In April 1926, readers of The Birmingham News were invited to marvel at Independent Presbyterian Church’s newly dedicated sanctuary—an “auditorium” described as “a thing of beauty, both interior and exterior.” The doorway was “regarded by critics as one of the most beautiful architecturally in the country.”
A century later, that same building continues to stand as a testament to faith boldly expressed through architecture, generosity, and community. As Independent Presbyterian Church celebrates the 100th anniversary of its sanctuary, we look back at the remarkable story of a young congregation, a pastor’s evolving vision, and a sacred space built to reflect the love of God and the devotion of God’s people.
Late in 1915, shortly after the congregation’s founding, minister Dr. Henry M. Edmonds stated his opposition to the eventual erection of a “big” building. At the time, Independent Presbyterian Church worshiped weekly at Temple Emanu-El. During those early years, the congregation grew rapidly, expanding from 189 members to more than 1,000 in just four years.
Inspired by “his love of beauty and conviction that physical symbols were one principal means of expressing tangibly God’s love of man and man’s love of God,” Edmonds experienced a change of heart. By March 1920, he challenged the congregation to fund construction of a $200,000 building in the rapidly growing Chestnut Hills neighborhood. In a single evening, congregants pledged half of the amount, equivalent to $3.24 million in today’s dollars. The educational building was completed in 1922, marking the first major step toward realizing this new architectural vision.
Designed by architects Warren & Knight, in collaboration with Miller and Martin, the cornerstone for the English Perpendicular Gothic Revival sanctuary was laid March 29, 1925. Within the cornerstone, a metal box was placed containing a Bible, a brief church history, membership and officer rosters, and copies of the city’s two daily newspapers. Dr. Edmonds was at the time seriously ill in Connecticut and unable to attend this milestone moment in the life of the church.
After just thirteen months of construction, the new sanctuary was formally dedicated on Good Friday, April 2, 1926, with additional services on Easter Sunday.
Constructed of Shades Mountain variegated sandstone, with a blending of half-timber and stucco, the cruciform floorplan is crowned with an intricately traced copper spire rising from the intersection of nave and transept. This small Gothic spire, known as a fleche, remains one of the building’s most distinctive features. Upon the completion of the entire complex, including furnishings, an organ gifted by the Women of the Church, the manse to the rear, and the Children’s Fresh Air Farm, the total physical investment represented more than $500,000.
On Thanksgiving Day of that same momentous year, Independent Presbyterian Church accepted a gift that symbolized its earliest years. The congregation of Temple Emanu-El presented a seven-branched old Sheffield silver plate candelabra in recognition of the seven years during which Independent Presbyterian Church worshiped in the temple before completing its own sanctuary. Saved from a disastrous fire in 1992, the candelabra continues to represent the historical connection between the two congregations more than a century later.
The congregation will mark this centennial during a special celebration lunch on Sunday, April 12 at 12 pm, with additional educational opportunities offered during Sunday School throughout Eastertide.
We also invite you to help us tell the story of the IPC Sanctuary through images. We welcome still shots of the Sanctuary that capture its beauty, light, and architectural details. We are also grateful to receive personal photographs taken in the Sanctuary for meaningful occasions such as weddings, baptisms, confirmations, or other special events. Submitted photos should relate specifically to the Sanctuary itself, rather than other areas of the church.
Photo Submission Guidelines
- Please submit high-resolution images whenever possible
- Recommended minimum file size: 1 MB
- If sending from an iPhone, choose Original or Largest File Size
- JPEG or PNG files are preferred
Email photos to photos@ipc-usa.org, and be sure to include your name with your submission. Thank you for helping us honor the life and legacy of this sacred space!
