A Rich History
Built in a Classical Revival style, the facade is highlighted by four monumental Doric columns, and was originally built in 1921 for the First Church of Christ Scientist. It was designed by Marsh & Saxelbye and built by W.D. Gerbich. In 1992 the congregation sold the building to David Karpeles, and it served as one of fifteen Karpeles Museums around the country to display founder David Karpeles’ collection of rare documents and manuscripts. Karpeles, a mathematician, inventor, and real estate investor, passed away in 2022, leaving his family to process the collection.
Over the years the building fell into disrepair. Historic buildings, neighborhoods, and landscapes embody the intentions and lives of those who built or worked in them. We acquired the property to preserve, restore, and most importantly to reinvigorate it.
TIMELINE
Mary Baker Eddy founded Christian Science in 1879 and a decade later, Jacksonville had its own Christian Science congregation.
Built in a classical revival style. It was designed by Marsh & Saxelbye and built by W.D. Gerbich.
It was the early 1970s when Karpeles first dreamt of collecting pieces of paper that have moved history. One notable acquisition was the Emancipation Proclamation which was purchased in 1978 for only $40,000.
The congregation sold the building to David Karpeles which served as one of fifteen Karpeles Museums around the country, to display founder David Karpeles' collection of rare documents and manuscripts.
Jacksonville hosts a new annual music festival called the China Cat Sunflower Festival dedicated to Grateful Dead music and some of the performances were held at the Karpeles Museum. Throughout the years other artists have performed here, including Elizabeth Baker.
David Karpeles, a mathematician, inventor, and real estate investor, and founder of the museum passes away in 2022, leaving his family to process the collection.
