The First Presbyterian Church of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, stands as a testament to the city’s rich history and architectural heritage. Established in the 1760s, it is recognized as the oldest religious congregation in Northeastern Pennsylvania.
Architectural Significance
In 1889, the congregation commissioned J. Cleveland Cady, renowned for designing New York City’s American Museum of Natural History, to design a new church edifice. Cady’s design resulted in a grand Richardsonian Romanesque-style structure, notable for its robust stonework, rounded arches, and imposing presence. The previous church building became the Osterhout Free Library. Dedicated in 1894, the church is considered the first large-scale steel-framed building in Wilkes-Barre, showcasing innovative construction techniques of the era. The showpiece of the building are the many Tiffany stained glass windows.
Historical Context
The church’s origins trace back to the 1760s, amidst the settlement disputes between Connecticut and Pennsylvania. Members of the Connecticut Susquehanna Company, who initially established the congregation, played a pivotal role in the region’s early development. Throughout its history, the church has been a center for community engagement, notably participating in abolitionist movements in the 1830s.
