HISTORY OF THE BUILDING CONSTRUCTION
On September 25, 1955, forty-three persons banded together in Christian love to organize North Christian Church. Worship services were held at St. Paul's Episcopal Church from October 1955 until February 1956 when the Caldwell mansion on 25th street was purchased and converted to a house of worship. In 1958, land was purchased on Tipton Lane for construction of a new building. In November, 1958, an Architectural Committee was formed and they selected Eero Saarinen as the architect in February, 1959.
Groundbreaking was held on September 2, 1962 and the congregation held its first worship service in the new sanctuary on March 8, 1964. Six weeks later on April 19th, the new building was dedicated. The Holtkamp organ was dedicated the following Sunday.
In October, 1983, a Capital Campaign was initiated to repair the slate roof, repair the oculus and Sanctuary ceiling, make improvements to the kitchen, purchase computers for the staff and establish a maintenance reserve fund.
In May, 1993 a Capital Campaign was initiated to install two lifts (one in the Sanctuary and one for access to the lower level), install a wireless FM sound system for the hearing impaired, improve the exterior lighting, resurface the parking lot, replace the east entry doors adding one automatic door, refurbish and re-leather the organ and contribute to the Denomination's "Embrace the Future" Capital Campaign.
On September 21, 1997, a new Memorial Garden located in the sunken area on the southeast corner of the building was dedicated providing for plaques to be placed in memory of those who have gone home to their Lord.
In 1999, a Capital Campaign was initiated to renovate the east and west entries including the addition of ramps and improved lighting, add a sound system and accessible seating for those using the lift in the Sanctuary, build a new child care suite on the south side of the upper level, build an outdoor playground in the southwest corner of the property, relocate the staff offices to the north side of the building, make youth room improvements and contribute to the Indiana Region's "From Generation to Generation" Capital Campaign.
In 2000, the building and grounds were designated a National Historic Landmark by the National Park Service of the United States Department of Interior.
In 2003, the metal cladding surrounding the spire was replaced due to the deterioration in the method used to secure the cladding to the plywood framework of the spire.
In 2005, a Capital Campaign was initiated to replace the slate roof including new gutters and fascia restoration, resurface the parking lot, re-establish lighting to illuminate the spire at night, create a welcome center in the Narthex, update staff offices and re-establish a fountain in the baptistry. A successful application was made to the National Park Service for a "Save America's Treasurers" grant to provide funds to help with cost of the roof replacement.
In October 2009, the Memorial Garden was upgraded with the addition of seating, replacement of the steps leading to the garden and the addition of rails on both sides of the steps.
Link to Building Construction Pictures