History and Architecture

For nearly 150 years, Westminster Presbyterian Church has worked to fulfill its mission of serving as “a telling presence in the city.” At its founding in 1857, the congregation was a small gathering of eight people of Scotch, Irish and Welsh heritage. After raising $2,000, they built a church on Fourth Street in Minneapolis. The Westminster congregation grew rapidly, prompting the construction of a new, larger church on Seventh Street and Nicollet Avenue (now Nicollet Mall), which opened its doors in March 1883. Some twelve years later the building was heavily damaged by fire, forcing the congregation to move. Ground was broken in 1896 on the new site at the corner of Twelfth Street and Nicollet Avenue – Westminster’s current site – and the congregation began meeting for services at the present church in 1897.

The architectural design, including the floor plan of the sanctuary, was modeled after the earlier church on Seventh Street. The chapel, parlor, great hall, cloister hall, and new offices were added in 1937. The education wing was built in the 1950s. A remodeling project in 1985 updated and refurbished many areas of the church and included the addition of the current upstairs office space.

In 1998 a major renovation of the sanctuary was undertaken. This $3.5 million project focused on three main areas: restoration of elements found in the original sanctuary design, renovation of tired and worn elements, and desired improvements. A primary objective of the sanctuary project was to restore elements of the original design. These elements, lost in earlier renovations, include enriched color throughout the sanctuary, decorative painting, patterned carpet, and an uncluttered space. The renovated sanctuary reopened for worship on Sunday, December 20, 1998.

In 1999 Westminster was entered on the National Register of Historic Places. This registry is the official list of historic properties recognized by the Federal Government as worthy of preservation for their significance in American history, architecture, archaeology, engineering and culture. Westminster is honored to be on the register and is committed to preserving our piece of history for all who will pass by and enter our doors.

For more detailed information on Westminster's architecture and history, contact Rodney Allen Schwartz.