A Look Back In History

Originally built in 1898 by a small group of  Christian Science parishioners, the First Church  of Christ Scientist is an excellent example of  Richardsonian Romanesque style designed by  prominent Minneapolis architect, Harry Wild  Jones. Constructed of massive Sioux quartzite  quarried near Pipestone, MN, and limestone, the  church cost its parishioners $9000 to build. The  beauty of the building with its arched stain glass  windows and contrasting Sioux quartzite and  limestone combine for a polychromatic effect.  

Christian Church  
In 1937 the church changed hands when it was  purchased by the Christian Church of Fairmont.  That congregation worshiped in this location  until 1988.  

Rummage House 
It was then acquired by Don Graville who  operated a "Rummage House" there until 1994  when it was put up for auction. Larry Vogel  purchased it for $15,250 with the hopes it  could be saved and restored.  
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Martin County Preservation Association
​Due to a lack of funding, this once proud building now  stood nearly in ruins with pressure from the city and  neighbors to have it torn down due to safety concerns.  The building sat empty until Don Milbrandt, the Martin  County Preservation Association, and the Martin County  Board of Commissioners, made plans to save the  building.  

In the restoration process, an effort was made to preserve  the beauty of the building while improving its functionality for its new life as a community arts center. The roof and exterior block were repaired. An elevator was installed making the building handicapped accessible so that all could enjoy activities held at the center.  
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The stained glass windows were professionally re-leaded  and re-installed. The wood floor and trim were refinished. The stairways were relocated. A fundraising campaign resulted in the purchase of a Steinway grand piano.  A sound system and acoustical baffles were installed. 
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After years of effort by several volunteers providing over  40,000 volunteer hours, this former church building was  restored and dedicated in 2005. The Martin County  Preservation Association now operates the Red Rock  Center for the Arts as a center for arts education, visual  and performing arts.  

The Early Years

Scenes Prior to Restoration
2000-2005  

Scenes Following the Restoration

​Click here to view the Red Rock history brochure

​Click here for more Red Rock history
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Click here to view our membership brochure

Directions

​222 E. Blue Earth Ave, Fairmont MN 56031

From the Twin Cities
Take 35W south to I90. Take I90 west to exit 102. Proceed south to Highway 26 (Blue Earth Avenue). Turn right on Highway 26 one mile to 222 E Blue Earth Ave.

From Okoboji, IA
Take Highway 71 north to I90. Proceed east to exit 99. Proceed south to Lake Avenue. Turn left (east) to 222 E. Blue Earth Ave.

Contact us

​[email protected]

(507) 235-9262