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118A Central Avenue Icon nyone driving on I-65 through Indianapolis has seen it hugging the interstate%u2014a massive, redbrick structure with a tall, slender bell tower, and a distinctively pointed, silvery dome. It%u2019s the Central Avenue Methodist Episcopal Church%u2014a most impressive example of Romanesque Revival architecture.Built in 1892, the church played a significant role in the social and cultural history of Indiana%u2019s capital city. Back in the early 20th century, ministers and congregants were on the front lines fighting for the passage of child-labor laws. They promoted health-care programs for the poor%u2014and played an instrumental role in founding Methodist Hospital and Wheeler Rescue Mission.As with many urban houses of worship, the Central Avenue Methodist Episcopal Church (which was later know as Central Avenue United Methodist Church) had difficulties adjusting to modernity. As more-affluent congregants moved to the suburbs, the remaining lower-income members could no longer afford to properly maintain the aging building. By the mid-90s, membership fell to a few dozen people, and the building%u2019s future looked bleak. Then, in 2000, a non-profit organization assumed ownership and renamed the place The Old Centrum. Their mission was to find new uses for the structure.At first, it seemed the former church would have a new lease on life. It became a community center, gained several non-profit tenants, and even continued to hold Methodist services. Unfortunately, even with the help of the Historic Landmarks Foundation, the Old Northside Neighborhood Association, and the Indianapolis Foundation, it struggled to survive. Today, the building sits empty (except for one office), it%u2019s up for sale, and its prospects are uncertain.Lynn and I stopped by one Saturday, after spotting a car in the parking lot. %u2028Inside, we found Marie Beason, Executive Director of The Old Centrum Foundation, at her desk. After explaining our project, she readily agreed to show us the interior. However, before taking any photographs, we%u2019d need permission from the Board of Directors. Leading us to an unassuming door on the main floor, Marie unlocked it. Upon entering, we found ourselves in a most wondrous place. This was the magnificent domed sanctuary, with its curved pews, stained glass, dark woodwork, chandelier, pipe organ, ornate lectern, and curving balcony. It was simply an awe-inspiring interior.Sanctuary, Central Avenue Methodist Episcopal Church, 1892%u2014Indianapolis, Marion Co. (899.03)A