Visiting First Presbyterian Church, North East, Pennsylvania: Imposing Gothic Revival Structure, Dating From 1885

Dating from 1885, the striking building of First Presbyterian Church, North East, Pennsylvania evidences some strongly Gothic Revival features (1). These include many pointed arches. A tower at the Main Street elevation seems indeed to be a grandiose pinnacle, pinnacles also being among the features commonly associated with the Gothic style in architecture.

Executed in brick, for well over a century the building has been among the most prominent of landmarks in the town of North East. The crowning feature of the structure is arguable its tall spire.

The congregation itself dates from 1801 (2). In 1884 a fire which consumed a structure used immediately prior to the present building was the catalyst for the commencement of the structure which now stands in Main Street. The congregation which began in 1801 is reputed to be the oldest settled church in Pennsylvania's Erie County.

I have also supplied a public domain photo of the building from the Presbyterian Historical Society, Philadelphia, taken about 100 years ago.

The building is situated at 25 West Main Street, North East, PA 16428, in the state's Erie County. It is one of many notable structures in the North East Historic District.

February 22, 2018

Notes

(1) See also: http://letsmoveoutside.org/trails.php/north-east-heritage-path/51/2218/655/3150 This link has details of a local, historic trail. Contact for Trail: North East Chamber of Commerce, 17 E. Main St. (T: 814.725.4262) .

(2) See also: http://www.fpcne.org/who-we-are/our-history This link includes an artist's impression of the original log building in which the congregation began in 1801.

In North East itself, other structures and features include: Gibson Park and war memorial, the former First National Bank building, Lake Shore Railway Museum, the McCord Memorial Library, Short's Hotel; and many others; while on the map the Keystone State is located substantially inland from both the Atlantic Seaboard and the Great Lakes, yet part of the Erie Lake Shore belongs to Pennsylvania, and beaches with bracing winds are located a relatively short distance from Downtown North East.

Presque Isle State Park and the Perry Monument (distance: c. 25 miles / 41 kilometres) are located on large, striking peninsular extending into Lake Erie. The Monument recalls Commodore Oliver H. Perry's naval leadership during the War of 1812.

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How to get there: American Eagle, Delta Connection and United Express fly to Erie International Airport (distance from North East: 21.9 miles / 37 kilometres) from Philadephia, Detroit and Chicago-O'Hare respectively; car rental is available at Erie International Airport. North East is situated close to the I-90. Please check with the airline or your travel agent for up to date information.

MJFenn is an independent travel writer based in Ontario, Canada.