CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — Save CR Heritage kicked off its 10th anniversary celebration with a tour that highlighted historic churches and other buildings at the edge of downtown Cedar Rapids.

Since its inception in 2012, the nonprofit has worked to draw attention to the importance of saving the city’s architectural history, which connects us to our past, but also serves as a bridge to the future.

Storms that threatened throughout the day held off until the end of the tour on April 30, 2022.

Volunteers shared the history of five architectural gems that have stood the test of time, and the importance of keeping these places alive.

More than 80 people were able to see inside these historical treasures, and also signed the petition calling for placing the closure of Garfield Elementary on the Cedar Rapids School Board agenda, to give residents a voice.

Related: Petition calls for public hearing on school closure

Save CR Heritage extends our deepest gratitude to Pastor Leoma Leigh-Williams and historian Tamara Milton-Kimbrough of Bethel AME Church; Charles Jones of the Averill House; the Rev. Heather Hayes of First Presbyterian Church; Jess Johnson of Runt’s Munchies and media sponsor City Revealed magazine.

Also, thanks to all who attended and our volunteers and board members who made the tour a success: Dennis Andrews; Cindy Hadish; Nikki Halvorson; Lisa Kindred; Devin Neufeld; Peg Oettinger; Mark Smith; Therese Smith; Jeff Snyder and Jay Vavra.

All proceeds from the tour benefit the early-1900s J.E. Halvorson House, named in memory of beloved Save CR Heritage volunteer and board member, John Erik Halvorson.

See more photos from the tour, below: