The First Church of Christ, Scientist at 339 West Kaufman in Paris, Texas, is a former Church of Christ, Scientist church and an historic structure that, in 1988, was added to the National Register of Historic Places. It was then vacant. In 2009 it was being used by a Spanish-speaking Baptist congregation.

It is a one-story raised brick building, with broad steps leading up to a portico of Ionic columns and a large entablature. It has double French doors with transoms leading to its sanctuary. The sides have three tall arched windows.

First Church of Christ, Scientist (Paris, Texas)

Its nomination suggests it is significant as "one of the earlier Christian Science churches in Texas" and as "one of the first Beaux Arts-style buildings constructed in Paris, Texas after the fire [of 1916], it is an unusually well-detailed small church. It compares favorably with Temple Freda (NR 1984) in Bryan, Brazos County, Texas."

First Church of Christ, Scientist (Paris, Texas)

A photo taken in Winter 1984/85 shows that a banner displaying "Ensign Christian Center" appears in the entablature above its front entrance, while the 2015 photo above shows a blank banner obscuring carved letters after "FIR....".

First Church of Christ, Scientist (Paris, Texas)

See also

National Register of Historic Places listings in Lamar County, Texas

List of former Christian Science churches, societies and buildings

First Church of Christ, Scientist (disambiguation)

References

External links

National Register listing

Flickr photo

Churches in Lamar County, Texas

Churches completed in 1917

20th-century Christian Science church buildings

Churches on the National Register of Historic Places in Texas

Former Christian Science churches, societies and buildings in the United States

Baptist churches in Texas

Paris, Texas

National Register of Historic Places in Lamar County, Texas