Church Building
Building Information
The 120 year old red sandstone First Presbyterian Church stands proudly on the corner of Church and Division Streets. Older church buildings require commitment to keep them up to date. Following are some highlights about the building.
The original stained glass windows were refurbished in 1990.- At the same time, a new tracker organ was custom built and installed and the sanctuary updated to accommodate this addition.
- The Westminster Room was updated and serves as a gathering place after worship. This room was air conditioned in 2006.
- The Library, decorated several years earlier, provides an intimate meeting space for the Adult Forum Sunday School and other meetings.
In 2004 the church renovated and air conditioned the Preschool rooms, an important mission of the congregation for over 50 years. - The church office and adjacent rooms were updated to meet the needs of the staff.
- In 1999, the congregation made a commitment to handicapped accessibility. The building addition with an elevator that serves all floors was completed that year. First Presbyterian Church received the Acanthus Award from the City of Oshkosh Landmarks Commission for the addition because it blended in so well with the rest of the building.
- Magnolia Hall on the lower level was updated in 2008 and provides space for a variety of activities throughout the year, such as: After School program, Simple Suppers during Lent, Seder Meal, and potlucks.
- The Quilting Room provides members of the quilting group a wonderful environment for work on fabric arts projects.
Building Use
First Presbyterian Church of Oshkosh does rent portions of the church facility to outside parties.
- Magnolia Hall can be used for meetings for up to 100 participants. No alcoholic beverages are allowed.
- Sanctuary can accommodate 250 participants and can be used for concerts and weddings.
Rental includes salaries of church personnel required for event.
Contact the church office (920-235-6180) for information regarding availability and request forms. Information is forwarded to appropriate committee and session for approval. Allow 4-6 weeks for approval process.
Architecture
Our sanctuary, built in 1893 is a classic example of the Akron Plan, an innovative design for the church interior developed in Akron, Ohio by church designer George W. Kramer. The emphasis was on acoustics and sight lines, along with the single focus on the pulpit and communion table. The elevated platform with a large pulpit was placed in the center corner of the audience room. Seating in pews in a circular pattern, on a sloping floor was focused on the preacher. The pulpit, rather than an altar, was the focal point. The communion table was accented by its location at the lower level in front of the pulpit. The pipe organ and choir were behind. Without traditional chancels and processionals, long, wide center aisles were not needed. A natural ventilating system with adjustable air grilles (still in place) vented through stone chimneys provided comfortable air circulation. Typically, the interior circular design was not outwardly reflected by any curved forms on the exterior.
The Akron Plan was prevalent in the design of Presbyterian, Methodist and Baptist churches. Currently the concepts of this plan are reflected in the contemporary design of churches of various denominations. In our church through the years the platform (chancel) area and the audience room (sanctuary) have been modified several times to provide for changing programs and needs of our congregation.
Leonard H. Reinke, FAIA
2009