The Community Presbyterian Church of American Fork dates back to 1877 when Reverend George R Bird arrived in American Fork. Work on the building of this modified Gothic Revival church was commenced in 1878, the cornerstone being laid in September 1881 by Reverend Thomas F Day. It was dedicated in 1884, and celebrated its centennial in 1984 with a restoration of the original building. The interior of the church was restored in 1975. Up until 1909 the building was used both as a church and school, but the school was closed in 1909. The church is still in use to the present day
Unfortunately, the church was closed when we went to visit it last week, but we were able to get a little of the feel of the building from the outside, and especially to see the wonderful relatively new stained glass window situated at the front of the chapel, and which was designed by Tom Holdman, a talented art glass creator and winner of the Best of State Award for Arts and Entertainment in 2010.
The members of the Church were worried about the integrity of the large windows at the front of their chapel, and approached Tom Holdman who had created stained glass windows for many other churches. Presbyterians are noted for forming committees, and so a 'Stained Glass Window Committee, was formed under the chairmanship of Paula Vigil-Yates. Funding for the new window was raised by donations, and the 14-foot window was installed Monday, July 12 2010, and unveiled at a reception for community and church members.
The rear of the church also displays an impressive stained glass window.
The belfry tower, with the entrance at its foot, is situated part-way down the left hand side of the building. It was rebuilt after lightning struck the upper section in 1952, and a stainless steel cross replaced the original weathervane. Of particular interest is the arched design of both the windows and the entrance doorway, designed in the manner of Gothic Revival.
The current Pastor of the church is the Reverend Miki Laws.
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