First Baptist Church (Columbus, Indiana)

Infobox_nrhp | name =First Baptist Church, Columbus, Indiana.
nrhp_type = nhl

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caption =First Baptist Church, Columbus, Indiana
location= Columbus, Indiana
area =
architect= Harry Weese
architecture= Modern
added = 2000
governing_body = Private
refnum=00000707 cite web|url=http://www.nr.nps.gov/|title=National Register Information System|date=2000|work=National Register of Historic Places|publisher=National Park Service]

First Baptist Church is one of six national historic landmarks in Columbus, Indiana. It was designed by distinguished architect Harry Weese; construction was completed in 1965. Since completion, few alterations have been made and the building has retained its integrity.

Location

The First Baptist Church of Columbus is located at 3300 Fairlawn Drive in Columbus, Indiana. It comprises one third of an open area in a suburban neighborhood of single family homes that was developed in the 1960s and 70s. Richards Elementary School (designed by Edward Larrabee Barnes and built in 1965) and Par 3 Golf Course and Clubhouse (designed by Bruce Adams and built in 1972) make up the other two thirds of the "town square". These structures are easily visible as they create the skyline of this residential subdivision.

Description

The First Baptist Church was one of Columbus’ early . They had a previous site (which has not been preserved) before moving to Fairlawn Drive in 1965. The 7.1 acre mostly flat site was chosen to allow room for growth and parking. There is a small hill, and the two story building is at its foot. The church lot was originally adorned only with a fence row of walnut trees, although later many other trees have planted.

The red brick building has 5 distinct sections (narthex, sanctuary, office wing, fellowship hall, and chapel) built around a central courtyard. The windows are tall and narrow.

The sanctuary is the principal interior space of the building. It is a windowless room, made up of simple elements that combine to create a space that is at the same time dramatic and serene. Each element is a simple object – a brick wall, a beam, an opening, a skylight, but they are all exaggerated slightly in size, proportion, or height.

The church is an outstanding representation of the work of American architect, Harry Mohr Weese (1915-1998), and generally thought to be his best work in Columbus, where he was the most prolific contributor to the body of Modern architecture that made the city famous. This is why the building was made a national landmark.

References

* Most of this information is from the church's [http://www.cr.nps.gov/nhl/designations/samples/in/1stbaptist.pdf application to become a historic landmark] . Most of this page is direct quotation, although a great deal of abridging has been done.