Its massive beams overhead point to heaven, interlocked like fingers of praying hands while stories of ages past paint the room with every hue of the rainbow.

First Presbyterian Church in Ironton has long stood as an example, in both its service to the community and its rich structural design. On Sunday, the latter will be celebrated with a brief discussion during the worship service at 10:30 a.m. and then at noon in the fellowship hall. The event is free and open to the public.

Architectural historian Walter E. Langsam of Cincinnati will show slides and discuss the church's history. Fellow architect Stewart Shillito Maxwell will join him. Maxwell's great uncle, the Rev. Lewis Lee was pastor from 1909-1913.

Current pastor, the Rev. Harold Demus said the two colleagues were doing research on the work of nationally known architect James Keys Wilson when they discovered that First Presbyterian was one of Wilson's creations.

"He (Langsam) and his partner (Maxwell) came to see it," Demus said. "They didn't know it existedŠthey were just so thrilled that we had kept it in such good condition."

Demus said the architectural historian expressed interest in returning to the church.

"Langsam said to me, 'I would love to come to Ironton and tell the city what a treasure they have,'" Demus said.

Inside and out, the church is a marvel of construction. Its sanctuary has 45 stained glass windows set in two rows, running the length of the walls. The arched ceiling is built to resemble the inverted hull of a ship with crisscrossing of rich walnut wood. A person can almost become seasick just by looking so far upward at the expanse.

"It is very unusual. It is thought that there are only two churches like it," Demus said.

Although the reason for the ceiling's design is unclear, Demus said it is likely Wilson was trying to illustrate Christianity's role in the world.

"The church is often called the good ship," he said. "Anyone within its shelter is safe."

One of the church's most striking features is the enormous circular stained glass window at the back of the sanctuary. Approximately 12 feet in diameter, the circle contains five smaller pictorial circles recounting the life of local missionary John Milton Campbell.

Hiram Campbell was a pioneer ironmaster who helped to found Ironton whose brother John felt the call to preach the gospel in the remotest regions of Africa. After completing his seminary training in Cincinnati, John traveled by clipper ship to the distant land. John died of a tropical fever within two months of making landfall at age 32.

Hiram donated the window in memory of his brother. It cost $40,000 to construct at the time, more than 100 years ago.

"It's worth the visit just to see that window," Demus said.

While the fellowship was founded on July 27, 1850, with 14 members, the current structure was not finished until 1882, Demus said. Earlier worship took place on two lots along Fourth Street on land donated by the Iron Coal Company when Ironton was laid out in 1849. It is the oldest church in Ironton.

The current sanctuary was remodeled about four years ago to restore it to its original beauty, Demus said. It features the only true pipe organ in Ironton and hand-carved furniture made from red and olive woods.

From the outside, the structure is an imposing presence in Ironton. At one time, its giant clock tower could be seen from almost any point within city limits.

On Sunday, Demus said anyone is welcome to tour the church between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Refreshments will be served at 11 a.m. in the fellowship hall. Sunday School for children and adults begins at 9:30 a.m.