City Methodist

In the heart of downtown Gary, Indiana stands a monument to God. It is City Methodist Church and it has been left to decay. The property is owned by the City of Gary, and there are apparently plans (or at least an idea) to turn the church into a performing arts center (see article link below). In the meantime this historic church sits and suffers the indignities of the elements as it awaits redemption. The question is: will salvation come to this church in time.

On March 12, 2000, as part of a tour of Gary, the church board of Grace Church of the Nazarene in Portage (Indiana) visited the site and the photos below show a little bit of what was witnessed. In July, 2000, two of us returned to City Methodist to get an unhurried look at the structure. From that trip, there are RealVideo tours featuring a series of still photographs taken from video which are linked lower on this page.

If you have insights into any of the images here, please e-mail us so that we can provide the most accurate description of the Gary that was, the Gary that is, and the Gary that someday could be. We also welcome photos of these and other Gary landmarks, as well as text submissions. A byline credit will be given if your contribution is used on this web site.

	Click on thumbnail images for full photograph.
	Collapsed archway with some of the little remaining stained glass as seen through the sanctuary from north to south.

	North side of complex with two of the storefronts which were incorporated into the structure.
	The commercial office/storefront wing.
	This glorious view of the church was taken from an lot across the street to the west where business once stood. Those buildings have been replaced by vacant lots.
	Construction date. Photo taken through the chain link fence which was erected sometime after a fire destroyed much of the roof a few years ago.
	The balcony of the auditorium behind the commercial space.
	Detail of the balcony facade.
	Inside one of the storefronts, from the rear.
	Ornament above one of the entrances. "To Serve the Present Age"
	Address plate reads "569 Seaman Hall." Rev. Seaman was the pastor of City Methodist who raised $1 million for construction of the church.
	Address plate reads "575 Church Office."
	Exterior shot of ornaments and what used to be windows.
	Ornaments in the archway of the main entrance facing 6th Avenue.
	The impressive face of City Methodist.
Added February 2002	Here are, finally, three short tours in RealVideo. You will need the RealPlayer to view the files. I was not able to get the motion to come through very clear, so the tours are a series of still images (no audio). I think you can get an idea of the motion through the building. The images were taken from videotape shot on two different occasions outside and inside City Methodist Church. First Tour - March, 2000 (concentrated mostly on exterior, sanctuary, and rooms just north of the sanctuary) - 7 minutes Second Tour - July, 2000 (concentrates on sanctuary area again with more detail) - 7½ minutes Third Tour - July, 2000 (actually an extension of the second tour. More of the educational wing and auditorium) - 5½ minutes
	Still to come... More photos of other Gary landmarks

Reply from reader: (If you can help answer either of these questions, let me know by e-mail, and I will put you in touch with Ron.)

New project: American Life Histories, Manuscripts from the Federal Writers' Project, 1936-1940
(This will be an ongoing project with entries added frequently.)