HISTORIC 2nd PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH BUILDING RETURNS TO ITS ROOTS

Historic Madison used the building for many years as its main office space

MADISON, IN — JULY 10, 2026— A nationally significant landmark in the heart of the Madison, Indiana, National Historic Landmark District is entering a vibrant new chapter. Historic Madison, Inc. announced the official sale of the iconic 2nd Presbyterian Church/Windle Auditorium building, located at 500 West St., to the Madison Reformed Church.

The transition of ownership secures a bright future for this impressive Greek Revival structure, built in 1835. Rather than facing commercial redevelopment, the building will once again be a dedicated house of worship and a place of welcome for the community.

"We are absolutely thrilled that this beautiful, historic space will return to its roots and serve a spiritual and community-focused mission," said John Staicer, President & Executive Director. "Buildings like this hold the stories, memories, and history of our community and our nation. Passing the torch to a passionate new congregation ensures that its legacy of service continues for generations to come."

The 191-year-old building is the earliest place of public assembly in the Madison National Historic Landmark District, predating all other churches and community structures. Designed by architect Edwin Peck, it is known for its Greek temple-inspired design. Included with the building is a rare 1867 organ, one of a few completely intact, restored, operable organs from the 1860s in the US.

Second Presbyterian Church founders included early Madison luminaries like financier J.F.D. Lanier, Indiana Supreme Court Justice Jeremiah Sullivan, and Governor William Hendricks. Notable 19th-century clergy, such as Lyman Beecher and Henry Ward Beecher, preached there.

Since 1835, the facility has hosted numerous worship services, revivals, programs, civic meetings, and milestone life events for thousands of local residents. Historic Madison bought the building in 1961 as a multi-use space for community organizations, events, concerts, and art shows. It was the headquarters for Historic Madison, Inc. (HMI) from 1975 to 2021, and the offices for the pilot Main Street Project from 1976 to 1980. The sanctuary was named in memory of HMI’s founder, John T. Windle, in 1987.

For Collin Welch and the Madison Reformed Church, which formed in 2021, finding a permanent home that resonated with their vision for the future of the congregation was paramount.

"Having grown up just across the street from this beautiful building, it is surreal to step into it now with the congregation I serve,” stated Pastor Welch. He continued, “Although we are a relatively new local church, our roots go deep, and we are ready both to honor the historic character of the 2nd Presbyterian Church/Windle Auditorium and to welcome our community with the love of Jesus Christ. We are humbled by this opportunity."

The congregation will announce plans to host a community open house and inaugural celebration service at a later time.

Historic Madison, Inc. is Indiana’s first local historic preservation organization, founded in 1960, and plays a key role in the preservation, restoration, education, and development of the Madison National Historic Landmark District. The organization owns, operates, and maintains historic sites and museums, including several historic church buildings, and has an active program schedule. For more information, visit www.historicmadisoninc.com or find us on social media.

Madison Reformed Church is a small and growing congregation in the great tradition of the Protestant Reformation. Having begun as a Bible study in 2019, it was officially planted in 2021 and welcomes people of all ages and backgrounds for joyful and reverent worship, morning and evening every Sunday. The church exists to reach Jefferson County with the gospel and to build people up to love God and their neighbors until Christ returns. For more information, visit https://www.madisonreformed.com or email collin.welch@madisonreformed.com