Four historic churches will be featured in Indiana Landmarks’ 2024 Holiday Church Tour.
Each year, the Holiday Church tour allows guests to explore the architecture and history of Indianapolis’ historic Irvington neighborhood. Highlighting the importance of preserving sacred spaces, the self-guided tour includes four of the city’s historic churches from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Dec. 7.
The 2024 Holiday Church Tour is presented in partnership with area congregations, and a portion of the proceeds will go toward Indiana Landmarks’ Sacred Places Indiana Program, which offers two grant paths supported by the Lilly Endowment designed to aid congregations of historic places of worship with significant repair needs.
The four churches featured in the tour include Irvington Presbyterian Church, established in 1906 by a petition signed by 100 of Irvington’s residents; Irvington United Methodist Church, originally formed in 1878 and renamed in 1968 following the formation of the larger United Methodist Church denomination; Downey Avenue Christian Church, established in 1875; and Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, founded by 40 local catholic families in 1900.
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The tour is self-guided, and attendees are responsible for their own transportation to each of the stops. Limited parking is available at each site as well as street parking. As the churches will be open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., guests may explore the architecture, design and holiday décor at their own pace — although Indiana Landmarks recommends allotting at least two hours to complete the tour.
Those interested in learning more about Irvington’s history may visit the Bona Thompson Center, which houses the Irvington Historical Society, for free between 1-4 p.m. on Dec. 7. For more information about the tour or accessibility, contact tourism@indianalandmarks.org.
Tickets for Indiana Landmarks’ 2024 Holiday Church Tour are $20 for adults, $15 for Indiana Landmarks’ members, $10 for children ages 6-11 and free for children under 5. Tickets May be purchased in advance at indianalandmarks.org or by calling 317-639-4534. Tickets purchased day-of beginning at Irvington Presbyterian Church, 55 Johnson Ave., will cost an additional $5.
Contact Arts & Culture Reporter Chloe McGowan at 317-762-7848. Follow her on X @chloe_mcgowanxx.
Chloe McGowan is the Arts & Culture Reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper. Originally from Columbus, OH, Chloe graduated with a degree in journalism from The Ohio State University. She is a former IndyStar Pulliam Fellow, and her previous work includes freelancing for Indy Maven, Assistant Arts & Life Editor for The Lantern, and editorial assistant at CityScene Media Group. Chloe enjoys covering all things arts and culture — from local music, visual art, dance, theater and film, as well as minority-owned businesses. In her free time, Chloe enjoys reading, cooking and keeping her plants alive.
