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Roberts Park United Methodist Church, Indianapolis
Roberts Park United Methodist Church, originally known as Roberts Park Methodist Episcopal Church, stands as one of downtown Indianapolis's oldest churches. Dedicated on August 27, 1876, it is a historic example of Romanesque Revival architecture, designed by Diedrich A. Bohlen, a renowned German-born architect who shaped several iconic structures in Indiana. The church, located at Delaware and Vermont Streets, is constructed of Indiana limestone and features a rectangular plan with a prominent three-story bell tower on its southwest corner.
Bohlen's design reflects the Rundbogenstil (round-arch) style, showcasing influences from his German architectural studies. The Delaware Street façade features three sections with repeated round-arched arcades. The central section, highlighted by stained-glass windows and rose windows, is flanked by narrower segments. A gable with stone crosses and a Saint Mary statue crowns the roofline. The bell tower, with its rounded-arch windows and pyramid-shaped roof, remains a distinctive feature despite the unbuilt spire.
The church’s sanctuary is celebrated for its exquisite black-walnut woodwork, particularly the dual staircases leading to galleries that span three sides of the sanctuary. This craftsmanship enhances the timeless beauty of the worship space.
The church traces its origins to 1822 when Indianapolis’s first Methodist congregation formed. After a division in 1842, one group established Roberts Chapel in 1843, named after Methodist Bishop Robert R. Roberts. The decision to construct a new church at its current location followed the Civil War, with construction beginning in 1869 and culminating in 1876 after financial delays. The building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on August 19, 1982.
Beyond its architectural grandeur, the church is home to one of the Homeless Jesus statues, symbolizing its commitment to social justice and compassion. This statue is located behind the church on Alabama Street.
A 1927 addition at the church's east end maintains the original structure's aesthetic, ensuring continuity in its design and function. Roberts Park United Methodist Church continues to be a spiritual and architectural landmark, embodying over a century of history and service in Indianapolis.
Bohlen's design reflects the Rundbogenstil (round-arch) style, showcasing influences from his German architectural studies. The Delaware Street façade features three sections with repeated round-arched arcades. The central section, highlighted by stained-glass windows and rose windows, is flanked by narrower segments. A gable with stone crosses and a Saint Mary statue crowns the roofline. The bell tower, with its rounded-arch windows and pyramid-shaped roof, remains a distinctive feature despite the unbuilt spire.
The church’s sanctuary is celebrated for its exquisite black-walnut woodwork, particularly the dual staircases leading to galleries that span three sides of the sanctuary. This craftsmanship enhances the timeless beauty of the worship space.
The church traces its origins to 1822 when Indianapolis’s first Methodist congregation formed. After a division in 1842, one group established Roberts Chapel in 1843, named after Methodist Bishop Robert R. Roberts. The decision to construct a new church at its current location followed the Civil War, with construction beginning in 1869 and culminating in 1876 after financial delays. The building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on August 19, 1982.
Beyond its architectural grandeur, the church is home to one of the Homeless Jesus statues, symbolizing its commitment to social justice and compassion. This statue is located behind the church on Alabama Street.
A 1927 addition at the church's east end maintains the original structure's aesthetic, ensuring continuity in its design and function. Roberts Park United Methodist Church continues to be a spiritual and architectural landmark, embodying over a century of history and service in Indianapolis.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Indianapolis. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Roberts Park United Methodist Church on Map
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Sight Name: Roberts Park United Methodist Church
Sight Location: Indianapolis, USA (See walking tours in Indianapolis)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Indianapolis, USA (See walking tours in Indianapolis)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Indianapolis, Indiana
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.6 Km or 2.9 Miles