Historical Images of Porter County

First Presbyterian Church
Valparaiso, Indiana

Date: Circa 1907 (undivided back)
Source Type: Postcard
Publisher, Printer, Photographer: Unknown
Postmark: None
Collection: Steven R. Shook
Remark: Y.P.S.C.E. [Young People's Society Christian Education]. Sunday School 9:15 A. M. Prayer Meeting, Wednesday 7:30 P. M. First Presbyterian Church, Cyrus Boyd Beckes, Ph. D., Pastor. Sunday Services : Morning 10:30, Evening ?:30. Valparaiso, Indiana. Dear friend ___________: The C. E. Society of this church welcomes strangers at its meetings, helps them to get acquainted and have a good time. When you have an opportunity don't fail to spend an hour with them Sunday evening. They also welcome you at their free social the last Friday evening of each month. Sincerely yours,. The church was later razed and the site was converted to a parking lot. The land on which the church stood was originally the home site of Dr. Seneca Ball. In 1837, Dr. Ball constructed a small building behind his residence that was used as the first school house in Center Township. The first teacher at this school as a Miss Eldred, sister of Mrs. Phebe (Eldred) Starr. Harry E. Ball and Sylvester W. Smith later taught at this school before it was abandoned for school use. Dr. Ball later used the structure for the storage of wood. During Indiana's centennial year in 1916, the Porter County Historical Society erected a marker commemorating this first school in Center Township. The marker was erected on the northwest corner of the church property and was formally dedicated on September 27, 1916.

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Image and related text prepared by Steven R. Shook