Congregational Church (Southbridge, Massachusetts) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Elm Street Congregational Church
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Elm StreetCongregational Church
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 Location in Massachusetts
Location in the United States
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| Location | 61 Elm Street, Southbridge, Massachusetts |
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| Built | 1885 |
| Architectural style | Gothic |
| MPS | Southbridge MRA |
| NRHP reference No. | 89000591 |
| Added to NRHP | June 22, 1989 |
The Elm Street Congregational Church is a very old and beautiful church in Southbridge, Massachusetts. It was built in 1885 and is known for its special "Gothic Revival" style. This style makes it look a bit like old castles or cathedrals. This church is so important that it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1989. This list helps protect important buildings in the United States. The church community, which started way back in 1801, is part of the United Church of Christ.
Contents
A Look at the Church Building
The Elm Street Congregational Church stands on Elm Street in Southbridge. It is a brick building with many fancy details. The roof is very steep and has pointy decorations called pinnacles. You can also see cool brick patterns and beautiful stained glass windows with pointed arches.
The Church Tower
The church has a tall tower at its front corner. This tower is square and has strong supports called buttresses on its sides. However, the very top parts of the tower are missing. They were blown down by a very strong storm, the 1938 New England hurricane, and were never rebuilt. Even without its top, the church is a unique building in Southbridge. Its brick matches other important buildings nearby.
History of the Congregation
The church community, or congregation, began in 1801. It started when some people separated from the town's first church. They first met in a hall built in 1801. Later, in 1822, a new church building was constructed in the same spot where the current church stands.
Building the Current Church
In 1884, a big storm damaged the steeple of the 1822 church. Because of this damage, a brand new building was needed. The current church was built the very next year, in 1885. It cost about $17,500 to build, which was a lot of money back then! The new church was officially opened on September 4, 1885.
Who Leads the Church Today
Today, the minister of the Elm Street Congregational Church is the Reverend Kathryn Light. The church is a proud member of the United Church of Christ.
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