SAINT PETERSBURG CiTY COUNCIL Meeting of January 7, 1993 TO: SUBJECT: RECOMMENDATION: MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL Historic Designation of the First Congregational Church and Pilgrim Hall (HPC #92-02) The Administration recommends APPROVAL of the attached Ordinance. EXPLANATION: On November 12, 1992, the Historic Preservation Commission conducted a public hearing on one city initiated application for consideration of designation as a local historic landmark. The First Congregational Church and Pilgrim Hall was one of three properties approved by City Council for City sponsored initiation in 1992. The Commission unanimously approved (8-0) to recommend the First Congregational Church and Pilgrim Hall (HPC-92-02), located at 240 Fourth Street North, for landmark designation. The church congregation supports the designation. The First Congregational Church is a fine example of Gothic Revival architecture. Pilgrim Hall, a typical vernacular three bay commercial building with gothic treatment, compliments the church well. The church and its congregation have provided services and leadership to the citizenry of St. Petersburg for over 100 years. During the 1920 s the church was the site of a popular Lyceum series. This was one of the few opportunities for the residents to attend cultural programs at that time. These engagements included such well known people as Will Rogers, Effrim Zimbalist and William Jennings Bryan. Pilgrim s Hall was designed by Henry H. Dupont, the architect of several local buildings, most notably the Veillard House and the Don CeSar. The First Congregational Church and Pilgrim Hall meet five criteria for the designation of a property as a local landmark, found in City Code Chapter 16 (d), as amended: Ch. 16 (d) (1) Its value as a significant reminder of the cultural heritage of the City; (2) Its location is a site of a significant local, state, or national event; (3) It is identified with persons who significantly contributed to the development of the City; (4) It is identified as a work of an architect who s individual work has influenced the development of the City; (5) Its value as a building is recognized for the quality of its architecture, and it retains sufficient elements showing its architectural significance; The City Council approved the attached ordinance on first reading December 3, 1992. Attachments: Ordinance, Staff Report
ORDINANCE NO. AN ORDINANCE DESIGNATING THE FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH AND PILGRIM HALL, 240 FOURTH STREET NORTH, A LOCAL LANDMARK; ADDING IT TO THE LOCAL REGISTER CREATED PURSUANT TO CITY CODE CHAPTER 16; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. THE CITY OF ST. PETERSBURG DOES ORDAIN; SECTION 1. Pursuant to St. Petersburg City Code Chapter 16, the property described in Section 2 is designated as a local landmark. SECTION 2. A local register listing has been created of designated landmarks, landmark sites, and historic districts. The following property is hereby added to this local register which will be held by the Clerk of Council: The First Congregational Church and Pilgrim Hall, Revised Map of the City of St. Petersburg, N3/4 Lots A, 1 and 2 (19-31-17-74466-018-0020). SECTION 3. This Ordinance shall become effective immediately upon its adoption. Passed by City Council on first reading on Passed by City Council on second and final reading APPROVED AS TO FORM AND SUBSTANCE: / NING DEPART I NV DATE CITY ArrORNE\)/ DATE ORDAHPC92O2 Planning/(bell)
Name of Property: HISTORIC DESIGNATION STAFF REPORT FILE NO: IIPC #92-02 Historic: Common: Applicant: Owner: Owner support: The United Church of Christ (Congregational) and Pilgrim s Hall The First Congregational Church of St. Petersburg and Pilgrim s Hall City of St. Petersburg, Florida First Congregational Church of St. Petersburg; 240 Fourth Street North; St. Petersburg, FL 337 10-6743 The Congregation supports this application Location of Property: 240 Fourth Street North Legal description: Revised map of the City of St. Petersburg, N3/4 Lots Al and 2 (19-31-17-74466-018-0020) Condition of Property: Sound altered - moved - yes no 5. Period Significance: During what period (s) did property achieve historic significance. The church was constructed in 1912, during St. Petersburg s first land boom. The Gothic Revival style structure was designed by Edgar Ferdon. The contractor is unknown. The adjacent Pilgrim s Hall was built in 1924 during the 1920 s era land boom. The building was designed by Henry H. Dupont and is a typical vernacular three bay commercial structure with gothic treatment. 6. Area (s) of Significance: Architectural Historic/Cultural Religious Description of Original or Historic Appearance: Describe the historic appearance of the property and its setting during the period of historic significance, in the following order: a. Original setting: Describe the surrounding area, neighborhood, rural or urban environment as it existed during the period of historic significance. b. Exterior appearance of the major contributing resource (s): Describe the
HPC Case #92-02 First Congregational Church Page 2 design/style, materials, construction methods. c. Interior appearance: Give an overview of interior appearance. d. Other contributing resources: Describe as above. In 1913, the area surrounding the First Congregational Church consisted of single family homes. As the town expanded, the character of the area changed and by the 1920 s to that of multi-family structures which included apartment buildings, and boarding and rooming houses began replacing the single-family structures. The First Congregational Church building was constructed at the corner of Fourth Street and Third Avenue North in 1912 at a cost of $26,000. This was the fourth building in which the congregation s services were held. In the early years, services were held in the passenger coach at the raifroad station with Rev. Mr. Watt officiating. In 1888, a temporary church was built on property donated by Jacob Baum, a citrus farmer and land developer, which housed the congregation for two years. 1 Mrs John C. Williams later donated land facing the park on which to build a permanent church. The new church was completed the latter part of 1889 and dedicated January 12, 1890? In 1912, the congregation built a new church at its present location after selling the property donated by Mrs. Williams to the U.S. Government. 3 The church, located on the government property, was sold to the Adventist Church and was moved to the corner of Sixth Avenue and Eighth Street South. 4 This building has since been demolished. The church was of Gothic Revival design with English influence (See Photograph A). This is exemplified by the steeply pitched gable roof with the gable end facing the street and the numerous towers of various sizes and mass. The church, while large and massive has a strong vertical emphasis. Other characteristics include pointed arches, exterior buttresses, irregular building mass and geometric bar tracery separating the multiple stained glass panels. The main facade was asymmetrical and contained three bays. The center bay consisted of a gable end of the main sanctuary and was highlighted by a large multi-paneled stained glass window flanked by buttressing. A rose window (a large, circular medieval window, Arsenault, Raymond, St. Petersburg and the Florida Dream, The Donning Company Publishers: Norfolk, Virginia, 1988, p. 45 & 48. 2Sakiotis, Elsie, The First Congregational Church, St. Petersburg, Florida: Celebrating Our Centennial 1888-1988, p. 3. 3Th1d, p.3. 4lbid, p.4
HPC Case #92-02 First Congregational Church Page 3 containing tracery), dominated the gable of the church. The center bay was framed by two square towers. The northern tower was the most predominant and contains the main entryway to the church. The tower consisted of pointed arched entry doors, several small one-over-one stained glass windows and wooden louvered arched vents. This tower also housed the church bells. The second tower was a smaller less noticeable version of the main tower. The northern facade was a reverse mirror image of the east facade and extended westward to include the original Sunday school and office area. The rose window on this facade was located in all three of the church edifices (See Photograph B). Buttressing and a staircase with dominant arches were also characteristics of the gothic details located on the northern facade of the structure (See Photograph C). The main entry to the sanctuary faces east to Fourth Street. A large M is inscribed in the floor of the main foyer honoring the service of Reverend David Moor, who died while in service to the congregation. 5 Pictoral evidence and the window fenestration indicate that the original interior was gothic in style, keeping consistent with the exterior. Vaulted ceilings with heavy timber beams and rafters appear to be the key components of the original interior. The interior was significantly altered during the expansion and remodeling of the church in 1922. Pilgrims Hall, the original parish house, was constructed in 1924 at a cost of $40,000 (See Photograph D). The architect was Henry H. DuPont. The contractor is unknown. Pilgrim s Hall was a typical four story, vernacular, three-bay structure with gothic treatment such as the buttresses and finials (decorative stone ballards projecting past the cornice line, usually capping buttresses), see photograph D. It housed the church offices, a small chapel, an auditorium seating 600, a lounge, a kitchen and a dining room. There was a small walkway through the auditorium which connected Pilgrim s hail to the church. The wooded eaves of both the church and the hall were exposed with beaded board soffiting. A wrought iron gate connected the two buildings and period style exterior lighting is also present. The stained glass windows are a prominent feature of the church. They were donated by the members of the congregation. The rose window on the north side of the church is the 5lbid, p.7.
HPC Case #92-02 First Congregational Church Page 4 oldest of these windows, given to the church in 1890 by Miss Armour. It has been located in all of the three church edifices. The artist of these windows is unknown. 6 Both the church and Pilgrim s Hall were finished in a rough textured, exposed, aggregate block. The aggregate is quartz which is reflective in nature. Pilasters, buttresses, quoins, arched window hoods and other details are finished in a smooth, sand finish, exposed aggregate (See Photograph E). This aggregate was scored to imitate block. The original roofmg material is unknown. 8. Alterations and Present Appearance: Describe alterations to property in chronological order. Indicate the date, type, and reason for each of the following: a. Alterations to the major resource. b. Alterations to other contributing resources. c. Site alterations: Demolition of any resources or construction of non-contributing resources, landscape changes, etc. d. Setting alterations: Describe changes in the surrounding area or neighborhood: There have been minimal alterations to the exterior of the church. In 1966, six sets of glass doors were installed replacing the original wooden doors that lead into the sanctuary. At this time, three chandeliers were hung in the entrances. The original stairs leading to the main sanctuary have been replaced. A handicapped ramp has been added to the church to provide accessibility for the disabled and the stained glass window at the front of the church is now protected from vandalism by a storm window. Because of structural damage, the original pyramidal roof of the bell tower was replaced in 1972 by a steeple at a cost of $19,600. The new steeple departs from the gothic influence of the church, having a classical revival influence instead. There is no documentation as to why this design departure was made. The interior of the original church structure was enlarged twice to meet the need of the expanding congregation. The first expansion occurred in 1920, consisting of the addition of a gallery. This addition was contested by many of the members who were opposed to the proposed gallery s obstruction of the stained glass windows. When, in 1922, the church was still too small the church was enlarged for a second time. This expansion incorporated the west sunday school room into the sanctuary and extended the gallery of 6lbid, p. 15.
HPC Case #92-02 First Congregational Church Page 5 the church. 7 The interior of the church was remodeled in 1922. The ceiling of the sanctuary was dropped and refinished in smooth plaster, rounded and inspired by the Colonial Revival style. This remodeling of the ceiling obstructed the interior view of the rose windows on the north and east sides of the chapel. The alterations also included a reconfiguration of church seating. The seating of the church is unusual and resembles the ancient greek theater or one half of a greek orthodox circular church. The seating configuration together with the dropped ceiling may have been planned to better serve the Lyceum (an association providing public lectures, concerts, and entertainments) that was housed by the church during this period (See 9D Statement of Significance for further detail). The exterior of Pilgrim s Hall has also been altered since its construction. In 1966, the original wooden windows were replaced with Miami-style awning windows. Also at this time, the first floor of the hall was built out and covered by stained coquina. This change does not follow the typical tn-part design, and stands in opposition to the facade articulation and fenestration of the upper stories. Other alterations are minor in nature and do not adversely impact the appearance or character of the building. These include the addition of air conditioning to the building and the repointing (the removal of mortar from between the joints of masonry units and the replacing of it with new mortar) of the exterior of the building. 8 There have been minimal changes to the interior of Pilgrim s Hall. A chapel was opened in the hall during the Fall of 1950. This chapel was redecorated in 1966 at the time of the exterior alterations. 9 The actual surroundings of the church have evolved through the passage of time. The growth of the downtown business district has since encroached the area of the church with retail stores and office buildings, although remnants of the rooming houses and apartment buildings remain. 9. Statement of Significance: Describe the historic significance of the property: a. What events and circumstances led to the original development of the property? Why was it developed at that particular time and place? b. Who was involved in the original development? Who was the owner? 7lbid., p. 9. 8lbid, p.21. 9Ibid, p.21.
HPC Case #92-02 First Congregational Church Page 6 architect? builder? What other significant work or activities where these persons noted for? Are other important persons associated with the property? How? c. Describe the above persons, including such details as: educational and professional background, important events surrounding their lives, builder s/architect s role in development of St. Petersburg, other buildings built or designed, etc. d. How was the property used during its period of significance? What important events or developments occurred there? How do they fit into the overall historic development of the community? e. How and by whom was the property used after its period of significance? The First Congregational Church was significant as a religious institution. In October of 1888 the congregation organized itself into a church to be called The United Church of Christ. After moving to three different meeting places, the congregation bought the property of the church s present site and in April of 1912, the present church was opened for services. Several of the original members of the First Congregational Church went on to be founding members of other St. Petersburg religious institutions. 0 The church was constructed in 1912, during St. Petersburg s first land boom. The Gothic Revival style structure was designed by Edgar Ferdon. Edgar Ferdon moved to St. Petersburg in 1903 from Summit, New Jersey. He is recognized for designing the Chautauqua Villa, the first house to be built on the northside of the city (at the northeast corner of First Avenue and Second Street). Mr. Ferdon is responsible for building several commercial buildings, most notably the First National Bank Building previously located at Fifth Street and Central Avenue. He died in 1932 of a sudden stroke. The contractor of the church is unknown. 1 The adjacent Pilgrim s Hall, built in 1924, was designed by Henry H. Dupont and is a typical vernacular In-part structure with gothic treatment. Henry H. Dupont was born in 1870, the son of Aristide and Mary M. Dupont. He designed several buildings while wintering in St. Petersburg, including the 1910 Veillard House which was listed on the National Register in 1982. In 1914, Mr. Dupont became a permanent resident of St. Petersburg. During the 1920 s he designed several of St. Petersburg s larger buildings as well as several houses. His most important work in this era was the Don CeSar Hotel in 1926-28. The contractor of Pilgrim s Hall is unknown. Ibid., p. 2. St. Petersburg Times, Obituary of Edgar Ferdon, May 3, 1932, Section 1, p. 6.
HPC Case #92-02 First Congregational Church Page 7 There were several people involved in the development and/or members of the congregation who were significant in the history of St. Petersburg. In 1890, Miss Annour donated the rose window which has appeared in all three of the church edifices. Miss Armour was related to the family of the H. 0. Armour and Company of Philadelphia. This firm loaned money to Peter Demens in his attempt to develop the Orange Belt Railroad. By the spring of 1889, the Orange Belt Raifroad owed $900,000 to the Armour Company. 2 Mrs. John C. Williams, wife of John C. Williams, the founding father of the City of St. Petersburg, also played a role in the church s history. It was Mrs. Williams who donated the land located across from William s Park (present site of the Open Air Post Office) to the church. 3 Charter members of the First Congregational Church were also instrumental in the development of the city. Mr. Arthur Norwood was involved in several projects in the city. In 1885, Norwood opened the first school in Disston City, presently in St. Petersburg s boundaries. He also brought the first working telephone to St. Petersburg. Mr. Norwood served his community during World War I as the Battalion Quartermaster for the Pinellas County Guard. 14 Another founding member, Dr. George Kennedy, was also involved in the early development of St. Petersburg. Dr. Kennedy was the first dentist in the City. He also served briefly as the City Post Master in 1895. In addition to being a charter member of the First Congregational Church, Mr. William J. McPherson was the Co-editor of the first newspaper published on the lower Pinellas peninsula. This newspaper, The Sea Breeze, was in publication from May 1886 to mid 1887.16 Dr. Kerrison Juniper was the Pastor of the church from 1918 to 1931. He was active in the development of St. Petersburg by serving as the first President of the St. Petersburg Chapter of the Kiwannis Club; working closely with the Boy Scouts of America, as the 2Arsenault, Raymond. Op. Cit., p. 55 & 60. 3City of St. Petersburg, Planning Department. Historic Designation Report 86-02, William s House/Manhattan Hotel, 1986. 4Ibid., p. 183. 15 Ibid., p. 71. 6lbid., p. 49.
HPC Case #92-02 First Congregational Church Page 8 first executive appointed in Florida; and writing a popular weekly article in the St. Petersburg Daily News entitled Under the Juniper Tree. 17 Dr. Juniper was responsible for bringing the popular Lyceum series to St. Petersburg, one of the few cultural events in St. Petersburg at that time. During the 1920 s the church, lead by Dr. Kerrison Juniper, sponsored the immensely popular Lyceum series, a Lecture Course and a Grand Artist Course. 18 These meetings played an important role in the cultural development of the community. All profits from these meetings went towards the building fund for the church. Some of the artists performing in the Lyceum engagements were: William Jennings Bryan, Capt. Dennis Rooke, Efrim Zimbalist, the Russian Symphonic Choir, Will Rogers, E. B. Frost and Randolph Churchill. These meetings were popular with the members of the church as well as the citizens of the City. 19 The Lyceum program was one of the few opportunities for St. Petersburg residents to attend cultural events in the 1920 s. 10. Identify existing use(s) of the site and any adverse impacts: The First Congregational Church continues to hold services in the sanctuary and use Pilgrim s Hall as office space. The church also donates space in the hall to the Coalition Against Spousal Abuse (CASA) and the Pinellas Dayflight Lodge. 11. Discuss the relationship of the landmark to any existing and future City development plans: The City has no plans related to the building or site. 12. Evaluation of Significance: SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANCE: The First Congregational Church is a fine example of Gothic Revival architecture. Pilgrim s hall, a typical vernacular three bay commercial building with gothic treatment, compliments the church well. The church and its congregation have provided services and leadership to the citizenry of St. Petersburg for over 100 years. During the 1920 s, the church was the site of a popular Lyceum series. This was one of the few opportunities for the residents to attend cultural programs at that time. These 17 Juniper, Kerrison, D.D., Under the Juniper Tree: Memoirs of Kerrison Juniper. 8lbid. 9Thid.
HPC Case #92-02 First Congregational Church Page 9 engagements included such well known people as Will Rogers, Effrim Zimbalist and William Jennings Bryan. Pilgrim s Hall was designed by Henry H. Dupont, the architect of several of St. Petersburg s buildings, most notably the Don CeSar. The First Congregational Church and Pilgrims Hall meet five criteria for the designation of a property as a local landmark, found in City Code Chapter 16 (d), as amended: Ch. 16 (d) (1) Its value as a significant reminder of the cultural heritage of the City; (2) Its location is a site of a significant local, state, or national event; (3) It is identified with persons who significantly contributed to the development of the City; (4) It is identified as a work of an architect who s individual work has influenced the development of the City; (5) Its value as a building is recognized for the quality of its architecture, and it retains sufficient elements showing its architectural significance; 13. Staff Recommendation: Staff recommends APPROVAL of the First Congregational Church and Pilgrim s Hall as a local historic landmark. Attachments
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Founded 1888.f. 1& St. Petersburg, FL 33701 First Congregational Church (813) 898 6785 Telephone (813)896-LIFE Info Rev. Dr. J. Fred Foune Virginia Harris cc: Fred Fourie Church Moderator Lee Di Angelo Cordially, now and the February 27th meeting, please phone me at We are looking forward to being 867 9322. Meanwhile, if there s anything further we might be doing between the help you ve already given us in such a short time period. on what the next steps should be. And once again, thank you for all registered, and I ll await your call understand it, the process will begin with a St. Petersburg City Historic Landmark, as explained by you in our recent discussions. As I approved that our Church will support an application as a local meeting on February 27th, after which you will advise me of what must you that at lest night s Church Council meeting, it was unanimously be done on our part thereafter. In confirmation of our phone conversation today, this is to inform Dear Stephanie: St. Petersburg, FL 33731 P.O. Box 2842 City of St. Petersburg Planning Dept. Stephanie Lampe February 16, 1992 240 Fourth Street North United Church of Christ
PHOTOGRAPH A FIRST QONGREGATIONAL CHURCH 4,,. II V : : Bell Tower Buttress
PHOTOGRAPH B Rose Window Bar Tracerr
Stair Detail PHOTOGRAPH C
PHOTOGRAPH D PILGRIM S HALL Finnial Buttress I 7. 4 1966 Alteration (non sympathetic) Miami-style Replacement Window
PHOTOGRAPH E Quoin Pointed Arch I