First Christian Church was the first of Columbus’ modern architectural marvels when it was built 75 years ago. The church is spending about $200,000 in maintenance each year, but a recent report shows that those efforts are not enough to meet the needs of the aging building.

A new group called Friends of First Christian Church Architecture is working to raise $160,000 to fix a skylight and window in the church sanctuary. But that is just the start. Church Elder Steve Wiggins talks about the structural needs the church has and how the cost is putting some iconic features in jeopardy including the clock tower.

Wiggins said that if money can’t be raised, the chuch has to prioritize which repairs are essential to the ministry and which are just extras.

Wiggins said the hope is to restore the building to its original state.

The fundraising for the Friends group is being organized through Heritage Fund: The Community Foundation of Bartholomew County. You can look for more information on the Heritage Fund website at heritagefundbc.org.