Downtown in Grand Rapids in Kent County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
First (Park) Congregational Church
Photographed By J.T. Lambrou
1. First (Park) Congregational Church Marker
Inscription.
First (Park) Congregational Church. . On September 18, 1836, twenty-two persons, under the direction of the Reverend Silas Woodbury of Kalamazoo, founded one of the first Protestant congregations in Grand Rapids. Initially a Presbyterian parish, the church was reorganized under the Congregational polity in 1839, with the Reverend James Ballard as pastor. For the next two years, services were held in various structures around town. During 1842 - 1869, the church occupied a wooden, former Roman Catholic chapel on the corner of Division and Monroe. The present church was completed in 1869. First (Park) Congregational Church was instrumental in founding a Reformed Protestant Dutch, a Presbyterian and ten Congregational churches in the area.
This handsome yellow-brick Gothic style structure is the second oldest existing church building in Grand Rapids. Erected between 1867 and 1869, it was designed by A. Barrows of Adrian, Michigan and Chicago. Among the church's notable features are its Tiffany stained-glass windows and its stately corner tower. The unusual second floor worship area is adorned with delicate art work and an ornately carved wood reredos designed by Alois Lang. The church complex now consists of the original 1867-69 church, a 1916 fellowship hall, and a 1950 addition comprising a narthex, chapel, offices, and church school rooms. The church was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982.
On September 18, 1836, twenty-two persons, under the direction of the Reverend Silas Woodbury of Kalamazoo, founded one of the first Protestant congregations in Grand Rapids. Initially a Presbyterian parish, the church was reorganized under the Congregational polity in 1839, with the Reverend James Ballard as pastor. For the next two years, services were held in various structures around town. During 1842 - 1869, the church occupied a wooden, former Roman Catholic chapel on the corner of Division and Monroe. The present church was completed in 1869. First (Park) Congregational Church was instrumental in founding a Reformed Protestant Dutch, a Presbyterian and ten Congregational churches in the area.
This handsome yellow-brick Gothic style structure is the second oldest existing church building in Grand Rapids. Erected between 1867 and 1869, it was designed by A. Barrows of Adrian, Michigan and Chicago. Among the church's notable features are its Tiffany stained-glass windows and its stately corner tower. The unusual second floor worship area is adorned with delicate art work and an ornately carved wood reredos designed by Alois Lang. The church complex now consists of the original 1867-69 church, a 1916 fellowship hall, and a 1950 addition comprising a narthex, chapel, offices, and church school rooms. The church was listed on the
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National Register of Historic Places in 1982.
Erected 1985 by Bureau of History, Michigan Department of State. (Marker Number L0850A.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Churches & Religion. In addition, it is included in the Michigan Historical Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1836.
Location. 42° 57.84′ N, 85° 39.952′ W. Marker is in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in Kent County. It is in Downtown. Marker is on East Park Place Northeast. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 10 East Park Pl NE, Grand Rapids MI 49503, United States of America. Touch for directions.
There is an additional wall mounted marker on the eastern end of the church off Ransom Avenue.
Photographed By Bill Pfingsten, November 21, 2016
4. First (Park) Congregational Church
Additional plaques
Photographed By Bill Pfingsten, November 21, 2016
5. First (Park) Congregational Church
Credits. This page was last revised on July 3, 2021. It was originally submitted on November 26, 2016, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. This page has been viewed 383 times since then and 27 times this year. Photos:1. submitted on July 3, 2021, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. 2. submitted on November 26, 2016, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. 3. submitted on July 3, 2021, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. 4, 5. submitted on November 26, 2016, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland.