Historic Places series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1915.
Location. 48° 6.78′ N, 98° 51.516′ W. Marker is in Devils Lake, North Dakota, in Ramsey County. Marker is at the intersection of 5th Street Northeast and 5th Avenue Northeast, on the right when traveling west on 5th Street Northeast. The marker is mounted at eye-level, directly on the subject building, just to the right of the front/south entrance. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 501 5th Street Northeast, Devils Lake ND 58301, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Gilbertson (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Firehouse (about 300 feet away); Sheriff's Residence (about 300 feet away); World War Memorial Building (about 300 feet away); Methodist Episcopal Church (about 400 feet away); Episcopal Church of the Advent and Guild Hall (about
this page online
Regarding Westminster Presbyterian Church. National Register of Historic Places #08000679.
From the National Register Nomination:
The present Westminster Presbyterian Church was built in 1915. It replaced the prior wood-framed church structure located on this site. The old church was built in 1884 two blocks north but relocated to the present site in 1892 and an addition added in 1893. This 2˝-story building is dominated by a three-story bell tower nestled into the southwest corner of the church sanctuary. The tower houses the main entrance — a cavernous, arched doorway consisting of a pair of doors and a stained-glass half-circle window above the doors. The building style is Romanesque Revival. The characteristic features are the round arches used at the main windows, the congregational entrances, and the bell tower louvers. A dominant feature is the crenellation used at the parapet of the bell tower and at the east and west side entrances. Other features of this architectural style are the asymmetrical facades, the thickmasonry walls, brick, and stone.Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, September 2, 20232. Westminster Presbyterian Church MarkerMarker is on right side of the front entrance.The church is an important example of the skill and expertise of one of North Dakota’s earliest architects. Devils Lake architect Joseph A. Shannon designed the Church. It is significant in the context of local architecture during the period of 1898-1915, the Second Dakota Boom. Arriving in Devils Lake in 1902, Shannon left an impressive legacy of noteworthy designs in the city. The church is the best example of Romanesque Revival in Devils Lake.
The cornerstone for the new church was laid on Thursday, July 29, 1915. The Pastor at the time was the Reverend Albert Torbet. He listed the items placed in the cornerstone as follows: “a copy of the latest minutes of the Synod of North Dakota, a Presbyterian handbook, a photograph of the former church, an amethyst, a Foreword, a copy of each of the city newspapers, five of his printed sermons, a church history and certain other articles.” The new church was dedicated on December 5, 1915 with services both morning and evening.
Also see . . .
1. Westminster Presbyterian Church (Wikipedia). Excerpt:
The Westminster Presbyterian Church in Devils Lake, North Dakota was built in 1915. It was designed by local architect Joseph A. Shannon. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places(Submitted on February 18, 2024, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)in 2008.Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, September 2, 20233. Westminster Presbyterian Church (south elevation)
2. Joseph A. Shannon. Excerpt:
Joseph A. Shannon was an architect in Devils Lake, North Dakota. He has been termed “the city's first true architect.” He apparently had no formal degree in architecture, yet applied for certification and became one of North Dakota's first licensed architects. He designed 17 buildings in Devils Lake, of which 15 survived in 2001. Shannon was born March 21, 1859, and grew up in Edina, Missouri. In Minnesota he worked as a carpenter, then established a homestead near Bristol, South Dakota, and later worked as a carpenter at Fort Sisseton in South Dakota. He later served as president of the North Dakota State Board of Architecture. He lived in Devils Lake until his death on January 25, 1934.(Submitted on February 22, 2024, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, September 2, 2023
4. Westminster Presbyterian Church (southwest elevation)
Credits. This page was last revised on February 22, 2024. It was originally submitted on February 17, 2024, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 40 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on February 18, 2024, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
