Aurora is a historic river town that is situated 35 miles west of Cincinnati, Ohio, located in the Southeast corner of Indiana. Aurora was settled in the early 1800's and incorporated in 1845 and has strong historic connections to the Ohio River. Aurora is full of unique and historic buildings that preserve its older rivercity characteristics.
City of Spires
111 Fifth Street, Aurora, IN
47001
Jim Waldon
cityofspiresaurora@gmail.com
812-926-0944
City of Spires Historical Foundation and Museum is located at 111 Fifth Street with a beautiful view of the Ohio River. The church was the home of the Aurora Baptists from 1848 – 1872; the building was the house of worship for the First Evangelical United Church of Christ from 1872 until January of 2010. Today the facilities are under the auspices of the board and membership of City of Spires and are available for rental for weddings, vow renewals, meetings, worship, memorial services, and concerts.
The sanctuary features stunning stained glass windows, an early twentieth century pipe organ, early 20th Century pews and chancel furnishings, and seating for over one hundred. The museum is open for tours by appointment. Call 812-926-0944 for information.
History
The City of Spires Historical Museum at 111 Fifth Street began its life as the second church of Aurora Baptists. Built in 1848, the Gothic Revival sanctuary is the oldest standing structure built as a house of worship in Aurora. By 1874, the Baptists had relocated to a new church at 219 Main Street, and in 1875 a newly formed German Reformed congregation purchased the former Baptist church for $2,000. In 1911, the facade was altered to create one central front entrance with a steeple which replaced the original bell tower. As a Baptist house of worship, the facade had featured two doors, approximately situated where the two front windows are now located. The bell was a gift to the Baptists from the people of Aurora in 1852 and can still fill the neighborhood with its deep, resonating tone. In 1994 the building was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The sanctuary features a variety of stunning stained glass windows and an early 20th century pipe organ. Known locally as the Fifth Street Church, City of Spires Museum is supported by memberships of friends far and wide. Conducted by a volunteer board of directors, the museum foundation seeks to provide displays of public interest and offers areas of the former church for weddings, concerts, memorial services, meetings, plays, and tours.
Museum Rentals
Sanctuary
The capacity is approximately one hundred people. The building features stunning stained glass windows, a working, early twentieth century pipe organ, a resonating tower bell, and the charm of a 19th century Ohio Valley church.
Social Hall
The large upstairs hall offers meeting/dining space for about eighty guests and includes a modern caterer’s kitchen, handicap accessibility, and a restroom equipped with handicap friendly amenities. The large hall makes a fine setting for catered functions such as dinners and small receptions.
Small Meeting Room
A small meeting room behind the sanctuary can accommodate approximately sixty people and features handicap accessibility and two restrooms.
