First Congregational Church of Akron
Akron, Ohio
Original Date: 1910

Designed in the Richardsonian Romanesque style, the massive masonry structure has a complex façade featuring crenellated towers, varied masonry textures, and round top windows, each with a unique stained glass pattern. Apart from it's striking appearance, First Congregational Church is also architecturally significant for retaining an interior layout known as the Akron Plan.

The present structure, built in1910, was designed by the architectural firm of Charles Henry & Son. Among the leading area architects, the Henry firm promoted the "Akron Plan" of church design nationally. Originally this plan was a unique Sunday school arrangement which featured radiating classrooms adjacent to the sanctuary and separated by partitions. First Congregational Church retains these historically significant spaces today.

The pipe organ was shipped to Quebec for restoration. In the 12 months that it was gone, the restoration of the sanctuary was bid and completed. Special features of this project include incredible oak wood work with a natural waxed finish, decorative painting, stenciling, decorative plaster moldings, wonderful stained glass windows, skylight, and domed skylight. Exterior restoration included removing the asphalt roof shingles and restoring the historic slate roof, restoring the copper cladding on the monitor, reopening two skylights, repairing the masonry, and re-voicing the bells in the tower.