Coldwater First Presbyterian Church

Architectural Eye Candy coming to you from the City Of Coldwater!

Preservation Forward completed a condition assessment of the bell tower and steeple at First Presbyterian Church in Downtown Coldwater — and what a landmark to work on.

Built between 1866 and 1869 under contractor John C. Bennett at a cost of $40,104, this Romanesque Revival church has been a cornerstone of Branch County for over 150 years. At the time of its completion, it boasted the largest seating capacity of any building in Coldwater, regularly serving as a public auditorium for the community. Its stage welcomed some of history's most influential voices, including Sojourner Truth in 1877 and Elizabeth Cady Stanton.

The building itself is a striking example of 19th-century ecclesiastical architecture — red brick construction with a gable roof, a projecting centrally aligned tower, and a sandstone belt course separating the basement from the sanctuary. Rising 185 feet above downtown, the steeple is one of the tallest in southern Michigan and an unmistakable feature of the Coldwater skyline.

Becca Murphy and I had the pleasure of connecting with city leaders and dedicated church volunteers throughout this assessment. We identified key structural and architectural concerns and are ready to deliver our recommendations. Working together, we'll chart a clear path forward to preserve this irreplaceable piece of Coldwater's history for generations to come.