Overview

First Congregational Church of Minnesota is a community landmark and excellent example of the Romanesque Revival style. 

• Location: 500 8th Avenue Southeast 
• Neighborhood: Marcy-Holmes 

Historic photo (1977)

Current photo (2016)

Architecture

• Architectural Style: Romanesque Revival
• Architect: Warren H. Hayes 

Use

• Historic use: Religious
• Current use: Religious

Construction

• Construction date: 1886
• Contractor: Unknown

Significance

• Area(s) of significance: Architecture; Community Identity
• Period of Significance: Undefined
• Date of local designation: 1974
• Date of National Register designation: 1979
• Designation: Exterior 

Historic profile

First Congregational Church of Minnesota is a community landmark and excellent example of the Romanesque Revival style. The congregation organized in 1851 in what was then St. Anthony. After worshipping in various buildings, they began construction on this building in 1886. It holds religious services, meetings, and community events. 

The church is built of rock-faced rose sandstone. It has large round arch windows and archways around entrances. At the southwest corner, there is a tall bell tower with a spire. The original wood spire was destroyed by wind in 1967 and rebuilt with metal in 1972. The building also has a round turret and shorter towers with finials on top. These are all features of the Romanesque Revival style. 

The church does not have a traditional floor plan. This is the first use of the Akron Plan in Minnesota. Instead of a long nave with side aisles, the main worship space is almost square. Seating is arranged in a semicircle. The church also has an educational wing and gathering space. 

Prominent architect Warren H. Hayes designed the church. Hayes was well known for his church designs and often used the Romanesque Revival style. Seven of his Minnesota churches are listed in the National Register of Historic Places. 

Photo credit

• 1977 photo: Courtesy of Hennepin County Library 
• 2016 photo: Courtesy of McGhiever 

Work cited

“First Congregational Church of Minnesota Designation Form,” 1974. 

Gail Bronner and Charles W. Nelson, “National Register of Historic Places Inventory-Nomination Form: First Congregational Church of Minnesota,” July 1978. 

“Our Story,” First Congregational Church of Minnesota website, 2024