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"On December 6, 1796, the Christian people in the various settlements banded themselves together in a Church under a simple but comprehensive confession of faith and covenant." So runs an account in the handwriting of Rufus Putnam, concerning the first organized church in Marietta and how the oldest continuous worshipping fellowship west of the Alleghenies began.
Since the beginning, the unusual exterior architecture of the church has included two "bell cones," as the twin towers were often referred to, patterned after the Hollis St. Congregational Church in Boston that Rufus Putnam attended. The "two horned" church (a name given by rivermen who watched for the lights of its tall twin spires against the sky) was remodeled in 1901-1902, but completely destroyed by fire in 1905. A new building along similar lines but of brick veneer was erected on the same site one year later.
The sanctuary of the church also has a very New England look, with polished wood pews, white-painted trim, a wide center aisle with red carpet, and converted gas lights along the walls. The beauty and peacefulness of First Church has made it a favorite place for weddings, festivals, and other special occasions.
As part of its 190th birthday celebration, the congregation of First Church undertook a major restoration program. Included in this project were a replacement of the heating plant, demolition of the 80 year old carriage house, expansion of parking facilities, and rebuilding a three-manual 36 rank Austin Chancel Pipe Organ.
First Church celebrated its bicentennial -- its 200th anniversary on the same site -- in December, 1996, and the history of the church continues. In 1998, the congregation called its first woman minister to the pastorate, and the Marietta Area Community Food Pantry, which originated and is still housed at First Church, has become a major asset in Marietta and Washington County, Ohio. (See Church Today for more information.)
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