First Universalist Church of Cedar Rapids

The First Universalist Church is a Mission Revival style church in Cedar Rapids with an irregular T-shaped layout and intersecting gable roofs. The building sat on a rubble-stone foundation and served its community for many decades as a gathering place.

Architect Edwin J. Lewis Jr. designed the building in 1908, merging Universalist traditions with contemporary architectural approaches. The site gained National Register of Historic Places recognition in 1978 to honor its role in the region's architectural story.

The church embraced a meetinghouse approach that valued openness and accessibility over towers or spires. This design choice reflected a philosophy centered on gathering people together in a welcoming space.

The building was located at 600 3rd Avenue Southeast, where it stood in its original form for many years. Structural damage and moisture issues eventually led to its removal in 2011.

The exterior walls featured decorative buttresses, while the gables incorporated stucco with vertical half-timber elements. These details connected the design to the Arts and Crafts movement and revealed the architect's interest in handcrafted details.

Location: Iowa

GPS coordinates: 41.98000,-91.66222

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:47