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Current view of St. Matthew's by the Bridge
Courtesy of the Iowa Falls Historic Preservation Commission |
St. Matthew's by the Bridge, constructed in 1913, is a good local example
of a Tudor Revival style church. The Tudor Revival style was very popular during
the early part of the 20th century and was commonly used for residences, offices
and school buildings, as well as churches. The church designer, Robert Layton,
was an industrial arts teacher in the Iowa Falls School System. An Englishman,
Layton returned to his old home on a visit in 1912, and made sketches of several
village churches in the area. Armed with these sketches, he drew the plans from
which St. Matthew's was built the following year. Two of his students, Louis and
Ernie Weldon, assisted him in making the blueprints.
Historic view of St. Matthew's by the Bridge Episcopal
Church Courtesy of the Iowa Falls Historic Preservation Commission |
| The church is a single-story rectangular building measuring
24 by 60 feet perched on the palisade overlooking the Iowa River. The building
is of wood frame construction covered with stucco. The gable ends have a simple
simulated half-timbered effect and paneled verge boards. Diagonal braces appear
to support the roof. The interior of St. Matthew's remains basically unchanged.
The altar is located at the east end of the sanctuary. The aisle is arranged just
to the left of center, with narrow pews along the north wall. The interior structural
system of King posts, Queen posts, collar beams, and struts makes a dramatic vertical
statement. The feeling of the sanctuary is that of a small, intimate place of
worship. St. Matthew's by the Bridge Episcopal Church is located at Oak
and Railroad Sts. next to the Oak Street Bridge, in Iowa Falls. Tours are available
by appointment. Please call 641-648-5314 or 648-4017 for information. Donations
are accepted and a special organ mini-concert is available.
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