The History of "The Coppertop Church" - First United Methodist Church

DULUTH - First United Methodist Church is known to the Northland as the Coppertop Church because of its distinct roof, but, it wasn't always that way.

Before the Coppertop building was built, there was nearly 100 years already into the church.

The first permanent building the church had was built on 3rd Street in 1893.

The church had a very active congregation and they even had an extra building to make room for more activities.

"They had a gymnasium, they had music concerts there and dances, I believe occasionally, and so it was a great community center at the time," said Linda Wiig, Parish Nurse. 

However, downtown wasn't the best place for parking on Sundays and the church decided it was time to move on.

The Coppertop location was built in 1966.

Pietro Belluschi, an architect from MIT, designed the church.

A special room is the Three Brothers Chapel, which is dedicated to the Halverson boys, sons of members, who lost their lives at the ship canal.

Another special feature is the organs.

There was an organ planned for the sanctuary, but it wasn't completed in time, so Elizabeth Congden, who was a member at the time, purchased an additional organ for the church.

So now, there are two for the sanctuary.

"I think they kind of wanted it to be a monument to the community and a beacon to say, you know we're here, come join us," said Wiig.

The annual bazaar at the church is being held this Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.