Listed on the National Registry of Historical Places, The Old Church has been a constant thread throughout the history of Post Falls. Its journey began as two separate churches that combined to become the pioneer town's centerpiece. It almost ended as an empty deteriorating building ready for demolition. Community Building Partners, Inc., a non-profit organization, is dedicated to the restoration and maintenance of this historic building. We want to share the story and legacy with future generations...
The First Methodist Episcopal Church, with Gothic Revival architecture, was built in 1890 at the corner of Sixth Avenue and Post Street in Post Falls. The Presbytarian Church, with Vernacular-style architecture, was built in 1899 at the corner of Second Avenue and Henry Street. After World War 1, Post Falls had more churches than the town could support. The citizens of the area were encouraged to combine the two churches into one congregation. Drawn by horses, the two church buildings were moved and joined at their present location in 1921 at the corner of Fourth Avenue and William Street. The new congregation became the Community Presbyterian Church.The Church brought together a rich tapestry of people and became the gathering place in the community.
After 70 years, the congregation of the Community Presbyterian Church decided to build a new church to the north. With no hope of preservation in sight, the interior of the church was being stripped when John Rodkey, in charge of dismantling the project, recognized the value of the building and halted the project. The building stood abandoned for several years.
In 1998 Community Building Partners, Inc., was formed. The group purchased the abandoned building and the land it sits on and renamed the structure "The Old Church". With the help of architects, preservation groups and people of the Post Falls area, Community Building Parters, Inc., have turned The Old Church into a thriving resource: a place for community meetings, performances, weddings and other artistic and cultural functions.
