Diedrich A. Bohlen, a German-born architect who immigrated to Indianapolis in the 1850s, designed this early example of Romanesque Revival architecture.

Constructed of Indiana limestone at Delaware and Vermont Streets, it has a rectangular plan and includes a bell tower on the southwest corner.

It is home to one of several Homeless Jesus statues around the world, this one located behind the church on Alabama Street.

Following the American Civil War, the congregation decided to build a new church at its present-day site at Delaware and Vermont Streets.

On June 29, 1868, the congregation purchased approximately 1 acre (0.40 hectares) of land at the northeast corner of Delaware and Vermont Streets for $17,000.

The total cost of the new church was estimated at $128,000, including the lot, structure, interior decoration, and an organ.

[3][8] Roberts Park Methodist Episcopal Church was added to the National Register of Historic Places on August 19, 1982.

[1] Diedrich A. Bohlen, a German-born architect who immigrated to Indianapolis in the 1850s, designed the new church in the Rundbogenstil (round-arch) style that was popular at the time he was studying architecture in Germany.

Bohlen, the founder of D. A. Bohlen, Architect, was already known as the designer of other notable projects in Indiana, including the Morris-Butler House and Saint John the Evangelist Catholic Church (rectory and church) in Indianapolis and the motherhouse and chapel for the Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods.

The Roberts Park church, one of Bohlen's major works, is reportedly modeled on City Temple, London.

Roberts Park church includes a rectangular plan with a three-story bell tower on its southwest corner.

[2][8] The church's main facade, which faces Delaware Street, is divided into three sections with recurring, round-arched openings in arcades.

The ground-floor arcade consists of compound arches that contain the entry doors surmounted by stained-glass rose windows.

During World War II the church provided entertainment to servicemen and women and served them more than 90,000 meals.

[14] By 1940 the Roberts Park church, with an estimated 1,700 members, had become one of Indiana's largest Methodist congregations.

As Indianapolis's population extended outward to suburban neighborhoods, the church's membership declined, dropping to 425 members by 1990; however, the congregation resolved to remain in its downtown location.