A Look Back In History
The Early Years
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 in 1988 who operated a "Rummage House" there until 1994. It was then put up for auction. and Larry Vogel purchased it for $15,250 with the hopes it could be saved and restored.
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 in 1988 who operated a "Rummage House" there until 1994. It was then put up for auction. and Larry Vogel purchased it for $15,250 with the hopes it could be saved and restored.
Scenes Prior to Restoration
2000-2005
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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.
During the restoration process, every 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. The stained glass windows, which were all safely stored inside, were professionally re-leaded and re-installed. The wood floor and trim were refinished. The stairways were relocated. One last fundraiser took place prior to reopening and enough money was raised to purchase a Steinway grand piano, a sound system and install acoustical baffles in the ceiling.
After years of effort by several volunteers providing over 40,000 volunteer hours, grants and donations this former church building was restored and re-dedicated in 2005 as the Red Rock Center for the Arts. The building is owned by Martin County, which leases it to the Martin County Preservation Association, a 501c3 non profit organization, dedicated to bringing people together through arts education, performing and visual art opportunities.
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.
During the restoration process, every 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. The stained glass windows, which were all safely stored inside, were professionally re-leaded and re-installed. The wood floor and trim were refinished. The stairways were relocated. One last fundraiser took place prior to reopening and enough money was raised to purchase a Steinway grand piano, a sound system and install acoustical baffles in the ceiling.
After years of effort by several volunteers providing over 40,000 volunteer hours, grants and donations this former church building was restored and re-dedicated in 2005 as the Red Rock Center for the Arts. The building is owned by Martin County, which leases it to the Martin County Preservation Association, a 501c3 non profit organization, dedicated to bringing people together through arts education, performing and visual art opportunities.
