Building History
Written by the Reverend Herbert Ray Worth in November 2001 - Revised January 2004
The former Herman P. Lieber residence, located at 1415 Central Avenue in
Indianapolis, has been the home of the Psychic Science Spiritualist Church congregation
since its official dedication on March 15, 1942.
The building was acquired through the efforts of Dr. B.F. Clark and Dollie Clark who
did extensive research to determine an ideal location and setting for the church. The
passing years have confirmed the accuracy and validity of their comprehensive
groundwork, planning and vision for the future. Designed by architect Mr. Vonnegut,
and constructed in 1909, the residence and the carriage house at the back of the
property are fine examples of Tudor Revival style.
Brandt Steele, a versatile young architect and designer (1870-1965) and son of
well-known Indiana artist T.C. Steele, was delegated to design and complete the
buildings interior. This included the selection of all materials - selecting various fine
quality woods, designing the beautiful stained glass windows, fireplaces, beveled
mirrors, light fixtures, book cases, and stairways.
The Psychic Science Spiritualist Church was founded by the Rev. Bessie Woodworth,
October 28, 1923. In early January of the following year, Mrs. Woodworth was called
to the pastorate of a church in Chicago. At that time Mrs. Dollie Clark, a sister of
Bessie Woodworth, and Dr. B.F. Clark assumed the leadership of the new Psychic
Science Spiritualist Church. During the next nineteen years the congregation met at
various locations including the home of Dr. and Mrs. Clark before the building at 1415
Central Avenue was acquired.
Dedication of the new church building was a gala occasion! The principal speaker was
the Rev. Joseph P. Whitwell, president of the National Spiritualist Association. Church
dignitaries from various parts of the country attended. The platform was the center of
numerous colorful floral pieces. Special music was presented. The Rev. Joseph P.
Whitwell commented in his lecture that the sanctuary was in the shape of a letter "V" for
victory. This was a popular and much-used slogan during World War II.
Dollie Clark served the church faithfully for a period of thirty years. A kindly,
compassionate lady with several phases of mediumship, she was respected and revered
by those who knew her. Her earthly ministry came to an abrupt end in the fall of 1953.
Traveling to an out-of-state Spiritual meeting on a foggy, rainy night, the automobile
driven by Dr. Clark collided with another vehicle. Dollie expired a short time later. Dr.
Clark, although injured, recovered to live an additional four years.
It was during this time that he and Mrs. Glenna Wood were married. Glenna would
survive to serve the church for thirty years. The last ten years of her life were spent in an
Indianapolis nursing home. She passed to spirit in March 1993, three days prior to her
ninetieth birthday.
Psychic Science Spiritualist Church is now in the Old Northside Historic Area. There
has been a resurgence of refurbishing many of the homes in the area along with plantings
of shrubs and flowers reminiscent of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. We still
enjoy the peony garden on the southern portion of the church grounds which dates back
to the initial landscaping - also a rose bush that blossoms each spring, sending forth a
delightful fragrance which binds the past with the present in a treasure trove of precious
memories.
Psychic Science Spiritualist Church, located at 1415 Central Avenue, has served the
city and community continuously since 1942. Weekly services are scheduled Tuesday,
Thursday, and Sunday evenings with readings on the second Saturday of each month.
We extend an invitation for you to attend and worship with us. May God bless you and
guide you on your daily path.
About our Website Background Image
The background image was taken from an Ink Drawing of the historic Psychic Science
Spiritualist Church building rendered by local artist Wus Laku, which was
commissioned by Mrs. Barbara Hackler in 1998 to celebrate the 75th anniversary of
the church.
Updated: February 18, 2012
1415 N. Central Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46202 (317) 634-1430
© Copyright 2009, Psychic Science Spiritualist Church, Inc. All Rights Reserved
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Psychic Science Spiritualist Church
Serving the Indianapolis Community since 1923
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