Color postcard (13 1/2 x 8 1/2 cm) with a view of First Methodist Episcopal Church, southeast corner of 20th & Davenport Streets, Omaha, Nebraska. A horse and buggy are seen in front of the red brick structure with tall bell steeple.
In April 1889, construction began on First Methodist Episcopal church at the southeast corner of 20th & Davenport streets. The modified Romanesque Revival Spanish Gothic structure designed by Omaha architects Mendelssohn, Fisher & Lawrie had limestone foundation with walls of Portage red sandstone and Roman pressed brick. The facade incorporated decorated brickwork and terra cotta ornamentation. The square bell tower rose 130 feet. The auditorium could seat 1200. A dedication service was held June 8, 1890. On January 11, 1954 the building was destroyed by fire. The congregation, now known as First United Methodist Church built a new church at 69th & Cass Streets in Omaha. Source: Spencer, Jeffrey. Building for the Ages: Omaha's Architectural Landmarks. Omaha: Omaha Books, 2003, p. 21.
