A Brief History...
Faith United Church of Christ of State College was founded in 1909 as Faith Reformed Church. In 1934, with the merger of the two denominations, it became Faith Evangelical and Reformed Church. In 1957, this denomination united with the Congregational Christian Churches to become the United Church of Christ.
The church building, as it stands today, was constructed in the heart of the depression. The corner stone was laid September 27, 1931; the dedication took place May 29-June 3, 1932.
The Architecture...
Faith United Church of Christ's building and sanctuary are of the 14th century English Gothic style. Cathedrals of this period are typically characterized by a pointed arch instead of a keystone at their apex. In general, the style is of the "decorated" or Middle Period, marked by geometrical tracery, floral decoration, and triangular cusps projecting from the inner sides of the arches.
Christian symbolism is used extensively throughout the building-crowns, angels, and crosses decorate the exterior. The admonition, "Enter into His Gates with Thanksgiving," is carved into the face of the stone lintel over the main doors.
In the nave, where the pews for the congregation are located, the dark, open timber roof peaks exactly fifty feet above the floor. This great distance, together with the roof trusses, the slender clerestory windows, and the arches below them, serve to pull the eye upward, emphasizing the height of the structure which symbolizes the transcendence of God.
The massive oak trusses are supported by stone corbels projecting from the walls of the nave. On each of these corbels is a stone angel holding a book inscribed in gold with the name of a book of the New Testament.
In front of the nave is the chancel, the part of the church from which worship is conducted and where the choir is seated. Forward most in the nave is the altar. Behind the altar is the reredos, the large, ornately carved, wooden screen, with the chancel window above. The vaulted ceiling is brightly lined with gilt, contrasting sharply with the dark ceiling of the nave.
While we affirm that the heart of the church is its people and our relationship with God, we are grateful for the privilege of being stewards of such a beautiful building in which to worship.