The Provo Community Congregational United Church of Christ, 175 N. University Ave., will be opening its doors, giving building tours and providing refreshments on Friday from 6-9 p.m. as part of the America’s Freedom Festival’s Historic Church’s Tour and the Downtown Provo Art Stroll.

All interested community members are invited to visit that evening.

The church was recently designated on the National Register of Historic Places and is made up of two buildings, each with different architectural styles. The 1923 building, known as Meno Trope Hall, is one of the only Spanish Colonial Revival style buildings left in the area. The 1956 building, known as the A-Frame, is a Mid-century Modern International style and hosts a sanctuary with soaring 40-foot-high timber ceilings.

The Provo Community Church, as it is known locally, was founded over 130 years ago in 1891 by members from varying religious backgrounds coming together for a stronger presence in a growing Utah Valley community. The church has grown from a humble Sunday school class to a well-known church and community center in downtown Provo.

In February 2021, church members and community volunteers kicked off the Keeping the Faith in Downtown Provo campaign to raise funds to repair, restore, renovate and expand the community cornerstone to help the church remain an open and affirming faith organization. The additional funds also helped it continue and grow as one of the only places for secular community gatherings in downtown Provo.

Recently, the church was selected to be part of the America’s Freedom Festival Provo Historic Church’s Walking Tour and is being highlighted along with several other houses of worship in the area. A tour guide can be found at https://provo.org/home/showpublisheddocument/20754/637896981814700000.

“It is a real honor to be included in the Historic Church’s Tour this year,” said Dave Lewis, the congregation’s public affairs representative. “We are excited to showcase our beautiful church buildings as well as highlight the church’s history with the community.”

To find out more about the church and the fundraising campaign, people can look online at http://keepingthefaithprovo.org.

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