First United Methodist Church of La Porte. The cornerstone was laid on Oct. 9, 1927 for what at the time was the Methodist Episcopal Church (to serve the expanding congregation formed when the German Methodists and the Methodist Episcopal Church merged in 1919.) The building was designed by George Wood Allen, the most prolific architect in the city of La Porte at the time. He is responsible for many structures in La Porte (including at least 14 in the historical district), as well as in nearby towns and cities. Allen was also an accomplished writer and poet; he wrote and published six volumes of poetry and short essays as well as other books. "Along the Way" was published in 1942 and includes anecdotal comments on the practice of building and places. Allen’s motto was “it pays to build well.” Allen designed in a variety of styles. He displayed his mastery of the 20th century Gothic Revival movement in his design of the church. This cut stone building trimmed in limestone features buttresses, pointed arches, and vertical tracery that typify Gothic architecture. The church was completed in 1928. On November the 4th all the Sunday School members, 700 strong, paraded from the old church in one solid line to the new building. No classes were held on this date, but members did tour the buildings and located their class rooms. In 1939 Methodist Espiscopal Northe and South churches and Methodist Protestant merged and became known as First Methodist. In 1968 First Methodist merged with Evangelical Brethren Church to become the First United Methodist Church. ----- Best viewed full size. Thanks for looking & commenting. Previous Photo: ----------- * RangeRiderRichard's Photo Albums: Architecture | Atmosphere & Mood | Landscapes | Critters | Flowers & Plants | Miscellaneous | Food | Artwork | Poetry | Holidays | People