| The
Congregational Church of Blair is a good example of the Carpenter Gothic style
of architecture. The board and batten structure was constructed in 1874 by
George Sutherland, a local builder. The design was done by Charles F. Driscoll,
an Omaha architect. The church had been organized on February 19, 1870 and by
November 22, 1874 the new building had been completed and dedicated.
The sanctuary was 28 x 40 feet built with a high peaked
ceiling supported by heavy wood arches. The original building was placed on a
very low foundation which did not include a basement. The south annex was added
in 1884. Early pictures show the building and south annex on the original
foundation served by dirt streets. Since Walker Avenue was paved with brick in
1921, this helps us to date additions to the building.
Another interesting bit of evidence shows up in the
church minutes of September 1908 where an expenditure of $1241.25 is recorded
for extensive improvements to the church which included a complete basement.
In 1957, an addition of Sunday School rooms
was added to the west side of the building, matching the original building.
In 1999 another addition was completed including an elevator and a new
restroom. |
