This 5-1/2" x 3-3/8" black and white photographic postcard shows the Methodist Episcopal Church at 6th and Nebraska Streets. The single story tan brick building has a band of red brick around the daylight basement level with a cream band in between. Over the front door a triangular pediment sits at roof level, and downspouts from gutters are positioned at each end of the front. While the side road appears to be dirt, there are cement sidewalks on both sides of the building and leading to the front and side staircases. A power pole with transformer sits at the street corner. Two saplings have been planted at the side of the church, while there are more mature trees at the front. A two-story wooden house can just be seen behind the church facing Nebraska Street.
The college in Peru was supported by the Methodist minister and his congregation, and initially was known as the Mount Vernon Seminary. However, the Methodist Conference turned down the offer of the school, and, in 1867, the school was deeded to the state and became the Nebraska State Normal School.
Notes
The building, located two block north of the Peru State College campus, now houses Peru Community Church. The house behind it is also still standing.
