THE HISTORY OF OUR CHURH BUILDING
Compiled by David Kess
In 1887, a group of pioneer women (many with a Presbyterian background) organized an ecumenical Sunday School. In 1888, Ely was incorporated and in 1889, the First Presbyterian Church of Ely became the first chartered congregation. In 1890, the first church building was completed on the site of our present building with wilderness on both sides.
In 1924, the building was sold and moved to James Street where it is still in use today as an apartment building.
The present brick building was designed in 1924 by engineers in the administrative offices of the Oliver Iron Mining Company in Virginia. in the mid-1950’s, the sanctuary was remodeled, lightening up the woodwork and furnishings. The pews were replaced in 1958 and the nine classrooms (three upstairs and six down), nursery, and Boy Scout room were remodeled in 1960.
In 1963, the old manse was sold and moved, and the new manse was built on the same site. In 1992, the elevator and kitchenette were added and the kitchen downstairs was remodeled. The stained glass sanctuary windows were replaced with new ones in 2001. The last building project was the new heating system in 2009 and a re-roofing due to hail damage that same year.
In 1887, a group of pioneer women (many with a Presbyterian background) organized an ecumenical Sunday School. In 1888, Ely was incorporated and in 1889, the First Presbyterian Church of Ely became the first chartered congregation. In 1890, the first church building was completed on the site of our present building with wilderness on both sides.
In 1924, the building was sold and moved to James Street where it is still in use today as an apartment building.
The present brick building was designed in 1924 by engineers in the administrative offices of the Oliver Iron Mining Company in Virginia. in the mid-1950’s, the sanctuary was remodeled, lightening up the woodwork and furnishings. The pews were replaced in 1958 and the nine classrooms (three upstairs and six down), nursery, and Boy Scout room were remodeled in 1960.
In 1963, the old manse was sold and moved, and the new manse was built on the same site. In 1992, the elevator and kitchenette were added and the kitchen downstairs was remodeled. The stained glass sanctuary windows were replaced with new ones in 2001. The last building project was the new heating system in 2009 and a re-roofing due to hail damage that same year.