“Church on the circle.” That is what the Irvington United Methodist Church is known as locally. This charming church has a unique history. It stands on a circle on Audubon Road.
Irvington United Methodist Church history is entwined with the area’s development. Irvington was platted as a suburban town east of Indianapolis in 1870. The winding tree-lined streets and circles on Audubon Road add to its charm. The circle south of the Irvington United Methodist Church was designed for a park. A statue of Washington Irving was planned for its center. The north circle was meant for a ladies’ seminary.
Let’s talk about the house connected to the Irvington United Methodist Church. James Dorsey Forrest, a Butler College professor, lived in a Tudor Revival house built in 1906. The house is located in the southern portion of the circle. Forrest lived there with his mother-in-law and sister-in-law. Scandals were connected to the house.
Butler College president Thomas Carr Howe bought the house in 1914. In 1924 the Irvington United Methodist Church purchased the house. Architect Herbert Foltz designed an addition to the north of the original house. The church was dedicated in September 1926. The original 1906 house is still visible. It greets visitors turning onto Audubon.
The Irvington United Methodist Church replaced an earlier building. The earlier building was on Layman Avenue. Now, it is a parking lot for businesses on East Washington Street. Foltz chose to build around the Forrest-Howe home.
Today, the Irvington United Methodist Church continues to welcome people. It offers traditional worship services on Sunday mornings. You can attend Sunday Bible classes. All are welcome at the Irvington United Methodist Church. The church is located at one of the loveliest intersections in Indianapolis. It stands as a testament to Irvington’s history. The Irvington United Methodist Church has evolved over time. It remains a vital part of the community.