1912 Waughtown Street, First Reformed Church, c.1927

The congregation began as the First Reformed Church about 1904, then in 1908, High Point pastor David Bowers facilitated the congregation’s official creation. They initially met outside or in homes, but bought this lot soon after officially incorporating. The original building was a one-story board-and-batten sheathed frame structure, although the congregation was already raising funds for a brick building. The first brick building was begun in 1909 and finished in 1910, although that structure was demolished in 1925 for a larger sanctuary designed by ecclesiastical architects Charles Bolton and Son of Philadelphia, completed in 1927. Local architect Fred Butner Jr. (who had worked for architectural firm Macklin and Stinson) designed the 1964 education building. The congregation is now known as the First United Church of Christ.

A brick 2 ½ story Romanesque Revival church with a cross-gable roof and corner towers that are topped by crenellated parapets (one tall, one short). The main entrance features a steeply pitched front gable with a centered circular window and entry arcade. Several windows have round-head arches, some with a double arch and small rosette pattern. The interior features hammer beam exposed trusses and heavy timber brackets with intricate stained glass, and original pendant cluster light fixtures. 1910 CD: not listed; 1920 CD: First Reformed Church; 1930 CD: same; 1940 CD: same; 1950 CD: First Evangelical and Reformed Church. Education Building c. 1965.

Romanesque Revival style – Originally an architectural style that emerged in Western Europe in the early 10th century, it remained popular until about the middle of the 12th century when it was replaced by Gothic architecture. It was based on Roman and Byzantine elements such as round arches, barrel vaults, and thick masonry walls. The Revival style (mid-1800s-1900) featured heavy masonry walls; a variety of arched openings; a steeply pitched hip roof; and towers or projecting bays. (This structure also includes elements of Victorian Romanesque style (1870-1900) which features tile in patterns such as bands or checkerboards and a brick facade.) Favored for civic buildings.