Historic First Church in Phoenix, Arizona

Steeple against the Bluest of Skies

Steeple against the Bluest of Skies

Before we left Phoenix for the trip to Tucson, we got off the Interstate for awhile and drove the streets in downtown Phoenix. I saw this church a few blocks away, and said the now famous phrase, “That would make a great photo…” I am getting so much better at accepting that it is OK to go back for photographs, and so we drove in circles a bit until we found the right streets and the church.

I thought I remembered that the church had written on the front, in huge letters, “First Historic Church”. That made me curious. I get the historic part, but I wondered how it could claim first in that category. It didn’t look that old. Then I went back in my photo archives and realized it said “Historic First Church,” so that made more sense. Amazing how a turn of words implies a different concept.

When I Googled “Historic First Church,” I discovered there are numerous church buildings that are historic and first – Brooklyn, Pasadena, Albany, and yes, Phoenix. But I gave up trying to find much information about the building in Phoenix after several more Google searches.

I did learn that this was the first Protestant church organized in the Arizona Territory and that it has served downtown Phoenix as the First Presbyterian Church since 1879, but I could find nothing about the building itself.

And on a side note, Arizona has the bluest skies I have ever seen.

About Bo Mackison

I'm a photographer, book-artist, traveler, naturalist, and creator of the Contemplative Creatives Journey, An Online Workshop and Community and Desert Wisdom Cards and Workshops. Though often not well known, I find the desert a welcoming place - a healing space. Its mysteries and gifts transformed me several years ago. Since that first encounter, I return again and again to fill my well in what most people think of as a desolate region. I'd love to share my desert discoveries and wisdom with you. Please subscribe to receive my five part mini email course The Gifts of the Desert. It's my gift to you.

Comments

  1. I laughed at your words “said the now famous phrase, “That would make a great photo…” ” and admire that you actually went back and took this wonderful image. How like you to Google to get the facts straight!!! 🙂

  2. I laughed at your words “said the now famous phrase, “That would make a great photo…” ” and admire that you actually went back and took this wonderful image. How like you to Google to get the facts straight!!! 🙂

  3. Interesting shadow play in this photo.

  4. Interesting shadow play in this photo.

  5. Yes…these skies are picture-postcard blue. What a wonderful church!!!

  6. Yes…these skies are picture-postcard blue. What a wonderful church!!!

  7. That’s a nice shot! I also like how well they have cared for those palm trees.

  8. That’s a nice shot! I also like how well they have cared for those palm trees.

  9. Like Sue, I admire that you went back. That’s quite difficult if you have a destination in mind. Good for you!

  10. Like Sue, I admire that you went back. That’s quite difficult if you have a destination in mind. Good for you!

  11. Haha, such enthusiasm for the craft. I’ve heard those words before. And the sky.. incredible.

  12. Haha, such enthusiasm for the craft. I’ve heard those words before. And the sky.. incredible.

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