Title
Ordinance - Public Hearing Continuation and Second and Final Reading on an Ordinance Approving a Historic Landmark Overlay District Designation for the First Methodist Church Parsonage, 1945, located at 105 North 1st Avenue; Matt Crocker of 105 N. 1st Avenue LLC, owner (HLC#24-010)
Requested Action
To consider the proposed Historic Landmark Overlay District designation.
Recommendation
The Planning and Zoning Commission met on January 6, 2025, and voted 7 to 0 to recommend approval of the Historic Landmark Overlay District designation.
Vote:
Ayes: 7 - Mainer, Axen, Bennett, Godin, Moses, Thompson, and Walker
Nays: 0
Absent: 0
The Historic Landmark Commission met on December 12, 2024, and voted 6 to 0 (with one absence) to recommend approval of the Historic Landmark Overlay District designation.
Vote:
Ayes: 6 - Smith, Littlefield, Johnston, Leach, Walker and Weydeck
Nays: 0
Absent: 1 - Klenzendorf
The Historic Preservation Officer recommends approval of the Historic Landmark Overlay District designation.
First Reading
The City Council met on January 13, 2025, and voted 7 to 0 to approve the zoning change at First Reading.
Description/History
The property owner has requested a Historic Landmark Overlay District classification for the historic First Methodist Church Parsonage located at 105 North 1st Avenue. The parsonage is one of two related church buildings on North 1st Avenue. The other building is the First Methodist Church building of 1944. The property is zoned D, Downtown District and is currently used for offices.
This building is categorized as a Medium priority resource in the 1998 Historic Resources Survey Update. Medium priority resources typically have lower architectural and physical integrity compared to High priority or Selected Medium priority properties. They are often marked by alterations or material deterioration that have removed, altered, or obscured original design elements, but are considered contributing to a historic district.
Historic Background
Mansfield's Methodists established a congregation in 1872, merging with two rural congregations. Wyatts Chapel and Poindexter Methodist Church, A circuit preacher conducted services. Although town co-founder Julian Feild donated a 100 X 100 fool lot on Water (Main) Street in the heart of Mansfield for a church, none was built due to lack of funds. The Methodists continued to worship at the Mansfield Congregation until 1891 when they exchanged the Feild lot for another on North First Street. just west of the central business district in an established residential neighborhood and built a one-room frame church. When the church building was destroyed by a fire in 1942, a new brick building was constructed with the parsonage next door.
The First Methodist Church Parsonage was constructed in 1945 to replace the 1895 parsonage that was about to fall down. Lumber from the old parsonage was salvaged for use in the new building, but the original square nails could not be used again.
While the parsonage was being rebuilt, Reverend S.W. Reynolds and his wife lived with the Rosier family across the street. The new pastor, Reverend W.E. Gordon and his wife lived in the church Fellowship Hall until the parsonage was completed.
Although the brick exterior is painted today, the parsonage was given a yellow brick veneer to match the church building on the adjoining lot. The parsonage exhibits Minimal Traditional influences such as minimal eave overhangs, front-facing gable and minimal detailing.
The First Methodist Church Parsonage is an officially recognized historic resource of the City of Mansfield.
Designation Criteria
The Historic Landmark Overlay District designation should be considered in light of the following criteria:
1. Relationship to other distinctive buildings, sites or areas which are eligible for preservation based on architectural, historic or cultural motif. The 1944 Methodist Church and the 1945 parsonage are the oldest remaining religious buildings in Mansfield listed in the Historic Resources Survey Update. While many of the city's oldest congregations are still active, the original buildings that once served these churches no longer exist or have been extensively modified.
2. A building, structure, or place that because of its location has become of historic or cultural value to a neighborhood or community. The rebuilding of the parsonage was a community affair led by Reverend Wayne Reynolds, who donated the first $100 toward the project. Funding and work on the parsonage were provided by the church members and friends of the church in Mansfield. In addition to serving as the residence of the pastor, the parsonage was also used for meetings of civic groups such as the Garden Club, weddings, and other smaller religious gatherings.
Prepared By
Art Wright, AICP
Planning Manager/HPO
817-276-4226