Downey Avenue Christian Church Founded 150 Years Ago

      On September 19, 1875, 40 people gathered for the very first formal religious service conducted in the new town of Irvington. With just a smattering of houses scattered here and there, the community welcomed what would be known as Butler University in 1875. Ovid Butler, the founder of the college, associated the university with the Disciples of Christ, a denomination founded in the United States in the early nineteenth century. The new administration building on campus had a chapel and it was in that room that the Disciples worshipped and prayed for 18 years. Most of the members came from the college, but services were open to all. Butler students were required to attend during those early years.

     The weather on that Sunday in 1875 turned cooler and into the 40s so Professor John O. Hopkins recommended that the congregants move into his classroom where it was warmer. He also preached the first sermon. Later that year, the church welcomed 87 charter members. Nearby, many local residents gathered at Pleasant Run Creek for baptisms. An Indianapolis News article in 1879 reported that the church baptized 30 new members in the icy stream. As both the town and the college grew, the Disciples needed a larger space. That dream became a reality in 1893 with the dedication of a new brick church located at 111 South Downey Avenue. 

The chapel in the Administration Building (Butler Hall) served as the first space for members of the Disciples of Christ in Irvington to worship. (photo courtesy of the Irvington Historical Society)

The Brick Church (1893-1952)

     On September 5, 1892, church members broke ground at 111 South Downey Avenue for their first sanctuary away from the Butler campus. Designed by William F. Sharpe of Crawfordsville, Indiana, and erected by J.H. Jameson, the brick structure had several gables and a bell tower. At the dedication ceremony on April 9, 1893, congregants sat on carved oak pews and heard a sermon by the Reverend Carey E. Morgan, a Butler University graduate. Many of his former teachers sat in the pews before him.   

     Participation in the church swelled with the new facility. In 1914, the board added an education building just south of the church. The arrival of the Christian Board of Missions nearby also increased membership as many employees attended services at Downey Avenue Christian Church. Sunday schools, Boy Scout troops, and Camp Fire Girls increased the participation of younger Irvington residents in the church. 

     With the church population rising and repairs needed on the 59-year-old structure, the board of directors made the surprising decision to tear down the brick structure for a modern stone edifice.  There is no evidence that church members disapproved of this decision although it was likely that a few might have mourned the loss of the pretty church. 

       

Sketch in the Indianapolis News, February 24, 1892, p. 6

View of Downey Avenue Christian Church from South Downey Avenue looking north towards Julian and Downey Avenues in 1952 (photo courtesy of Don Rouse)

Downey Avenue Christian Church in 1952 from Julian Avenue; You will note the Education Building was  just south of the structure. (photo courtesy of Don Rouse)

Members of the Downey Avenue Christian Church at 111 South Downey Avenue could enter through doors on Julian or Downey Avenues. This photo was likely taken in 1952. Frederick William (Bill) Wiegmann served as the minister. (photo courtesy of Don Rouse)

Easter services in 1952 served as the final time that Downey Avenue Christian Church members attended worship in the brick church. The structure was razed shortly after this service. (photo courtesy of Don Rouse)

Members of a Sunday School program posed for this photograph in 1934 at the Downey Avenue Christian Church at 111 South Downey Avenue. (Photo courtesy of Don Rouse)

The Stone Church (1953--?)

     After the board decided to build a new church building, they hired Edward J. Clark to design the new structure. The architect had designed numerous churches in Indiana including the nearby Linwood Avenue Christian Church at 4424 East Michigan Street. The new church, a "modified" Gothic, was to be clad in limestone from southern Indiana. With a seating capacity for 475 people in the main hall, Clark also added room for 375 additional people in "Fellowship Hall." He included a youth chapel, rumpus rooms, and parlors. The cost came in at $250,000. 

     On a snowy Sunday morning on December 14, 1952, hundreds of church members gathered on the site for the cornerstone laying. Paul F. Brown, the board president, presided while Frederick W. Wiegmann and other dignitaries offered prayers and words. Ida Lamberson Russell, who had the distinction of being present at the 1893 dedication, "helped" to put the stone in place. Also assisting was Hilton U. Brown, the venerable publisher of the Indianapolis News. Both of them had witnessed Irvington grow from a small village into a thriving neighborhood. Several members placed items into the cornerstone box. John D.  Bruckman added a bible. Other items included an invitation to the 1893 dedication, a ceremonial shovel used to break ground, and various church programs. 

     The sanctuary opened in 1953 and for 72 years, the structure has been part of the neighborhood. In 2005, the congregation had a shock when an arsonist attempted to damage the building. Quick work by the fire department saved the structure allowing the congregation to restore the church. The Downey Avenue Christian Church is the oldest denomination within the boundaries of Irvington followed by the Irvington Methodist Church and First Baptist Church. On December 7, 2025, the congregation will be hosting a special service celebrating 150 years in operation with a reception afterwards. 

Frederick William Wiegmann, Francis W. Payne, and Paul F. Brown placed the ceremonial box into the cornerstone on December 14, 1952. We do not know the name of the boy in the photo so if you recognize him, let us know! Behind the crowd, you can see the Creighton Apartments located on the northwest corner of Julian and Downey Avenues. (photo courtesy of Don Rouse)

On December 14, 1952, Downey Avenue Christian Church members gathered to lay the cornerstone of their new church. Beyond the group you can see the former Scot Butler home at 124 South Downey Avenue. In 1952, the house served as the American Legion Post No. 38. To the north of that house you can see the side of 5339 Julian Avenue. That home along with the Butler residence and another house at 5319 Julian Ave were torn down to make way for the new mid-century Board of Church Extension structure. (Photo courtesy of Don Rouse)

On December 14, 1952, Downey Avenue Christian Church members filed past their new building under construction. Behind the beams, you can see the former educational building that had served the church since 1914. It was later razed for a new fellowship hall. (photo courtesy of Don Rouse)

Workers placed beams into position for the new Downey Avenue Christian Church in 1952. Behind the crew you can see the Creighton Apartments and homes along both Julian and Downey Avenues. (Photo courtesy of Don Rouse)

Workers for E. B. Ball finished the new Downey Avenue Christian Church in 1953. (photo courtesy of Don Rouse)

Associate Minister Enos Nelson preached to a packed congregation at the Downey Avenue Christian Church in 1953. (photo courtesy of Don Rouse)

Teens gathered for a Friday night dance in Fellowship Hall adjacent to the church c1955 (photo courtesy of Don Rouse)

The board added a new education wing to the church in 1962. (Photo courtesy of Don Rouse)

The congregation added beautiful stained glass windows to the sanctuary in 1975 in honor of the centennial of the church. (photo courtesy of Don Rouse) 

     I wish to thank Don Rouse for his generosity in loaning me photos for this post, and for providing key historical information.

Sources: George Earle Owen,  A Century of Witness: A History of the Downey Avenue Christian Church, 1875-1975, Indianapolis, 1975; Early Years--"City News," March 31, 1879, 4; Brick Church--"A New Church in Irvington," Indianapolis News, September 5, 1892, p. 2; "Irvington's New Church," Indianapolis News, December 24, 1892, 6; "New House of Worship," Indianapolis Journal, April 10, 1893, 3; "Irvington Church Dedicated," Indianapolis News, April 10, 1893, p. 6; Stone Church--"Downey Avenue to Break Ground," Indianapolis News, May 3, 1952, 4; "Downey Avenue to Lay Stone," Indianapolis News, December 13, 1952, 3; "New Irvington Church Ceremony to be Tomorrow," Indianapolis Star, December 13, 1952, 12; "Downey Avenue Congregation to Dedicate New Edifice," Indianapolis Star, October 31, 1953, 10; Architect--"Edward J. Clark Dies: Designed Many Churches," Indianapolis Star, January 29, 1965, 9. 

A Stroll Down East Washington Street in 1910

Please dress accordingly.  Men, you are to wear a jacket and tie.  Ladies, please put on your long dress and your finest hat as we are going to take a walk along East Washington Street and I don't want any of you scandalizing our community.  Formality is the rule of the day.  I will be giving you a tour so please try to keep up.  There will be time for shopping later.

5420 to 5502 East Washington Street c1910

Our tour begins in front of the Irvington Post Office at 5502 East Washington Street.  You will note that it is a very fine modern building. More letters come in and out of this building than just about any other in the city. Many of those notes are from college students likely asking for more money from their families. George Russell (60 North Ritter Avenue) is our postal clerk.  He is a man who wears many hats.  Men, if you are looking to buy real estate in our fair community then dash upstairs and have a visit with Mr. Russell.  Ladies, you will note that Mr. Russell also sells school supplies.  Some people say that Mr. Russell is the unofficial mayor of our fair suburb.  If you have any questions then please do not hesitate to contact him.

 

Irvington Post Office at 5502 East Washington Street c1910

We shall now cross Ritter Avenue and head west.  You will note that the streetcar tracks are in the middle of Washington Street and are relatively new.  Many in our community work in downtown Indianapolis so it is quite easy to get from Irvington to near Monument Circle in short order.  We have recently bricked most of the streets in the neighborhood. Don't these paths look lovely?  May I remind the men in our tour that you are to walk closest to the street as we do not want any of our lovely women to get splashed from a puddle by those blasted new automobiles.  They are loud and annoying, but what can you do?  Everyone in the neighborhood seems to want one.  I prefer my horse and buggy. Onward, please.

Weesner Drug Store at 5464 East Washington Street c1910

Our next stop is Weesner Drug Store at 5464 East Washington Street.  Gentleman, feel free to bring  your wives here for a soda.  Theodore Weesner (4850 Julian Avenue) is the proprietor of this popular establishment.  You may know that Butler College is located near here and the students love to stop for an ice cream sundae.  I don't approve of the young women who come in here without a chaperone.  I have complained to Mr. Weesner and he is sympathetic, but he is also a businessman. Upstairs you will find various offices for local physicians and dentists if you need one.  Dr. Gilbert Layman (351 North Ritter Avenue) is here if any of you need a tooth pulled.  Please pass under the awning and note that Benjamin F. Staley (5441 Julian Avenue) operates a jewelry store. Next door, is my favorite spot along our fair street!  Can you smell that wonderful aroma? Charles W. Stevens operates a bakery here.

There is no time to lag.  Let's gather under this tree.  Next to me is one of the most important buildings in Irvington as it is our Independent Order of Odd Fellow's Lodge Hall at 5454 East Washington Street.  Many of us utilize the second floor for important meetings.  Our residents have strong opinions on most subjects so our gatherings can be...how shall we say...animated?  On the first floor, Theodore Portteus (306 North Irvington Avenue) sells dry goods.  If Mr. Portteus doesn't have what you need then no one in Irvington does either.  He has the most complete inventory in eastern Marion County.  Next door, Elmer E. Allen (19 South Butler Avenue) runs the neighborhood hardware store.

The Independent Order of Odd Fellows Hall at 5454 East Washington Street c1910

Let us continue walking west.  Please note that I will not be stopping because our time is short so I will mention some of the important highlights in this block. Ernest Bloemker's grocery is located here at 5446 East Washington.  Mr. Bloemker and his clerk, Gaeo Stevens will deliver to your home. Ah yes, and here is Mr. Christian Cook.  He is a our local tailor.  Gentlemen, I can personally vouch for our barber Orville Heady (251 South Ritter Avenue) as I have been very pleased with his shaves.  I like to stop by and chat with other like-minded people to catch up on the latest news.  It was in the barber shop where I learned that the city of Indianapolis wants to put in a boulevard along Pleasant Run stream.  I am very much opposed to to that idea.  Continuing by these smaller storefronts, you will note the hostler, Lawrence W. Sorrell.  I have personally utilized Mr. Sorrell's services and he has taken very good care of my horses.  I worry that he will be out of job soon if everyone buys one of these auto-contraptions.  Speaking of horses, next door George W. Burks (5524 East Michigan Street) runs the Irvington Transfer Company.  What does he transfer you ask?  Sadly, he works with local mortuaries to take our deceased loved ones to Crown Hill, Anderson, and other nearby cemeteries. He charges a very reasonable fee.

5524--5546 East Washington Street c1910

I know I am rushing you, but I couldn't wait to show you our beautiful wood-shaked and gabled fire station at 5432 East Washington Street.  Isn't it lovely?  You see, in Irvington, aesthetics do matter.  We hired architect John Stem to design it.  It was completed in 1903 and we have needed the services of these brave men because we have had a few bad fires recently.  We lost the school twice and some of our lovely homes.  We have several fire signal stations located throughout the neighborhood although we do ask you to talk to your children about the seriousness of false alarms.  The company recently put in a telephone so if you see a fire you can actually phone the station instead of looking for a fire box!  I don't personally have a telephone, but my neighbor does so I will run over to his house if I smell smoke.

Irvington Fire Station at 5432 East Washington Street c1910

Our final stop today is front of the Masonic Hall.  Gentlemen, I can tell you that the Masons are the most popular fraternal organization in our community.  We are growing by the month and may need a new building soon.  You can probably tell I am a proud Mason. Ladies, we do have a dinner every year on George Washington's birthday.  We will be sure to invite you along with your husbands that evening.  We perform skits, roast various prominent members of the community, and dine on delicious food.  You won't want to miss it.  Of course, you must understand that only Protestants are Masons. The Pope seems to have some issue with our organization.  While we are here, you can see that on the first floor of this wonderful building, you can stop by and order your meat from Joseph Karns (5432 Julian Avenue).  He obtains his pork and beef from reputable farmers here in Warren Township.

Masonic Building in Irvington at 5420 East Washington Street c1910

I would love to take you beyond Whittier Place, but I have many important engagements. I hope you have enjoyed your stroll down part of our business corridor.  You will find more commercial enterprises west and east of here.  We also have a small business district along South Audubon Road.  I would like to remind you that if you choose Irvington as your home, please know that garishness is not welcome here.  This is a quiet place where one has time to read and write letters, visit with neighbors on their verandas, and take walks under our canopied boulevards.  Spirits are also forbidden.  Thank you so much for your interest in our community.    

The historic postcard is courtesy of Carol Orbison.  Sadly, every structure pictured in this post has been demolished.  

Children Gather Along Ritter Avenue c1908

These beautiful shots of children dressed in their Sunday finest, shows many neighborhood children on the front lawns of 60, 66, 65, and 67 North Ritter Avenue c1908. The only houses visible in the photos are those of 65 and 67 North Ritter.  You will note that the city was beginning to brick the street.  Two of the girls in the photos are likely Helen and Margaret Hackleman who were born at 28 North Ritter, but grew up next door at 34 North Ritter.  Their Aunt Ida and Uncle George Russell dwelled just a few houses north at 60 North Ritter.

Neighborhood children gathered for a photo on the front yard of either 60 or 66 North Ritter Avenue c1908

Children playing (c1908) at 60 or 66 North Ritter Avenue

Children sit on bricks in front of 67 and 65 North Ritter Avenue

Thaddeus and Jennie Major dwelled at 67 North Ritter in 1908.  They had two children, Bonnie, who would later become a teacher, and Carl.  Mr. Major was both a contractor and accountant at different points in his life. Mrs. Major was an active club woman and frequently hosted the Daughters of the American Revolution in her home.  One of the highlights of their time at 67 North Ritter came on August 14, 1913, with the marriage of their daughter Bonnie to Irvington resident, Louis Richardson. The newlyweds moved into the house and would remain for the rest of their lives.

The Major Home in the winter of 2012.  Note that a brick porch has been added most likely in the 1920s.

Next door at 65 North Ritter, the elderly David Robertson, lived with several of his adult children. One of his sons, Dr. J. Frank Robertson practiced medicine at 2313 East Michigan Street.  Another son, Lou A Robertson, was a well-known attorney.  Lou also lived in the house with his wife Mary.  The Robertsons may have the record for the family who has dwelled in an Irvington house for the longest period of time.  They moved into the beautiful American Four Square in the early 1900s and the last Robertson did not leave until the 1980s.

The Robertson Home in the winter of 2012

The historic photos are courtesy of the Irvington Historical Society, Larry Muncie Collection.

Childhood Scenes at Hackleman Home--1905

Charles and Grace Hackleman had two daughters named Helen and Margaret.  In these historic scenes, little Helen (Margaret had not entered the scene yet.) plays with some unidentified children in 1905.  Her father appears in the top photo.  The children seemed mesmerized by something Mr. Hackleman had put together along the sidewalk in between the houses at 34 and 28 North Ritter Avenue.

Charles Hackleman (34 N. Ritter Ave.) surrounded by children, including his daughter Helen in the background. (1905)  You can see 28 North Ritter Avenue as well.  

In the second photo, little Helen Hackleman is all dressed up and ready to go to the circus.  The photo is dated August 2, 1905.  Helen would later grow up and marry Richmond Bastian.  They would spend most of their married lives together at 28 North Ritter Avenue.  (The home where she was born!) Margaret Hackleman Gaebler, not pictured in these photos, would live the remainder of her life at 34 North Ritter Avenue.  Four doors away, their Aunt Ida Lamberson Russell, lived at 60 North Ritter Avenue.  The Hackleman-Lamberson families truly reigned over this part of Ritter Avenue for decades.

Helen Hackleman (34 N. Ritter Ave.) is ready to go to the circus in 1905.

The historic images are courtesy of Karen Bastian Clark.  The contemporary image shows the Hackleman home in 2012.  (34 N. Ritter Avenue)

Hackleman Home in October of 2012

East Side State Bank--Then and Now

In the summer of 1913, Dr. Beecher Terrell and realtor George Russell stood outside the future East Side State Bank.   Behind them as they chatted, a young man peered into the unfinished building.  The venture represented another milestone for Irvingtonians who longed for a bank close to home.  Newly delivered radiators rested against an outbuilding ready for installment.  Off in the distance, Mrs. Jenkins (36 South Ritter Avenue) waited patiently for her laundry to dry.  Her beautiful home would be an easy walk to the new bank.  Mr. Russell (60 North Ritter), who was also the Postmaster for the neighborhood, was one of the most popular people in the area while Dr. Terrell was one of the most respected.  Dreamers stood along that sidewalk on that sunny day in 1913 and watched as a pile of bricks turned into reality.

Dr. Beecher Terrell and George Russell outside of the future East Side Bank at 5501 East Washington Street in 1913.

An ad promoting the East Side State Bank in 1917.

5501 East Washington Street in 2012 is now the home to Jack and Jill's Antiques.  

The historic image is courtesy of Karen Bastian Clark.