Murry S. King Brought Sunny Spain to Central Florida

The Spanish Revival building that has been home to the Park Lake Presbyterian Church since its completion in 1925 is an excellent example of early environmentally appropriate design.  Architect Murry S. King created the church building to be beautiful and functional, with a manner entirely in keeping with Florida’s history.  Inspired by Spanish mission churches of California and cathedrals of South America, the design features elements that were innovative then, and have become familiar over the past century.  Stucco walls, red roofs, round headed window openings, and bold geometric roof parapets all contribute to the building’s lasting appeal.

Situated on the shores of bucolic Park Lake, the church building was part of a larger intentional movement among the dozen or so Orlando architects practicing in the 1920’s, who, together, sought to design in a manner that was appropriate to Central Florida.  In so doing, they fostered a poetic romanticism that approaches fantasy architecture, giving the burgeoning “City Beautiful” a sense of glamour; and foreshadowed later theme-park architecture.

Building Name:                Park Lake Presbyterian Church

Address:                           309 East Colonial Drive, Orlando, FL 32801

Year Built:                              1924-1926

Architect of Record:           Murry S. King

Noteworthy Architectural Features:   

        The house of worship follows Spanish Revival or Mediterranean Revival inspiration.  The stucco exterior, arched windows, elaborate parapets, and attached towers all contribute to an over-all romantic and pleasing design.  The design includes an inviting and inspirational Sanctuary, suitable for what was then and remains a close-in suburban location.  The design is in keeping with the homes surrounding Park Lake, which utilize similar design elements, creating a neighborhood with an historic architectural appeal.

How to Visit: 

        Park Lake Presbyterian Church offers worship services every Sunday morning at 10:30 a.m.   Arrangements may be made for groups or individuals to visit the church at other times by calling the church office.

Architectural Style:                      Florida Spanish Revival

Website:                                       www.plpc.org

Related Links:

Murry S. King Wikipedia:    

         https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murry_S._King

Description:

 

Park Lake Presbyterian Church – 309 East Colonial Drive, Orlando – is one of the most accessible and well-preserved works by the dean of Orlando architecture, Murry S. King, whose influential practice was centered in Central Florida in the`1910s and 1920s. King is an important figure in the profession of architecture in Florida.  He was a charter member of the Florida State Association of Architects, and served on Florida Board of Architecture, as well as being a pioneering member of the Florida chapter of the American Institute of Architects (his architect’s seal is engraved with the number 1).  A native of Murrysville, in Allegheny County Pennsylvania, King and his family relocated to Orlando in 1904.

Dr. Clarence Ferran was a distinguished Presbyterian minister who held pastorates in Deland and other Florida towns before founding the Park Lake Presbyterian Church. The site his congregation selected for the new building was what had formerly been Orlando’s first public laundry owned by a Mrs. Manning.

 

 “Park Lake was first known as Manning's Pond. On the site of the Park Lake Presbyterian Church, Mrs. Manning, a widow, established what may be called Orlando's first public laundry. A few wooden barrels, cut in two, served as tubs, an iron wash pot, the bushes as clothes lines, a "flat iron" heated on the coals made up the equipment. When Dr. Givens homesteaded that section, it became known as Givens Lake. Later a wilderness of guava bushes grew upon the southeast side, it was commonly called Guava Lake. Prof. Norman Robinson bought twenty acres in 1875, and renamed it Leora in honor of his wife. In 1912 it was changed to Park Lake.”  (Orlando in the long, long ago and now Kena Fries, 1938)

Now approaching its centenary, the Park Lake Presbyterian Church offers a glimpse into what was then cutting-edge design for houses of worship in Central Florida.  The collegial group of architects working in the Orlando area in the early 1920s had sought to create an architecture that was specifically suited to the climate and character of their community.  Together, they chose motifs hearkening back to Spanish Colonial architectural forebears.  This was partly an outgrowth of their awareness of the Spanish influence on early Florida history, and also prompted by contemporary scholarly articles about the California mission architecture. 

 

Murry S. King was the leader of a collection of significantly likeminded architects practicing in Central Florida during the boom decade of the 1920s.  This Orlando Group of architects worked to create an architecture that was appropriate to the Florida environment.  In “The Florida Circle” of May 1924, they described it (in part):

 

"Just as architects of old created styles to harmonize with their environment, so have the architects of Florida been creating, from native motifs, a style that is carefully adapted to the climatic conditions and surroundings of the state. This style has an individuality all its own…” 

 

Murry S. King was the dean of these Central Florida architects, not only because of his stature as the first registered architect in the state, but also because he was highly and fondly regarded by area colleagues in his profession.  It was a logical decision for the building committee of Park Lake Presbyterian Church to select King as the architect for their new building.

 

The building design was a happy confluence of prevailing theories about worship spaces in the 1920s, and the commitment that Murry S. King and his collegial group of Orlando architects had sought to create in Central Florida.  Thus, the Sanctuary, which forms the spiritual and literal heart of the facilities, was designed in a nave-and-chancel configuration, with a long central aisle, side aisles, a raised chancel that included a place for the choir as well as the pulpit and communion table, and a lofty ceiling height both as a visual symbol of the aspirations of the worshipers as they gathered in God’s presence, and also as a means to create acoustical resonance.  Supporting the Sanctuary were rooms to accommodate offices, meetings, and Sunday school classrooms.  

The aesthetic of the structure alludes specifically to Spanish Colonial antecedents.  Stucco is the medium of choice for creating a plasticity of form that is consistent with historic precedents.  Shapes derived from both the Spanish architypes of Europe, and the California missions; these merged to create the poetic and romantic ideal.  It might seem somewhat incongruous that the church which had its origins in Scotland would have an architecture that did not allude to that locality whatsoever.  Instead of hewn stone and pointed arches, the church has smooth walls and rounded arches. And yet, this same style was used elsewhere in Central Florida protestant worship centers such as the St. Cloud Presbyterian Church by Ryan and Roberts, and the now-replaced First Presbyterian Church of Orlando.  It was, for Central Florida, the prevailing mode.

The entrance facade on Colonial Drive is graced by asymmetric towers, between which is a vestibule-porch consisting of three arched doorways. The arch motif is used throughout the exterior. On each of the towers, groups of arched window openings helped create a sense of verticality, as well as a statement of the Spanish revival themes.

 

The tower parapets are somewhat elaborate; to the right of the doorway, a castellated affect. And to the left of the doorway, the higher tower makes use of curved geometric forms and open arches that suggest a setting for church bells. Also notable is the red roof., the combination of white stucco and red roof being a hallmark of the Spanish Revival style.

 

        The side entrance façade on Highland Avenue is extremely pleasing. 

        The placement of the arched and round windows to the right and left of the entry vestibule enliven an otherwise plain wall. The angular forms of the parapet above are a pleasing counterpoint to the arched forms elsewhere. 

        The recessed arch doorway with supporting columns, and the decorative urn at the peak of the vestibule roof all add to visual appeal.

 

Inside, the sanctuary is graced by a rectangular shape, supported overhead by trusses and a gable roof, the wood stained a dark shade. Arch forms continue in the side walls, supported by columns, above which ae smaller arched windows.

 

It’s clear that the Chancel area has undergone at least one revision, probably more than one. It now has broad steps that span the width of the church, creating an elevated platform for worship leader ship. The choir is divided from this platform by a decorative low screen, original to the building.  The reredos behind the chancel conceal the organ pipes and serve as a screen for them; while it is a reworking of what was originally there, it is subtle enough not to be jarring.

 

Overhead, suspended from the roof trusses are the typical elongated lamps of the period, which are an interesting mixture of Spanish revival meets Art Deco.

 

Park Lake Presbyterian Church is part of a cohesive group of religious buildings created in central Florida in the 1920s, including First Presbyterian Church of Orlando and St. Cloud Presbyterian Church (both no longer extant), as well as the former Calvary Presbyterian Church at 709 Edgewater Drive, Orlando. The style persisted for some years, and can be seen in the Central Christian Church of Orlando (Disciples of Christ), Knowles Chapel on the campus of Rollins College in Winter Park, and in the First United Methodist Church in Mount Dora. To many observers, these look “the way a church ought to look in Florida”.  Park Lake Presbyterian Church has retained its original features and is a significant contributor to the charm of the Park Lake neighborhood and the architectural heritage of Central Florida.

 

Murry S. King designed many other notable works in Central Florida, including the Angebilt Hotel (27 N. Orange Ave.), the Beardall Residence (700 Euclid Avenue), the Woodruff Residence (236 S. Lucerne Circle E,), and his last work, the Orange County Regional History Center (formerly the Orange County Courthouse].

 

King was adept at many different architectural effects, such as his neoclassical Orange County Courthouse. A casual observer would not immediately grasp that it and the Park Lake Presbyterian Church were from the same drafting board.  Yet, it might be supposed that King was more closely adhering to the shared vision of the Orlando Group of architects in using Spanish revival forms for the church structure.

Today, such buildings sometimes get lumped into a category that does not do justice to the theoretical focus of the Orlando architects. There has been a worldwide tendency since the mid 1900s to deride any architecture except the international style.  This is unfortunate.  Excellent regional work therefore is often ignored or deemed unworthy of appreciation or preservation.  And it flies the face of what King and his fellow architects were attempting to accomplish.  They were intentionally seeking a type of architecture that was suitable to Florida’s history and environment.  If one studies the work of the architects listed in the Orlando City Directory of the mid 1920’s one finds that they were all creating pleasing buildings in this manner.  

Early postcards of Orlando include a very poetic view of the newly completed Park Lake Presbyterian Church as seen from the far shore of Park Lake.  It is a picturesque building in a pastoral setting.  No doubt the new church building became an admired feature for those who passed by on busy Colonial Drive, as well.

Similarities to the buildings on the Rollins College Campus are worth noting, especially the poetic allure of Knowles Chapel, which, both inside and out, echoes Park Lake Presbyterian Church’s aesthetic.  That the college chapel was designed by a nationally celebrated architect, Ralph Adams Cram, means that it enjoys greater historic appreciation today than does Park Lake Presbyterian Church.  

The church building was dedicated on October 14, 1925. On the preceding Sunday, October 7, the congregation received its first group of more than 160 members.  From its beginnings, Park Lake Presbyterian Church has had a strong group of constituents and a building they would utilize with a sense of pride.

 

The streetscape of Orlando has much changed in the past 100 years.  Colonial Drive was formerly a quiet two lane street, that actually curved to follow the south shore of Park Lake.  Today, it is a straight, extremely busy four lane commuting artery.  Nonetheless, Park Lake Presbyterian Church continues to serve as a striking visual landmark for the community.  

 

Compare and Contrast - James Gamble Rogers II and Ryan & Roberts, Architects

My talk at Casa Feliz on Tuesday night included this presentation: 

Compare:

 

First of all, they were both regional architects, with their main body of work being completed in Central Florida. Which is fortunate for us;  since we have the opportunity to visit them easily, and they are part of the built environment that we can enjoy daily.

Second, they were both primarily residential architects. Although not limited to residential.  Indeed, one of Rogers' most notable buildings is his Florida Suprme Court Building in Tallahassee.  LIkewise, the Veteran's Memorial Building in St Cloud is one of the most accessible works by Ryan and Roberts. 

Villa Formosa - Ryan and Roberts, Architects

 

Casa Feliz - James Gamble Rogers II, Architect

Third, they both achieved a measure of success in their profession. In other words, by doing the work of architecture, they were able to make a living for themselves and to provide others work. 

 

Fourth, both in the time that they worked and  created, and in later years down to today, they found an appreciative audience among those who are interested in the architecture of Central Florida.

 

Contrast:

 

First, Ryan and Roberts are part of a larger group of architects who were, collegially, trying to create a new architecture for Central Florida. The medium that they used has become familiar to us, which may indicate that they were quite successful in their efforts. We now think of it as Mediterranean Revival or Spanish Revival. Which it is. But in the case of Ryan and Roberts, they did not stray into other stylistic motifs. Although there were occasional hints of their former work up north in some of their completed projects.

 

James Gamble Rogers II, in contrast, was remarkably adept at many different architectural styles. So, there are homes in a Spanish or Mediterranean Revival style. But he ran the gamut from Colonial, to Art Deco, to works harking back to classical Greece and Rome. He was not part of the movement trying to create a new architecture for Central Floirda. He was part of the prevailing mode of the middle of the 20th century, that was open to using a variety of historic styles in fresh ways.

 

Second: Just by virtue of being an architect, one is working with clients that have some means to accomplish their building projects. That being said, in general, James Gamble Rogers II had more clients with more resources than did Ryan and Roberts. At least from what we’re able to discover at this point. What this also means is that James Gamble Rogers II's works were built in places that continue to be extremely desirable neighborhoods. So the likelihood of his work being appreciated, cared for, and preserved is much greater than the works of Ryan and Roberts. Many of which have also already fallen pray to the wrecking ball.

 

Third: Of course, the obvious contrast is that Ryan and Roberts were women, in a man’s field, and they prevailed in a way that they earned a livelihood, and a fine reputation in Central Florida. There were any number of objections that were placed in their way, in their pursuit of architecture, simply because they were women.  In contrast, James Gamble Rogers II came from an architecture family, so it was in his DNA. And being a man, not a woman, he did not have the same hurdles to deal with as Ryan and Roberts.

 

Finally, Ryan and Roberts had the misfortune of a past association with Frank Lloyd Wright, which meant that Wright did as he did with most of the architects that were at one time associated with him, and that is downplayed their contributions to his success, and the field of architecture in general. James Gamble Rogers II did not have that particular problem. And indeed while not world famous, James Gamble Rogers II is well-known in Central Florida, even to those that don’t know much about Central Florida architecture. Ryan and Robert still remain obscure, for the most part.

 

 

 

 

"Orlantic" - Seeking Information About This Community on Cape Canaveral

Here is a site plan and a locator map for the subdivision named "Orlantic". It was owned and developed by architects Isabel Roberts and Ida Annah Ryan, on land at Cape Canaveral, in the early 1920s.  It was situated along the Atlantic Coastline, directly to the right (east) of where NASA's Launch Complex 40 now stands.  Due to its location, access to the site is restricted.

Above locator map shows the location of Orlantic in red.

Below is the site plan showing the streets and lots for Orlantic.

Lots were sold or assigned to a large group of customers, approximately 70 lots, in total.  Some were family and friends of these two women architects, others were leading citizens in Central Florida.  It is not known how many of the lots were developed, nor how many of the owners spent how much time there. 

That is why I am hoping for your help.  

If you  have extended family or friends who were once here, and have memories or photos of  "Orlantic" that you would be willing to share, I would be delighted to hear from you.  Just respond with a Comment, and I will get in touch with you.  Please take a moment to read the list of Orlantic owners (below); you may see someone you know or know about listed there.

Thanks in advance for your help!

************

Orlantic Lot Owners are listed below

Items in red have some information about them

 

Orlantic Owners with the last name Ryan:

 

·   Gerald D. Ryan – Appears to have been a street contractor in Central Florida, in 1919 he was granted permits for street improvements in Leesburg.

·          Elizabeth Ryan – no information yet.

·    Frances M Ryan – probably Frances Mills Ryan, Nov 1898-Mar 1981, buried in the Ocoee Cemetery, Orange County FL 

·      Florence G Ryan – no information yet.

·      Daniel M. Ryan – no information yet.

·      Otta M. Ryan – (see below)

·  Otta Ryan Crabill (Same as above) – 1895-1968, buried in Middleburg Methodist Church Cemetery, Middleburg, Clay County, Florida.

·      Henry M and Ada T. Ryan – no information yet.

·      *Curtis L Ryan – 1891-1953 -  buried in Middleburg Methodist Church Cemetery, Middleburg, Clay

·      *Roweena (N) Ryan – 1857-1934 - buried in Middleburg Methodist Church Cemetery, Middleburg, Clay

·      *C. M. Ryan – no information yet.

 

Orlantic Owners with the last name Roberts:

 

·      Elsie M Roberts – [possibly Elsie May Wintersgill Roberts – 1895-1947 born in PA, buried at Royal Palm S Cemetery, ST Petersburg 

·      Alice and LeRoy Roberts – no information yet.

·      R. F. Roberts – no information yet.

·      Eva V Roberts – no information yet.

·      Mrs T. S. Roberts – no information yet.

·      Charlotte B. Roberts (Mrs. John Somerville)

·      Thomas W Roberts – no information yet.

·      H. Armstrong (1885-1947) and Marguerite A. Roberts (1885-1963) (m 1911)– both buried West Laurel Hill Cemetery, Bala Cynwyd, PA

·      L. H. Roberts – no information yet.

·      Philip W. Roberts – probably Philip William Roberts, citrus grower and mason, of Mimms; 1878-1948, LaGrange Cemetery, Mims FL

·      C. V and Laurel Roberts – both, no information yet.

·      Mrs. M. E. Roberts – no information yet.

·      C. D. Roberts – Isabel's sister, Charlotte D. Roberts

·      F. S. Roberts – no information yet.

·      George W. And Ina M. Roberts – no information yet.

·      Emma Roberts – no information yet.

·      Jeannie Roberts – no information yet.

·      L. and Ada S. Roberts – no information yet.

·      Kathleen Roberts – no information yet.

·      Verne Roberts – no information yet.

·      *Etta Roberts - possibly buried in Westchester Hills Cemetery Ny

·      Mrs Paul Roberts – no information yet.

 

Other Orlantic Owners:

 

·      H. B. Roberts – H. B. Roberts Realty (February 14, 1925 · 19

·      Mr. Hogue with H. B. ROBERTS REALTY CO. INC. 304 Krause 

·      Elnora Nehf - 1866-1966 – There's lawsuit information v. Fred B. Houghton, on 5/31/33 suggesting the suit was something about Orlantic…  Also this genealogy information: George Arthur Nehf was born June 20, 1883, to George H (Jr) Nehf (1857-1925) and Elnora Matson Nehf.

·      Howard H. Elliott - no information yet.

·      Frank Novak – no information yet.

·      Harry. M. Scott – no information yet.

·      Madeline H Lowerre (womens tennis)(also soprano soloist in New York City) –  1919,  “Miss Helen Gillendeau proved the strongest in the women's singles , winning from Miss Madeline Lowerre in the final round“. 1922 “Madeline Lowerre , soprano , has become one of the soloists at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, Yonkers.” Sept 15, 1917,  “Miss Madeline Lowerre yesterday made the best of a small field in the opening of the women’s singles in the city tennis tournament being held at the Park ..” NYTimes. (Could she possibly have been Madeline Herriot Lowerre 1895-1979, buriedin Arlington Memorial Park, Sandy Springs, GA?) Madaline H Loueree was born about 1896, her father, George N. Lowerre, was 40. In 1940, she was 44 years old and lived in Buckhead, Fulton County, Georgia, with her father, aged 84.

·      Grant-Miami Corporation (1925-1932) – GRANT-MIAMI CORPORATION has been set up 3/16/1925 in state FL. The current status of the business is Inactive. The GRANT-MIAMI CORPORATION principal address is MIAMI, FL. Meanwhile you can send your letters to MIAMI, FL. The company`s registered agent is FL. The company`s management are President, Director - Sutherland W E, Vice President, Director - Leitz B M, Secretary, Treasurer, Director - Leitz Eugene. The last significant event in the company history is DISSOLVED BY PROCLAMATION which is dated by 11/23/1936

·      John G. Staiger (farm equipment manufacturer)

·      Merritt Island Investment Company (1923-1933) perhaps longer  – [] Merritt Island Investment Company V. Rumsey. Date: May 1, 1933. Cited By: 0. Matter Of Commr. Of Tax. And Fin. V. Realty Ass'n. Date: May 1, 1933.

·      J. F. Lynch ( maybe- JAMES FRANCIS LYNCH : lawyer ; married Gertrude Altenbrand , New York , N. Y. , Nov. ... diversions , golf , swimming , playing tennis ; publications , “ The Gold of the Florida Sun.

·      Norris T. Froscher (Norris Teague Froscher of Daytona)(Banker)(served as clerk of the circuit court Titusville 1921-1932). Mary Feaster Coleman , daughter of George Washington Coleman and Annie Julia Lonergan , married her cousin , Norris Teague Froscher , April 8 , 1914 , at Titusville , Florida . 2 children .(namesake was involved in auto racing.  Died April 2010. Married to Marilyn 42 years. Son: Teague. This was probably the son of the person connected with Orlantic)

·      Pryor Fulton – 1859-1929 – buried in Mount Feake Cemetery, Waltham Mass. (owner The New England Coal Co, Waltham Mass)(so Ida Ryan connection). Wife was Christina Fulton.

·      Laurel McDaniel - died Setp 1950 - buried in Hilltop Cemetery, Cocoa, Florida.  John W McDaniel is also buried in this cemetery. His dates suggest he was her husband.

·      R. A. Hobbs – no information yet.

·      C. A. Phelps – On February 22 , 1922 , by virtue of an assignment from C. A. Phelps , petitioner , Phelps - Waters Co. , received $ 1,800 as part of a liquidating dividend from the Wisconsin Chemical Co.

·      Anna E. Collier – no information yet.

·      Martin J. Golden – no information yet.

·      Catherine Elliott (related to Howard, above?) – no information yet.

·      Elizabeth M. Tyler – no information yet.

·      The South Melbourne Home Sites Company Inc – no information yet.

·      L. & M. Properties – no information yet.

·      Neiman Construction Co Inc – no information yet.

·      Meta A. Shipman (appears in the 1940 census)

·      Leslie J. Davidson (1416 Fern Creek Dr. in 1925 Orlando directory 

·      Brevard County Bank and Trust

·      D. P. Sias (David Purdy Sias of Winter Park FL Leading citizen of Central Florida.  His Orlando area home was designed by Ryan and Roberts. On Lake Lucy.

·      Nettie E. Gordon (1940 census, lived at 411 Palmer St Orlando on Lake Cherokee but it’s now condos)

·      Fred B. Houghton (1940 census)(v. Elnora Nehf, on 5/31/33)

·      R. M. Dungan lived at 1220 Palmer St in 1928. It is a craftsman style house.

·      The Fireproof Brick & Tile Co. of Orlando , Fla, has been incorporated with a capital stock of $ 25,000 . R. M. Dungan , 1224 Palmer St. , was the principal incorporator “) (Ray M Dungan, 1878-1968, buried in Greenwood Cemetery, Orlando.  (Wife was Honor E Dungan)(1925 Orlando Directory has his address as 1024 Palmer.

·      Weyman P. West (P=Poole) – no information yet.

·      A. D. Wentworth (possibly Adrian Dexter Wentworth) attorney. Practices in Titusville fl. The Life Summary of Adrian Dexter

·      When Adrian Dexter Wentworth was born on 4 February 1876, in Taylor, Florida, United States, his father, James Hamilton Wentworth, was 39 and his mother, Nancy Jane Hendry, was 30. He married Carmen Ercell Wilson on 9 July 1905. They were the parents of at least 1 son. He lived in Election Precinct 6 Lake Bird, Taylor, Florida, United States in 1880 and Elizabeth City, Pasquotank, North Carolina, United States in 1964. He died on 5 July 1964, in Taylor, Florida, United States, at the age of 88, and was buried in Taylor, Florida, United States.  WENTWORTH , Adrian D. , The Duren Bldg . , 342 Washington Ave. , Titusville 

·      The Story of Florida - Volume 4 - Page 636

·      William Thomas Cash · 1938 · ‎Snippet view · ‎More editions

·      His wife , Adrian Dexter Wentworth's mother , was born March 17, 1845 , in Thomas County , Georgia . ... Starting his legal work in Titusville , he conducts a law firm here under his own name , and is engaged in a general line of legal…

·      *Dune Ridge Suburban Development Company”  - no information yet.