Christ Church (Cambridge, Massachusetts) facts for kids
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Christ Church
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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Christ Church in 1792.
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 Location in Massachusetts
Location in the United States
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| Location | Garden Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts |
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| Area | 0.5-acre (2,000 m2) |
| Built | 1761 |
| Architect | Harrison, Peter |
| Architectural style | Georgian |
| Part of | Cambridge Common Historic District (ID73000281) |
| NRHP reference No. | 66000140 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | October 15, 1966 |
| Designated NHL | October 9, 1960 |
| Designated CP | April 13, 1973 |
Christ Church is a very old and important church located at Zero Garden Street in Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA. It's part of the Episcopal Church. This church was built a long time ago, between 1760 and 1761. It's special because it was designed by Peter Harrison. He was one of the first professional architects in the American colonies.
Contents
History of Christ Church
How the Church Started
The idea for Christ Church started in 1759. People who lived in Cambridge wanted a church closer to their homes. They were members of King's Chapel in Boston. They also wanted to offer Church of England services. This was for students at Harvard College, which is right across Cambridge Common. The first leader of the church was East Apthorp. Many of the first members lived on a street called Tory Row. Today, it's known as Brattle Street.
Building the Church
The church was designed by a famous architect named Peter Harrison. He also designed King's Chapel in Boston. Christ Church is one of the few buildings he designed that are still standing. It was built in the Georgian style. The church's wooden frame sits on a strong granite foundation. This foundation was made from heavy stones. These stones were used as ballast in ships coming into Boston Harbor. The church was first painted to look like a traditional stone church in England.
During the American Revolution
The American Revolution was a tough time for Christ Church. People who supported the colonies sometimes attacked the church. This was because many church members supported the British. But the church also hosted important visitors. George and Martha Washington attended a prayer service here. They were staying in a nearby house, now called Longfellow House–Washington's Headquarters National Site. The church was closed during the Revolution. Its organ was even melted down to make bullets.
After the Revolution
After the American Revolution, the church was empty for several years. Later, in the late 1700s, it reopened as an Episcopal Church. It has been an Episcopal Church ever since. In 1857, the church was made bigger. This was to fit more people and help raise money. The church was redecorated in a big way in 1883. But in 1920, it was changed back to its simpler, original look.
Famous Visitors and Students
Many Harvard students have attended Christ Church over the years. One was Richard Henry Dana Jr., who wrote Two Years Before the Mast. Another famous person was Teddy Roosevelt. He taught Sunday School here for more than three years. He was Presbyterian, but he left when he was told he needed to become an Episcopalian to continue teaching.
In 1960, Christ Church was named a National Historic Landmark. It was also added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1966. Next to the church is the Old Burying Ground. This historic cemetery is even older than the church. It is not connected to Christ Church or any other church.
Social Activism at Christ Church
Christ Church has a long history of helping others. It has supported the civil rights movement and the peace movement. It has also worked for social justice. In April 1967, Martin Luther King Jr. and Doctor Benjamin Spock wanted to hold a press conference. They wanted to speak out against the Vietnam War. They were not allowed to use a building at Harvard University. But Reverend Murray Kenney welcomed them to Christ Church. There is a plaque in the church hall to remember this event. Another important activist who spoke at Christ Church was Jesse Jackson. He spoke there in 2004 as part of a Martin Luther King Jr. celebration.
Gallery
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Church interior.
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View of the Cambridge Common, around 1808–09. Harvard College is on the left and Christ Church is on the right.
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Exterior in 2012.
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Christ Church, 1759–61, around 1895–1905. From the Archive of Photographic Documentation of Early Massachusetts Architecture, Boston Public Library.
See also
