Did you know that the First Church of Christ, Scientist in Minneapolis was once a stunning example of Beaux-Arts architecture? This wasn’t just any church. It held a special place in history as the first Christian Science church in Minnesota. Imagine its grand opening in 1897. Designed by the self-taught architect Septimus J Bowler the building stood as a testament to his unique vision. He blended classic Roman and Renaissance styles creating a structure that perfectly complemented its residential neighborhood. The First Church of Christ, Scientist was one of only a few buildings in Minneapolis to feature the Doric order. This detail perfectly showcases its impressive scale.
The First Church of Christ, Scientist wasn’t just about aesthetics. It was a hub of spiritual activity. The interior was a masterpiece of Italian Renaissance design. A monumental staircase led to a large octagonal auditorium bathed in the warm glow of stained-glass windows. The building had a cross-shaped footprint a detail reflecting the beliefs of the congregation. A Sunday school addition was built in 1899 to accommodate the growing number of attendees. The congregation quickly outgrew the building. They built a larger church in 1914 at 24th and Nicollet.
Sadly the First Church of Christ, Scientist wasn’t immune to the ravages of time. After years of vacancy and neglect the church fell into disrepair. Despite efforts to save it the building was eventually demolished in 2022. While gone the First Church of Christ, Scientist remains an important part of Minneapolis’s history a reminder of its architectural and religious past. It was a significant landmark a beautiful building that once graced the Elliot Park neighborhood. Its story serves as a reminder of the ephemeral nature of even the most magnificent structures. Its legacy however lives on in photographs and memories.