Our Building History
The church property is 5.215 acres, bordered by St. Charles and Northwood on the west and north, on the east and south by a creek and excludes the house on the north.
The property was purchased in July 1997, at a cost of $64,000, with an additional $59,600 spent to bring it to grade. The grading began in June 1999, with construction of the building beginning in the spring of 2000. Construction was completed in June of 2001.
The cost of the building was $820,000. There was only a $240,000 mortgage on the building, repayable to our Synod of Lincoln Trails at a low interest rate. Of the funds used, over $200,000 came from savings, the sale of the parsonage, the sale of the Portersville Presbyterian Church, and the sale of the Jasper Presbyterian Church building at 11th and Jackson. Over $100,000 came from foundations, corporate donors and individual executive donors in Jasper. The membership of the church also pledged funds over a three-year period. Just as the building was completed, the church received funds from a large estate upon the death of long-time members. These funds enabled the church to pay off the mortgage and the church has remained debt-free.
The building is 6,972 square feet. Of this, the sanctuary is 1820 sq. ft., the fellowship area (kitchen, meeting and fireside rooms) is 2250 sq. ft., and the classroom and office area is 2902 sq. ft.
The design of the building was done by Ray Bullard from Evansville, being influenced by the Frank Lloyd Wright school of architecture. In our building this influence includes a low profile to blend in with the surrounding properties, a natural stone look with unpainted block inside and the decorative block outside lightly stained to look more "earthy", the use of many large and small windows, including the large window walls in the three classrooms/offices that have an open view to the outside, and the same pattern for the door moldings throughout the building. (If a person stands at either end of the main hallway, he or she can look through three similarly patterned doors.)
Stained glass windows were designed by people in the church and Sue Morrison of Sunburst Stained Glass Company in Newburgh, IN, for the large windows at the front of the sanctuary and the 6 smaller windows around the top of the sanctuary. The front windows are 44 sq. ft. each and cost $6,500 each. They include both Old Testament and New Testament scenes. There are 6 stained glass windows in the upper windows around the sanctuary, depicting the 6 seasons of the church year.
The church has 4 zoned areas for heating and cooling to maximize energy efficiency. The lighting in the sanctuary/fellowship areas is programmable for efficiency, effect, and expandability, and the sound system is capable of any contemporary needs.
The parking lot will hold 84 cars. There is a covered loading and unloading area at the main entrance.
The church building is completely handicapped accessible, all on one level, (which is very much appreciated by funeral directors!).
There is ample room for expansion, with plans for additional classroom and office space, as well as space for an activity center. A lighted sign and a display stand of our historic bells articulate the outside.
This is the sixth location for the First Presbyterian Church of Jasper. Other locations included:
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1830 — A log building on the grounds now known as the City Cemetery
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1836 — A frame building on the southwest corner of 6th and Mill Streets. (The bell at this building was used for many years as the town fire bell. The building was also used as the County Courthouse from 1839-1845).
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1886 —Sharing the Methodist Episcopal Church in the 300 block of 6th Street.
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1898 — Together with the Evangelical and Reformed congregation building Trinity Church on West 8th Street.
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1940 — Building the Presbyterian Church of Jasper at 11th and Jackson. This is a three story brick structure, 70'x40', which cost $23,000.
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2001 — Completing the newest building at the corner of St. Charles and Northwood
The First Presbyterian Church of Jasper is located at:
3240 St. Charles Ave, at the corner of Northwood & St. Charles, Jasper, IN 47546
Phone: (812) 482-4775
Come join us for study & worship!
Sunday:
Church School - 9:30 a.m.
Worship Celebration - 10:30 a.m.
Coffee fellowship after worship.
Childcare available.
Fully handicapped accessible.
Reverend Larry Langer
presby@psci.net