Westminster Architecture
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Construction began at Westminster’s present site in 1906 and the building was dedicated in 1908. This new edifice was designed in the style of rural “early English Gothic” of the 13th century by the renowned Boston architectural firm of Cram, Goodhue and Ferguson.
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The stained glass windows are from the Boston firms of Charles J. Connick and the studio of Reynolds, Francis and Ronstock. Harry Goodhue designed the chancel's Transfiguration window. It is an adaptation of a Bellini painting seen by Ralph Adams Cram in Naples, Italy. The color scheme of the background is based upon the prismatic colors of the rainbow (the promise of hope). Beneath the main subject are smaller panels containing the three apostles present at the transfiguration: St. John, St. Peter and St. James. The stained glass windows in the sanctuary were completed over a period of about 60 years, from 1902 to 1965. Of special interest are the carved oak stalls in the chancel and the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed flower stand. The funds for the chancel stalls were a gift from Robert Todd Lincoln, son of President Abraham Lincoln. Members of Westminster made the needlepoint cushions in the chancel. |
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The iron bell in the tower has been calling people to worship since the 1840s.
Westminster's pipe organ was built by the Schlicker Organ Company, Inc. of Buffalo, NY and installed in the fall of 1972. The four manual, six division organ was re-built by Robert G. Dial Organ, builders and installed in 2002. In 1988, the West Narthex, Parish Hall, music room and tunnel under the nave were added to the original 1906 building and the 1955 educational wing. |
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The Memorial Garden, with its tall Celtic cross of traditional knotwork designs and post-resurrection appearances of Christ, was dedicated in June of 2002. In 2003 Westminster dedicated a $2,000,000 major renovation of its building and organ. This project updated classroom spaces and offices, extended the chancel, and provided major improvements to safety and security for this historic building. |
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Steadfast Neighbor Site and Landscape Plan
On Sunday, April 26, 2020 the congregation took a historic vote and overwhelmingly approved the Steadfast Neighbor Site and Landscape loan for up to $1.3 million from the Presbyterian Investment and Loan Program. The interest will be between 3.5 and 3.76% and the loan will be paid back over 20 years. On April 7, the Presbytery of Great Rivers guaranteed the loan.
The Steadfast Neighbor Endeavor was made possible because of the successful "Building a Legacy of Faith" Twenty-Year Anniversary Endowment Campaign. The loan payments will be made from the interest earned from our General Endowment. This General Endowment is part of the total Support and Endowment Fund.
History: The seed for this endeavor was planted twenty-five years ago (May 2, 1999) when the congregation approved long range strategic goals to develop a site plan which reflects our commitment to remain at the present location, including: development of a memorial garden, enlargement of the endowment, expansion of the parking lot, enhancement of landscaping in parking areas, and purchase of additional properties to allow for expansion. The strategic goals also included mission initiatives within the neighborhood: tutoring/counseling program for families in this area who are living in poverty and programs to serve and improve the neighborhood around the church. The Steadfast Neighbor Endeavor is faithful to this vision.
The Steadfast Neighbor Endeavor was made possible because of the successful "Building a Legacy of Faith" Twenty-Year Anniversary Endowment Campaign. The loan payments will be made from the interest earned from our General Endowment. This General Endowment is part of the total Support and Endowment Fund.
History: The seed for this endeavor was planted twenty-five years ago (May 2, 1999) when the congregation approved long range strategic goals to develop a site plan which reflects our commitment to remain at the present location, including: development of a memorial garden, enlargement of the endowment, expansion of the parking lot, enhancement of landscaping in parking areas, and purchase of additional properties to allow for expansion. The strategic goals also included mission initiatives within the neighborhood: tutoring/counseling program for families in this area who are living in poverty and programs to serve and improve the neighborhood around the church. The Steadfast Neighbor Endeavor is faithful to this vision.
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Site and Landscape Plan included four major renovations: East Entry, Parking Lot, West Terrace, and Landscape.
The East Entry: We enlarged front door landings to make entrance more welcoming, add ground-level terrace for group gatherings, update landscaping, and preserve the architectural integrity of our historic building. |
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Parking Lot: We increased parking from 113 spaces to 137 spaces, address water and ice hazard, widen the sidewalk along Parish Hall, add drive-through feature to better accommodate those with special needs and for better access to building, add green space to the parking area and renovate landscaping on the north side of sanctuary. This required the removal of the two Walnut Street rental apartment properties and the utilization of the Glenwood rental home driveway.
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West Terrace: We enhanced the screen this area provides for Parish Hall, updated landscaping, and created an area for meditation as well as a welcoming space for fellowship groups.
Landscaping: Replaced 60-ish year-old gum trees, add new grass turf in Southeast lawn with irrigation, add landscaping to East Entry, Parking lot, north side of church, and West Terrace. |
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Proposed Timeline: Spring 2019 - tree removal begins, Fall of 2019 - Landscape Initiative begins, Spring of 2020 - Hardscape Initiatives for East Terrace, West Terrace, and Parking Lot begin. Fall of 2020 - Final landscaping installed.