First Baptist Church (Framingham, Massachusetts) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
|
|
First Baptist Church
|
|
 |
|
 Location in Massachusetts
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | Framingham, Massachusetts |
|---|---|
| Built | 1826, 1881 |
| Architect | Hartwell and Richardson |
| Architectural style | Late Gothic Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 80000642 |
| Added to NRHP | April 9, 1980 |
The First Baptist Church is a historic church building. It is located at 1013 Worcester Road in Framingham, Massachusetts. This church has been an important part of the Framingham community for a very long time.
Contents
History of the Church Building
The First Baptist Church building has a rich history. Its first stone was placed in 1826. The very first church services happened on January 1, 1827. Reverend Charles Train led these early services.
Changes to the Building Over Time
When the church was first built, the basement was open. Horses could stay there to keep dry during services. Around 1881, the church floor was raised. The basement was then closed in. This made the building more modern for its time.
In 1888, a new section was added to the back of the church. This addition had four rooms. A special pool for baptisms was also added near the altar.
The church has kept much of its original look. There were some big updates around 1998. These changes made the building easier for everyone to use. For example, they added ramps or elevators for people with disabilities.
The original seats in the main area were like boxes. These were changed to curved, padded seats in the late 1800s. However, the old box-style seats can still be seen in the balcony. Also, some original separate seating areas in the balcony were closed off around 1849.
Joining of Congregations
In 1854, some members left the First Baptist Church. They started a new church in South Framingham. This new church was first called the South Framingham Baptist Church. Later, its name changed to Park Street Baptist Church.
The First Baptist Church had major updates in 1881. By 1998, both the First Baptist Church and Park Street Baptist Church had fewer members. So, their members started worshipping together. In 2002, the Park Street Baptist Church officially rejoined the First Baptist Church. They became one church again. Today, they are known as the First Baptist Church in Framingham.
The church building was recognized as a historic place in 1980. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
See also
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Framingham, Massachusetts
- List of places of worship in Framingham, Massachusetts
