First Lutheran Church, Dayton

First Lutheran Church is renowned for its impressive Gothic Revival architecture. Established in the early 1900s to accommodate a large congregation, this church has been recognized as a historic site due to its architectural significance and enduring legacy. The congregation's roots date back to 1841, just two years after its organization, with the construction of its initial two-story building. This original building took over a year to be ready for worship, with the second story being added three years later.

The current church building, completed in 1906, showcases a Gothic Revival style designed by the architectural firm of Peters, Burns, and Pretzinger. The architects aimed to emulate the grandeur of prominent Lutheran churches in Europe, incorporating various traditional elements into the design. These include stained glass portraits of the Twelve Apostles and the Four Evangelists, intricate label stops with figureheads, and a painted ceiling with visible structural components. These features combine to create a visually stunning and spiritually uplifting worship space.

One of the church's most striking features is its central tower, which rises to a height of 100 feet (30 meters). This tower, along with the tall, thin ogive windows and the use of stone with multicolored veins for the exterior walls, contributes to the building's distinctive Gothic Revival aesthetic. The rusticated stone construction adds a sense of permanence and strength, reflecting the church's historical and cultural significance within the community.

As the only remaining downtown church in Dayton built in the Gothic Revival style, First Lutheran Church stands as a testament to the city's rich architectural heritage.