Church of the Ascension (Fall River, Massachusetts) facts for kids
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Church of the Ascension
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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 Location in Massachusetts
Location in the United States
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| Location | Fall River, Massachusetts |
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| Built | 1875 |
| Architect | Covel & Baker, John J. Highland, Angell & Swift |
| Part of | Lower Highlands Historic District (ID84002171) |
| MPS | Fall River MRA |
| NRHP reference No. | 83000653 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | February 16, 1983 |
| Designated CP | January 10, 1984 |
The Church of the Ascension is an old and important church building. It is located at 160 Rock Street in Fall River, Massachusetts. This church belongs to the Episcopal faith. It was finished in 1875. In 1983, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it is a special place in history. The church is also part of the Lower Highlands Historic District. Since 2008, the church community has been called the Church of the Holy Spirit.
History of the Church
The Church of the Ascension Episcopal community started in 1836. It was the very first Episcopal group in Fall River. At first, they held their church services in different places. In 1835, they met at the Unitarian Church. Later, they used Pocasset Hall.
The church community then used the old Town Hall on Central Street. This was until 1840. In that year, they bought the old First Baptist Church. This church was on South Main Street. Sadly, it burned down in 1850. But it was rebuilt in 1852.
By 1872, the rebuilt church was too small. The number of people attending had grown a lot. So, services were held in the Music Hall from 1872 to 1875. During this time, plans were made for a brand new church. This new church would be built on Rock Street.
The church building you see today was finished in 1875. It was officially opened on November 29, 1875. The church is made from Fall River granite. It also has red brick and Scotch stone for decoration. Covel & Baker, a company from Fall River, did the stone work. It cost $39,250 at that time. We do not know who the main architect was.
In 1910, a new building was added next to the church. This was a parish house. It was designed in the Tudor Revival style. The architects were Angell & Swift.
The church is built in the Victorian Gothic style. It has a strong square tower with a special top. This top looks like a castle wall. The church also has stone corner towers. A side garden, a small chapel, and the nice brick parish house make the building look even better.
On April 6, 2008, three Episcopal church groups joined together. These were the Church of the Ascension, St. John's / St. Stephen's Parish, and St. Mark's Episcopal Parish. They all became one new church community. This new group is now called the Church of the Holy Spirit.
See also
