Powerfully modeled, good set of pipes (7 photos)

One of the most visible historical buildings in Sault Ste. Marie is Central United Church, located at 160 Spring Street.  

Central United was officially recognized by the City of Sault Ste. Marie for its heritage value in 1985.

The property on which the structure stands was purchased as a church home for the Sault's Methodist community for $700 in 1897.

The building has a massive appearance, dominating the corner of Spring and Albert Streets.

The exterior is constructed from red sandstone (from local canal excavations), and the building resembles a castle with its four-storey bell tower overlooking the city's downtown. 

The structure's sanctuary, where church services take place, is an impressive sight from both the ground floor and the balcony.

While the organ console is located near the pulpit and choir area, one of the more noticeable features within the large sanctuary are the church organ's pipes, which protrude from one of the interior walls.

The pipe organ, according to information provided to SooToday by Central United staff, was installed in 1906, and has been upgraded many times over the years, said Stan Black, Central United's chair of finance. 

The church was designed by architect Henry Simpson of Toronto and built in stages between 1900 and 1911.

The Sault Ste. Marie Municipal Heritage Committee describes Central United as "a powerfully modelled building." 

The cornerstone was laid in 1903, its tower built in 1907.

Burning of the building's $15,000 mortgage took place in 1930.

In its early days, the building was known as Central Methodist Church.

Gathering together with St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church parishioners beginning in 1913, the church eventually became Central United when the United Church of Canada was formed in 1925. 

Famous figures from the church's past include industrialist Francis H. Clergue, who donated land to the congregation.

The church could originally seat 1,000 people before a number of rows were removed to reconfigure the seating arrangement.

Central United's sanctuary can now seat approximately 600.

Central United currently has a congregation of 400, led by Reverend Laurie Milito.

SooToday will be taking a peek at other local historical sites in the near future.

(PHOTO: Central United Church, 160 Spring Street. Darren Taylor/SooToday)