Page 20 - Microsoft Word - Fort Pierre Historic Homes Bldgs (December 2020)

Old Congregational Church
K. 114 W. Main
Built between 1908 and 1909, the United Church of Christ, now
known as the Fort Pierre Congregational Church, is the only
example of High Victorian Gothic architecture in Fort Pierre. The
late Victorian Gothic style is the last phase of the Gothic Revival,
but it is sometimes treated as a separate style. The style is
characterized by decorative polychrome patterns produced by the
use of contrasting color or texture in brick and stonework.
Churches and public buildings are the most common building
types designed in this style.
The church is constructed of locally made brick on a foundation of
Hot Springs sandstone. The building’s most distinguishing feature
is the square tower set into the corner of the façade. In addition to
the tower, the pointed arch windows, brick detailing above the
windows, and bi-chromatic appearance resulting from the use of
brick with contrasting stone foundation and trim are also
characteristic of High Victorian Gothic architecture.
This building is on National Register of Historic Places.
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St. Peter’s Episcopal Church
L. 713 South 1 Street
st
The Chapter of Calvary Cathedral of Sioux Falls purchased one
lot and a portion of another just east of the present Stanley County
High School from Ann and Frank Ketchum of Woodbury, IA for
$367 and the St. Peter’s Church was built on this lot in 1895 which
makes it one of the oldest structures in Fort Pierre. From local
history notes, it appears that it was moved several times and one
of the locations was at the corner of Highway 83 and Main Avenue
where the Log Cabin now sits. It was used originally as the county
courtroom. Then it was purchased and moved across the street
just east of the school shop and used as a store. George D.
Mathieson purchased it for an Episcopal church, and it was moved
to about where the old entrance is to the school. George D.
Mathieson built the altar, which is still used in the church.
In 1960, the church congregation wanted space for a vicarage and
future guild hall, so they purchased 11 lots on the hill beside
Highway 83 from Leo J. Hughes on October 5, 1960, and built a
vicarage. St. Peter’s was moved to its present location in the fall of
1983. The first service at the present location was held on Good
Friday, April 20, 1984. The bell on top of the church was given by
Grondine Giddings and was from the Riggs School on the Oahe
bottom, a site which is now under the waters of the Oahe Dam.
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