First Congregational Church - 1871 - Ottawa, Ks. - Kansas Historical Markers on Waymarking.com

From the National Register application:
(visit link)

"Date of Construction: 1871
Style: Victorian Gothic
Historic Name: First Congregational Church
Architect: John G. Haskell

This is a Victorian Gothic church. Distinctive features include the steep gable roof and the pointed arch openings. The building has a stone foundation and asbestos shingle siding. In the west and north walls, tall windows with diamond-shaped panes of leaded stained glass allow light to enter the sanctuary. A bell tower rises on the north side of the building, just east of the recessed entrance porch.

The First Congregational Church is the oldest building in the Historic Ottawa Central Business District and reflects the work of John G. Haskell, one of the first professional architects to practice in the state of Kansas. While the asbestos siding compromises the architectural integrity of this building, it retains numerous architectural features that convey its architectural style and historic associations. Among these are its floor plan and massing; lancet windows with leaded stained glass; beadboard ceilings on the front porch; and Victorian door hardware. Additionally, Sanborn Fire Insurance Company maps reveal that the church originally occupied the lot at the southeast corner of Hickory and 3rd Streets. It was moved two lots to the south to its present location when the Memorial Hall was built. While moved buildings are generally not eligible for listing in the National Register, the relocation of this building reflects a planned effort by the community to erect a civic building while not disenfranchising an established religious community. Therefore, in reflection of its age, its associations with architect John G. Haskell, and its significant surviving architectural details, and its associations with the historic contexts presented in this nomination, the First Congregational Church contributes to the significance of the historic district."

Marker Name: First Congregational Church - 1871 Marker Type: Other (Please identify in marker text) Marker text: This marker is near the entrance of the current Christian Science Church. I believe the marker has been placed by either the City of Ottawa or by Franklin County - the Swan Seal references the Marais Des Cygnes River that flows through town. The text of the marker: (Swan Seal) First Congregational Church - 1871 This Victorian Gothic building was designed by prominent Kansas architect John G. Haskell. The white frame church was built for $5,000 and originally stood on the S.E. corner of Third and Hickory. It was moved to this location when the Memorial Auditorium was built in 1919. It housed the Congregational Church until 1914 and then became the Christian Science Church. The building features lancet windows with leaded stained glass and once had an impressive steeple atop the square bell tower. It still retains its original pews and altar furnishings. This is one of the oldest buildings in Ottawa's central business district. A contributing building to the Historic Ottawa Central Business District placed on the National Register of Historic Places 2007 Marker Location: Franklin Name of agency setting marker: Other (Please identify in marker text) Year Marker Placed: Not listed Official Marker Number: Not listed Marker Web Address: Not listed

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