John Knox Presbyterian Church

Characteristic Mid-Century Modern Church Designed by Prolific Shelby Architectural Firm!

Architectural and Historical Information

This classic, yet restrained, Mid-Century Modernist church building, originally built in 1955 and designed by the noted local firm of Breeze, Holland & Riviere, is well maintained and is “move-in” condition for an emerging church, event venue (with appropriate zoning) or perhaps even some interesting apartments (the property is zoned R-6). There is ample parking on the south side and a large fenced-in yard in the back.

Since its original construction as a chapel, the church grew through several sympathetic additions. L. Peg Holland employed several features reminiscent of Frank Lloyd Wright influence, including the “emerging, ground hugging” gable front with sweeping gables and wide overhangs with brick buttresses marching along the exterior walls of the nave. A trio of tall, vertical rectangular windows with blue, white, and purple marbleized glass lights ornaments the front gable end.

The church has a sanctuary with a low-slung ceiling, exposed rafters, ante room, foyer, ample assembly area, thirteen Sunday school-sized classrooms (with a majority having separate transom lights providing natural light to the corridors), six half baths, two utility rooms, and seven small storage rooms. The church is one story with only three steps to one addition, and five steps up to the sanctuary.

Located less than one mile off US Highway 74 Bypass in Shelby, the property is located in a desirable neighborhood with established homes and is only 5 minutes from historic Uptown Shelby and 50 minutes from Charlotte Douglas International Airport.

Area Information

Shelby is attractive historic town of approximately 22,000, strategically located between Charlotte and Spartanburg SC, situated in the combined foothills of the Blue Ridge and south Mountain ranges. Outdoor activities abound with waterfalls, scenic hiking trails, and other natural amenities. The city is known for its steady economic growth and quality of living. Shelby’s award-winning uptown business district offers a variety of shops and restaurants, an active arts council, Earl Scruggs Center, the renowned Don Gibson Theatre (a performing arts center), Bobby Bell Pavilion with seasonal Farmers Market, and city park complex with an Olympic-size swimming pool, fully functioning 1918 Hershel-Spillman Carousel, miniature train and nine-hole golf course. Known as the City of Pleasant Living, Shelby was one of the first “Main Street” cities in the country. For more information visit www.cityofshelby.com and www.uptownshelby.com.

Click here to view the floor plans for the John Knox Presbyterian Church

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