The building located at 23 Third Street in Mason City was the former church home of the First Church of Christ, Scientist.

The facility was built in 1928, architect Clyde W. Smith with M.M. Moen Company. It is a good representation of late 19th Century Revival architecture.

The building was placed on the National Register of Historic Places on October 30, 1997. Currently [2013], the building is utilized as an office building.

Globe-Gazette, Mason City, Cerro Gordo County, Iowa
Mason City Centennial Issue
Monday, June 01, 1953, Section 7, Pages 8 & 27, 38

The First Church of Christ, Scientist, also has it roots in pioneer Mason City. As early as 1889 services were held at the home of Mrs. Grace G. King and later at the home of Mrs. Elizabeth Kirk.

In 1890 the group rented the IOOF Hall and on June 4, 1892, the First Church of Christ, Scientist, was organized. Signature on these articles of incorporation were those of Miss Elizabeth Denison, Mrs. Allie Brett and Mrs. Clare Caton Sirrine.

In 1894 the second floor of the Union block, across Federal from Central Park was rented. During the occupancy of this hall the name of Mrs. Lily Emsley Markley appears as First Reader. Judge and Mrs. Clifford P. Smith became actively interested in Christian Science in the late 90's. In 1906 Judge Smith was called to Boston to become identified with the legal work of the Mother Church and he and Mrs. Smith both served as president of The Mother Church.

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By the turn of the century the First Church of Christ, Scientist, had become strong enough to construct a church. In 1901 a church was built on the east end of the present [1953] church property at Washington and Third N. W. The first service was held in this chapel Aug. 4, 1901.

The building was a simple white frame structure. The deep entrance with four pillars supporting the porch extended across the front. The organ and readers' desks and chairs of varnished oak stood on a simple platform at the south end of the room. Plain wooden-chairs provided for a congregation of 125. This church was to give way in the early 20's to the present [1953] new modern church structure.

The First Church of Christ, Scientist, started its church at Washington and 3rd N. W., in the spring of 1927, laying the cornerstone Oct. 7 of that year and dedicating the structure free of debt Sept. 30, 1928. Mrs. J. E. E. Markley gave the dedicatory address.

An important remodeling program recently [1953] completed was that of the First Christian Church.

 [Section 8, Page 13] The influence of Morrish and Spanish architecture was evident in the First Christian Church, Scientist, which was dedicated free of debt Sept. 30, 1928. The photograph shows the interior of this church at 3rd and Washington, N. W.

  Transcription and Submission by Sharon R. Becker, November of 2013; updated December of 2014