A curious blend of architectural styles graces Second Church. Right here at the corner of Live Oak and what was once Germania Street, now Liberty, stands a testament to a unique vision. Second Presbyterian Church, as it was originally known, first opened its doors in 1905. The architects, Sanguinet & Staats, the same minds behind Fort Worth’s Wilson Building, crafted a design unlike any other church in the area. Originally, the church was planned for a different location, at Wood and South Harwood. A drawing published in The Dallas Morning News in 1904 showed the initial design, complete with a steeple. Thankfully, they opted for the Live Oak location and a steeple-less design. The church we see today is a captivating blend of styles, a true gem of Old East Dallas. In the 1950s, a new building arose on this corner, a rather peculiar structure according to some. It makes one wonder if the heart of the old Sanguinet & Staats church still exists beneath its modern facade. This very spot played a role in documenting Dallas history. A photo taken from this corner captured the devastating 1957 tornado. Second Church’s story intertwines with the evolving landscape of the city, bearing witness to both progress and disaster.
Harrison Cemetery Plaque
Is it possible for a place to hold so much history in just one acre? You might not think so,