Dexter Universalist Church (Dexter, Maine) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Dexter Universalist Church
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 Location in Maine
Location in the United States
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| Location | Church St., Dexter, Maine |
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| Area | 1 acre (0.40 ha) |
| Built | 1867 |
| Architect | Thomas Silloway |
| NRHP reference No. | 85001258 |
| Added to NRHP | June 20, 1985 |
The Dexter Universalist Church, also called the First Universalist Church of Dexter, is a very old and important church. It is located on Church Street in Dexter, Maine. This special building was first built in the 1820s. Later, in the 1860s, it got a new look. A famous architect from Boston, Massachusetts, named Thomas Silloway, designed its unique style. Because of its history and design, the church was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1985.
Contents
About the Church Building
The Dexter Universalist Church stands right in the middle of Dexter. You can find it at the corner of Hall Street and Church Street. These are also known as Maine State Routes 7 and 23.
What the Church Looks Like
The church is a two-story building made of wood. Most of its outside walls are covered with clapboard siding. It has a roof that slopes down on two sides, facing the front.
Special Features of the Church
In front of the main part of the church, there is a section that sticks out. This part has a hip roof and smooth, flat boards. From this front section, a tall, square tower rises up. This tower has several parts. It leads up to a bell tower, called a belfry, and then to a pointed steeple.
The front section has three window openings. There are narrow, arched windows on each side of the main entrance. The entrance itself is inside a large, arched opening. This opening is part of a section that sticks out even more, with its own small gable roof. This small roof has decorative teeth-like carvings called a dentillated cornice. Inside the church, the main worship area has walls and a ceiling covered in pressed metal.
History of the Church
The main part of the Dexter Universalist Church was built a long time ago. Construction happened around 1828 and 1829. However, the church's unique look comes from a big update. This renovation took place between 1867 and 1870.
The Architect Thomas Silloway
The new design for the church was created by Thomas Silloway. He was a well-known architect from Boston. Silloway designed many churches during his career. He is also famous for designing the Vermont State House. The Dexter Universalist Church is one of only three buildings in Maine that he designed that still look mostly the same today.
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