Courthouse Block - 1st Presbyterian Church

On the southwest corner of the block stood the 1st Presbyterian Church. The Richardsonian Romanesque style building was designed by architect Charles W. Squires. The square shape of the church was defined by the towers protruding from the corners and constructed in red brick.

This was the first building in the 800 block of N Main. Construction began in February 1903.

In 1914, J. D. Nicholson commissioned local artist, J. Franklin Caveny, to paint a large mural for the church, "The Christ Child Among the Doctors." When the church was torn down, the mural along with several stain glass pieces were moved to the new building on Columbus Ave.

Today, the congregation is located on Columbus Ave, Newton, Ks.

(Kristine Schmucker)