First Church of Christ Scientist
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Gospel Outreach Ministries (First Church of Christ Scientist)
1905; 1936 renovations, Theodore B. Wells. 321 Belmont Rd.
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(Photograph by Steve C. Martens)
Within two blocks’ walking distance of United Lutheran Church (GF16) and B’nai Israel Synagogue (GF17), the First Church of Christ Scientist represents an earlier eclectic classical design tradition. This was reportedly the first Christian Science church erected in North Dakota. An impressive glass dome that originally capped the intersecting gables was removed, probably around 1936 in the course of renovations. Tall and slender Ionic columns support the central portico and the Ionic motif is repeated for the sandstone capitals on the corner pilasters. Two-colored brickwork with corner pilasters and a blind arcade embellishes the gabled ends that have scalloped shingles above. Impressive stained glass windows are visible behind the small panes of outer sash. It would be difficult to place this design within the work of any of Grand Forks’ better-known architects. The design was likely influenced by a standardized model design recommended by Mary Baker Eddy’s New England–based Mother Church. This building differs markedly from the more traditionally classical First Church of Christ Scientist (CS23) in Fargo.
Writing Credits
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Data
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Location: Grand Forks, North DakotaRegional Overviews:Architect:
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Citation
Steve C. Martens and Ronald H. L. M. Ramsay, "Gospel Outreach Ministries (First Church of Christ Scientist)", [Grand Forks, North Dakota], SAH Archipedia, eds. Gabrielle Esperdy and Karen Kingsley, Charlottesville: UVaP, 2012—, http://sah-archipedia.org/buildings/ND-01-GF15.
Print Source
Buildings of North Dakota, Steve C. Martens and Ronald H. L. M. Ramsay. Charlottesville: University of Virginia Press, 2015, 78-78.
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