Presentation from Julie Martin
Historic American Building Survey
In the 1930's the site was examined by the Historic American Building Survey (HABS) and recognized for its historically significance.
1924
Cotton Seed Warehouse
This Sanborn Fire Insurance Map shows the buildings use as a Cotton Seed Storehouse, adjacent to a Potato storehouse.
1859
Roswell
Methodist
This represented the 3rd home for the congregation which had previously worshiped at a log cabin circa 1836, followed by a frame structure between 1849-1859 located at the Old Roswell (a.k.a Methodist) Cemetery along present day Woodstock Rd. with the "new brick church" being constructed in 1859.
1952
Masonic Hall
Roswell Lodge #165
The building again experienced adaptive reuse when it became the Masonic Hall to which is still serves as to this day.
1973
Historic Area Survey
Led by William R. Mitchell Jr. this survey identified not only the historical value, but the value of Roswell's overall historic preservation. This survey endorsed the site and 38 other Roswell locations for their historic significance.
“Land use in Roswell needs to be planned in such a way as to respect and enhance historical and scenic assets.”
“Roswell’s Historical Character is one of its most valuable features, one not available to the same degree of unspoiled authenticity and beauty by any other town in the Atlanta Metropolitan Area.”
- Kidd and Associates Report, 1973
2003
City Historic Map
Between 2001 and 2003, the City prepared Maps that listed the site both as historic and historically significant.
History
Originally built in 1859 of consisting of walls more than 2 feet think of solid brick and old growth timbers creating the roof and original cupola, it has stood the test of time and has been maintained over the years.
The building was the 3rd home of the Roswell Methodist congregation, and first true permanent structure with worship previously taking place at a nearby log cabin followed by a simple frame structure. While the land was donated to the church from Barrington King, the son of Roswell King, the largely working class members of the church sold subscriptions to fund the construction of the structure. Many of these families will be familiar as we drive on roads named for their homesteads daily like Arnold, Jones, Coleman, Fraser, Grimes, Barnwell, Bush, and Ellis.
Imagine what these founders would think about demolishing their spiritual home built through strife to withstand the test of time, all for a pedestrian plaza and parking.
Over the long history, the building has served the community through several adaptive reuse projects, meeting the needs of a growing congregation and city.