First Congregational Church (Porterville, California)

First Congregational Church
U.S. National Register of Historic Places
Location	165 E. Mill St., Porterville, California
Coordinates	36°4′7″N 119°0′43″W / 36.06861°N 119.01194°WCoordinates: 36°4′7″N 119°0′43″W / 36.06861°N 119.01194°W
Area	0.4 acres (0.16 ha)
Built	1908
Architect	Meeker, George C.; Reed, Francis W.
Architectural style	Gothic Revival, First Bay Tradition
NRHP Reference #	98001553[1]
Added to NRHP	January 5, 1999

First Congregational Church is a historic church building at 165 E. Mill Street in Porterville, California. The church was built in 1908 by Porterville's Congregationalists. San Francisco architects Francis W. Reed and George C. Meeker designed the church; their design applies the principles of the First Bay Tradition to a Gothic Revival plan. The design includes a shingled wooden exterior, typical of the First Bay Tradition, and a Gothic spire and arches; the church is the only building in the southern San Joaquin Valley to incorporate both styles. The new church building served as an "institutional church" which also provided community services, including an auditorium, a gymnasium and swimming pool, and a private kindergarten.^[2]

The church was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1999. The congregation is not affiliated with the United Church of Christ.

References

1. Staff (2010-07-09). "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service.
2. Foerster, Eleanor; Slaven, John; Stewart, Joan (August 31, 1998). "National Register of Historic Places Registration Form: First Congregational Church" (PDF). National Park Service. Retrieved June 17, 2014. Accompanied by photos.