Owner: House of Hope Presbyterian Church
Location: St. Paul, MN
Type: Historical/Church
Project Description:
Comprehensive bell tower reconstruction, including dismantling and rebuilding the upper portion of the tower with new structural reinforcement, waterproofing, and custom replica limestone — carefully restored to match the original appearance.
- Tuckpointing of all stone and brick mortar joints
- Limestone repair and replacement
- Reconstruction of all pinnacles on bell tower
- Sealant replacement
- Cleaning
Year Completed: 2013
Architect: Roof Specs, Inc.
When the Territory of Minnesota was organized in 1849, a young missionary from Philadelphia—the Reverend Edward Duffield Neill—set out to form the first Presbyterian congregations. Rev. Neill founded First Church in downtown St. Paul in 1849. He started a second congregation on Christmas Eve, 1855, and named it House of Hope. The name was selected “desiring that it might be the place of refuge for weary and heavy-laden souls.”
The two churches merged, under the direction of Dr. Henry Swearingen in 1914, who oversaw the construction of the existing church at 797 Summit Avenue for the new congregation. The church building, a Gothic structure designed by Ralph Adams Cram, is rich in symbolism. The church’s architecture, stained glass windows, carvings and adornments create an inspired setting for worship and reflection.
Dr. Swearingen represented a high mark in personality and leadership, serving as moderator of the national church while ministering here. Other leaders in church history include Irving Adams West, who served the congregation from 1943–1969 and expanded the church to include an education wing and other facilities.
