HISTORY OF OLD BRICK

Erected in 1856, Old Brick is the second oldest public building in Iowa City. Indeed, it is one of the few surviving local structures dating from the Civil War era. Located in a prominent place in the heart of the University of Iowa campus, Old Brick stands as an historic treasure. In 1973, the National Park Service placed it on the National Register of Historic Places.

The simple, practical church built in the Romanesque style is noted as an outstanding example of fine architecture in Iowa City. The materials for its construction were gathered locally and shaped by local craftsmen. Its foundation is of the same limestone used in Old Capitol, its red brick is of local manufacture, and the rafters of the sanctuary interior are hand-hewn walnut. Old Brick has been called "one of those provincial gems that occasionally mark the creativity of nineteenth-century architects."

The first structure built on the site at Clinton and Market Streets, called North Presbyterian Church, burned to the ground in 1856. Construction of a new church began that year, and the building we know today as Old Brick was dedicated nine years later in 1865. A bell tower and spire were added in 1869, but a tornado that ravaged the city in 1877 brought down the 100-foot spire and belfry and did considerable damage to the south and east walls of the structure. The spire was never rebuilt, and the belfry was redesigned as a battlement tower. In 1914, the north addition was built to accommodate campus ministry activities. By 1953, expansion of the ministry required the construction of a new west wing.

The Presbyterian Church sold the building to the University of Iowa in 1974 with the stipulation that it be razed to create green space. However, many Iowa Citians were outraged at the possibility of the church's demolition. They rallied together in an effort to save the building, and the controversy was reported throughout the State of Iowa. One Presbyterian couple was excommunicated by the church for their efforts to save Old Brick; they were later readmitted to communion. Through extended negotiations and litigation, the preservation efforts prevailed, and Old Brick was saved from the wrecking ball.

The old church's survival was assured in 1977 when Old Brick was purchased from the University by the Old Brick Associates. At this time, 50-year preservation covenants were imposed on the property. This agreement reflected significant public investment in both the acquisition and restoration of the building. In 1987, the then newly-formed Old Brick Episcopal Lutheran Corporation purchased the building, subject to restrictive covenants.

Today this ecumenical partnership operates and maintains Old Brick Church and Community Center as a self-supporting facility that enables and enhances the missions of the Lutheran Campus Ministry and the Episcopal Chaplaincy at The University of Iowa; preserves the building as a registered national historic landmark; leases offices to a number of human service agencies at affordable rates; and provides a gathering place for religious, civic, educational, cultural and social events in the community.

The spirit that saved Old Brick is still alive, as evidenced by the support of local preservation groups and the community at large. Joint sponsorship of events has not only furthered intellectual growth, but has pushed the community in dealing with issues of peace and justice. We have encouraged the use of this facility as neutral space where dialogue around many issues can be invited. We hope that Old Brick can serve as a model of cooperation, collaboration, and reconciliation for our neighbors in the community.