First Congregational Church of Blandford facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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First Congregational Church of Blandford
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 Location in Massachusetts
Location in the United States
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| Location | Blandford, Massachusetts |
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| Built | 1822 |
| Architect | Isaac Damon |
| Architectural style | Federal |
| NRHP reference No. | 85003371 |
| Added to NRHP | October 24, 1985 |
The First Congregational Church of Blandford is a very old and important church building in Blandford, Massachusetts. People often call it the White Church because of its color. It was built way back in 1822. This church is a great example of a building made in the Federal style. A famous builder named Isaac Damon designed it. In 1985, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. Today, a local group takes care of it. They use it for special events.
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What Makes the White Church Special?
The White Church in Blandford is located just outside the town center. It sits on a small hill on the east side of North Street. This building is made of wood and has two and a half stories. It has a pointed roof and its outside walls are covered with clapboards.
The front of the church has five sections. The middle three sections stick out a bit. They have a triangular shape at the top, like a classic temple. The corners of the building look like flat columns, called pilasters. Each of the middle sections has a door on the first floor. Above these doors are half-round windows that look like fans. The windows on the second floor also have these fan-shaped tops.
The Church Tower
A tall tower rises from the front of the church. The first part of the tower is square. It holds the church bell. This bell section has round-headed openings with decorative arches. The next two parts of the tower are eight-sided. They get smaller as they go up. These parts have columns at their corners. The tower is topped with a curved, dome-shaped roof and a weather vane.
Who Built This Historic Church?
The church was built in 1822. A local builder named Isaac Damon was in charge of the project. He got his ideas from designs by other famous architects. These included Charles Bulfinch and Asher Benjamin.
Changes Over Time
When the church was first built, the pulpit was near the front door. This meant that anyone arriving late would be seen by everyone. Later, during some changes, the pulpit was moved. It was placed at the back of the building instead. In the 1990s, the church was fixed up and restored. The Blandford Historical Society now owns and manages it.
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