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First Church of Christ, Scientist
Present and Original Owners: Architectural Notes:
This edifice is one of Eureka’s finest Craftsman architectural
landmarks. Designed by prominent
Eureka architect Frank Georgeson, it was completed in seven months by builders
Ira B. Thompson & Sons. In 1967
a Sunday school and church extension was constructed from plans drawn by Peter
Vallerga. The board-and-batten
walls and low-arched windows of the original building are repeated in the
sensitive addition. Notable Features:
This Craftsman style uses redwood extensively.
While some remodeling was done in 1952, the original structure stands
very much as built. Historical Notes:
In 1900, just a year after becoming incorporated, the church purchased
the initial piece of the property on this block, now occupied by the 1914
edifice. Prior to the new
building’s construction, members met in a small rented church on the same
property, later relocated to Tenth and G Streets.
Zipporah Russ, a widow of Ferndale pioneer Joe Russ, funded the property.
On Nov. 29, 1914, the first service was held in this sanctuary, which had a
seating capacity of 250. Interestingly,
the Mary Baker Eddy Trust in Boston funded more than half of the original
construction cost of $8,000. For nearly a century, this
unique church has held a dignified presence in Eureka’s architectural
landscape.
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