In our last issue, we featured a story about Sacred Heart Church written by Pat Gallagher. It got me thinking of other churches here in town, as we certainly have some historic gems. When Frank H. Hagerty and William M. Lloyd platted a new subdivision of Aberdeen in 1882 adjacent to the recently platted city core (downtown), they donated land to churches and schools. And that’s pretty much where all the churches in town ended up. In fact, on Fourth Avenue alone, one can see 4 to 5 steeples between downtown and St. Luke’s in old photos. All the churches started as modest, wooden structures. But as the town and congregations grew, each was replaced with a brick version on the same spot or moved to another spot entirely. The only church left on Fourth Avenue (aside from the condemned J&O Apartment building) is the First Presbyterian. This massive, corner-hugging church is the third church building built on this site at 318 South Kline Street.
The First Presbyterian Church of Aberdeen was the first church in Aberdeen. Their first service was held in June 1881, after Presbyterian Home Missionary Reverend H. B. Johnson rode to Aberdeen from Watertown. He continued to hold services in town, primarily in a sod hotel, and started raising funds to build a proper church. Their first church building, perhaps the first for Aberdeen built in 1882, was built on this same site but was later moved to First Avenue Southeast and is now Spellman Painters.
I had been in this church a few times in the past but had never taken the time to examine the fine details of the craftsmanship, artistry, and beauty of this building. It was completed in 1927 (not even 100 years old yet), for a price of $150,000. The architect was George Fossum who built City Hall, Bethlehem Lutheran Church (previously one block south), Church of Christ building (which is now used by Bantz, Gosch & Cremer Law Firm), Lincoln Hall at NSU (demolished), many, many schools, churches, government buildings and homes. Interestingly his apprentice, Glynne Shifflett, contributed to this building and went on to design many mid-century modern homes in Aberdeen from his Minneapolis office. He and his parents were members of the congregation.
Several different components make up the Seal of the Presbyterian Church, with some of them being more prominent than others. The cross, scripture, a dove, and flames are easily recognizable.
Looking closer, more symbols can be seen. On the lower part of the seal, the flames form an implied triangle, a traditional symbol of the Trinity. The flames also symbolize the burning bush God used to speak to Moses. A fish, an early symbol for Christ, can be seen inside the body of the dove, and some have seen a baptismal font or a communion chalice in the base of the cross.
The church design uses gothic inspirations, and it seems most every door has a pointed arch. There is a four-leaf clover design element used throughout. It’s called a quatrefoil and it’s a symbol that has been around for centuries. According to a 1981 history book written by the First Presbyterian parishioners, the symbol is used as a reference to the four gospels of the bible. Despite the gothic overtones, there is a lot of arts and crafts era distinctions as well. The woodwork in particular is mostly all quartersawn oak. The heavy, dark exposed beams (which comprise a hammer-beam truss system), dominate the sanctuary providing an old-world European vibe.
This nighttime photo shows the church lit up. It was probably taken in the 1940s.
Northern Statue University’s music department often holds concerts in the church. The acoustics are favorable for choral music and orchestras. Their Christmas concerts are quite popular and uplifting. In fact, if you can sit in the balcony of one of these concerts, you’ll be sitting right below a nativity scene illustrated in the stained glass. Watch for details this holiday season. //
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