First Congregational Church (Porterville, California)

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First Congregational Church
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Location165 E. Mill St., Porterville, California
Coordinates 36°4′7″N119°0′43″W / 36.06861°N 119.01194°W / 36.06861; -119.01194
Area0.4 acres (0.16 ha)
Built1908 (1908)
ArchitectMeeker, George C.; Reed, Francis W.
Architectural styleGothic Revival, First Bay Tradition
NRHP reference No. 98001553 [1]
Added to NRHPJanuary 5, 1999

First Congregational Church is a historic church building at 165 East Mill Street in Porterville, California. The church was built in 1908 by Porterville's Congregationalists. San Francisco architects Francis W. Reed and George C. Meeker designed the church; their design applies the principles of the First Bay Tradition to a Gothic Revival plan. The design includes a shingled wooden exterior, typical of the First Bay Tradition, and a Gothic spire and arches; the church is the only building in the southern San Joaquin Valley to incorporate both styles. The new church building served as an "institutional church" which also provided community services, including an auditorium, a gymnasium and swimming pool, and a private kindergarten. [2]

The church was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1999. The congregation is affiliated with the National Association of Congregational Christian Churches.

References

  1. "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places . National Park Service. July 9, 2010.
  2. Foerster, Eleanor; Slaven, John; Stewart, Joan (August 31, 1998). "National Register of Historic Places Registration Form: First Congregational Church". National Park Service . Retrieved June 17, 2014. Accompanied by photos.