The bright red arched door of First Presbyterian Church, across from Lincoln Library on Seventh Street in downtown Springfield, beckons people from all walks of life to enter. The church has a long history of service and commitment to the Springfield community. Beautiful Tiffany stained-glass windows, a specially designed pipe organ with 3,250 pipes and the pew from which the Lincoln family worshipped are some of the notable artistic and historic features of this church building. Now, a massive renovation is underway. "This project is an investment in our relationships with our partners and neighbors," says Pastor Susan Phillips.
The current building, on the corner of Seventh and Capitol streets, was purchased from Third Presbyterian Church in 1872. Mary and Abraham Lincoln worshipped in the First Presbyterian Church's previous building on the corner of Third and Washington streets. That building was later torn down but the Lincolns' pew remains and is on display near the sanctuary. It was purchased by John W. Bunn in 1912 and moved to the current building.
Additions to the church were built in 1920 (although new information may reveal that addition is older) and in 1967 (for an education and office building). There is no elevator, and only 12,000 of the 40,000 square feet of space are currently accessible. Pastor Susan Phillips describes the current building as maze-like, with narrow hallways and steps connecting multiple levels. This presents numerous limitations to making the building more accessible to the public and community organizations.
The renovation, costing approximately $7 million, will provide 20,000 additional square feet of accessible space for a diversity of uses without changing the building's footprint. "In order to be faithful, we have to share our space," said Phillips. The goal is to create accessible, beautiful and functional spaces for the church's own ministries and mission partners. Phillips recognizes that many people in the community face daily traumas. That has been taken into consideration, and construction will incorporate concepts of design-healing spaces that are calming and welcoming, with a lot of natural light. The Samuels Group from Wausau, Wisconsin, is the architect, and O'Shea Builders is the construction firm. Paul Barribeau, of the Groth Design Group, is the architect for the new chapel.
Renovation began in August 2023, following an extensive five-year planning process that involved the congregation as well as dozens of community leaders. Feasibility studies addressed the viability of the 1920 wing and connecting the sanctuary and 1920 and 1967 additions. The footprint of the buildings will remain the same, but the 1920s structure will be replaced, requiring removal of the old chapel. Features with sentimental value, such as the pulpit and other decorative elements, will be preserved in a history room off the main reception hall. A new elevator will provide access to all five levels of the building. Other construction elements include building new accessible entrances from the parking lot, updating the kitchens, designing a new chapel, creating a kid-friendly lounge and creating flexible classroom, lounge, and chapel spaces for future generations. Asbestos abatement is complete, construction is well underway, and the hope is to welcome people to the new spaces prior to the end of 2024.
Phillips and the congregation are committed to health, well-being, beauty and equity through collaboration with community organizations for a myriad of activities. They will reach out to organizations with whom they already have relationships and welcome conversations with others who may be interested in using this space. Phillips invites those who may have an interest to contact her at [email protected].
Looking to the future builds upon First Presbyterian Church's significant contributions historically. "Many groups started, nested, grew and launched here," said Phillips. After the 1908 Race Riot in Springfield led to the formation of the NAACP, the Springfield chapter met at First Presbyterian Church. When the Islamic community began gathering in Springfield, their members met at the church and held a fundraising dinner. First Presbyterian Church formed and housed Health First, a free health clinic, 20 years ago, until it outgrew the space and became the Central Counties Health Center.
Other recent examples include hosting the Joy of Movement classes for people with Parkinson's, the Hands and Feet Clinic, World Affairs Council, Road Scholars, theater rehearsals, music recitals, antiracism training and the Garvey-Tubman arts camp. First Presbyterian Church is also proud of being an open and affirming congregation that celebrates marriage equality and welcomes the full participation of LGBTQIA+ people in the life and ministry of the church.
Priorities also include collaborating with others to dismantle structural racism and systemic poverty. First Presbyterian Church is connected with the Springfield Coalition on Dismantling Racism. Samaritan ministries include:
• a food pantry in partnership with Grace Lutheran church,
• assistance by email to link people in need with various social services,
• financial support for programs of Helping Hands and the Springfield Immigrant Advocacy Network,
• volunteers who provide hot meals to shelter residents, and
• a Compassion Care Fund for people in need.
"There's lots coming up in the decades ahead in downtown Springfield," said Phillips. "It has been our tradition and history to collaborate for the health and well-being of the community. The renovation now underway will ensure First Presbyterian Church continues to play that role far into the future. For more information go to https://www.lincolnschurch.org/.
