Presbyterian Church

Photographed by Craig Doda, January 28, 2023

1. Presbyterian Church Marker

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During the early years of the ministry of Dr. Charles Little (who served the Presbyterian Church of Wabash for nearly 50 years until his death in 1921), plans were made for construction of a new church. In early 1880 the church

Photographed by Craig Doda, January 28, 2023

2. Presbyterian Church Marker

building that had been constructed in the mid-1850s on the present site was demolished, and work on the new building commenced on May 16. Construction spanned a period of four years. In September 1881 the basement was completed and work was temporarily stalled for lack of funds. However, by the time the church was dedicated in January 1884, nearly the entire construction cost of approximately $28,000 had been paid. In 1894 a 13-room brick parsonage was constructed on the lot immediately to the west. This building served a residential function until 1952, when it was remodeled as the Christian Education Building and office. This adaptive use was short-lived, however, as in 1960, the building was demolished to make way for a large, modern structure. Dedicated in September 1961, the new Christian Education Building is connected to the church by means of a covered walkway.

Although the church's sanctuary has undergone numerous changes, the exterior of the building is preserved largely as built. The brick structure exhibits many characteristics of the Gothic Revival style, though it is a vernacular rather than high-style interpretation.

Photographed by Craig Doda, January 28, 2023

3. Presbyterian Church Marker

A broad gable roof extends over the nave, which is rectangular in plan. The structure is built upon a high foundation of coursed limestone blocks. Because the site slopes downward to the south, this foundation becomes the exposed walls of the basement at the rear of the building. It is curious that the pointed arch windows of the basement have surrounds of stone, while those of the main floor have plain brick ones. This probably reflects an in- construction economy measure. The east and west walls are articulated by stone-capped brick buttresses between the five window bays. At the northwest corner, a multistaged tower supports a belfry which rises to a steeple to a total of 90 feet high. In contrast to the tower, the main facade exhibits some unorthodox proportions. The main entrance is sheltered by a gabled roof projection over a four-center arch. Directly above this is a circular, stained glass rose window within an arched line of brick. Along the gable end runs corbelled, stepped brickwork and a paneled cornice. An 1897 photo shows that the brick trim was formerly in a darker, contrasting color and iron cresting ran along the ridge

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of a patterned slate roof.

Fred Grant, a Wabash builder who is credited with having been responsible for the brick and stonework, may have been the church's architect as well. In 1883 he submitted architectural plans for Wabash City Hall and was awarded the building contract.