Building History

Construction of our current church building and 175-foot bell tower began in 1891 and was completed in 1895.  It was designed by Swiss architect Henry J. Hefty to resemble the Old South Church in Boston.  Our building is considered to be one of the few examples of Venetian Gothic architecture in the United States.  For its first 60 years or more, our building was the tallest structure in Portland.

The beautiful stained glass windows were commissioned in 1906 and designed by Povey Brothers of Portland.

The building originally included not just the 175-foot bell tower, but also two smaller 100-foot towers and a cuppola.  Unfortunately, due to extensive damage from weather and pigeons, the smaller towers and cuppola were removed in 1951.

Our historic building remains on many walking tours of Portland.