First Unitarian Church (Baltimore, Maryland) facts for kids
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First Unitarian Church of Baltimore
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First Unitarian Church, 2011
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 Location in Baltimore
Location in Maryland
Location in the United States
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| Location | 10 W. Franklin St, Mount Vernon, Baltimore, Maryland |
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| Area | 0.4 acres (0.16 ha) |
| Built | 1817 |
| Architect | J. Maximilian M. Godefroy (1765-c.1838, French émigré) |
| Architectural style | Neoclassical |
| NRHP reference No. | 72001495 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | February 11, 1972 |
| Designated NHL | February 20, 1972 |
The First Unitarian Church is a very old and important church building in Baltimore, Maryland. It is located at 12 West Franklin Street in the Mount Vernon area. This church was finished in 1818. It was the first building ever built specifically for Unitarians in the United States.
The church looks like a cube with a dome on top. Its outside walls are covered in stucco. It was first called the "First Independent Church of Baltimore." This church is the oldest building still used by a Unitarian group today. In 1935, its name changed to "The First Unitarian Church of Baltimore (Unitarian and Universalist)." This happened after it joined with another church. Later, in 1961, the two main Unitarian and Universalist groups in the US joined together. They formed the Unitarian Universalist Association.
The church building is very special. It was named a National Historic Landmark in 1972. This means it is a place of great historical importance to the whole country.
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Building History and Design
The First Unitarian Church was finished in 1817. The land for the church cost $20,000. A French architect named J. Maximilian M. Godefroy designed it. He also designed other famous buildings in Baltimore. These include the St. Mary's Seminary Chapel and the Battle Monument. The Battle Monument remembers the Battle of Baltimore during the War of 1812.
Inside the Church
When the church was first built, the sound inside was not very good. This was because of the large central dome. So, in 1893, the inside was changed. An architect named Joseph Evans Sperry added a curved ceiling, called a barrel vault, under the dome. This helped the sound a lot.
The church has beautiful stained glass windows. These were made by the famous artist Louis Comfort Tiffany. There is also a large pipe organ in the church. A kind man named Enoch Pratt gave this organ to the church. It was made by a company called Niemann.
Behind the church, there is another building called the Enoch Pratt Parish Hall. This hall was built in 1879. It is used for church offices and other activities. It was named after Enoch Pratt because he was a very important member of the church. He also gave the city of Baltimore its public library system, the Enoch Pratt Free Library.
Special Art and Sermons
On the front of the church, above the entrance, there is a special carving called a relief. It was made by an artist named Antonio Cappellano. He also made carvings for the Battle Monument. Over time, the original carving wore out. So, in 1954, it was replaced with a copy.
This church is also famous for a very important speech. On May 5, 1819, a man named William Ellery Channing gave a sermon here. It is known as the Baltimore Sermon. This speech was very important because it helped create the Unitarian religion as we know it today.
Location and Recognition
The First Unitarian Church is in the Mount Vernon neighborhood. This area is just north of downtown Baltimore. It was once part of a large estate owned by Colonel John Eager Howard. The famous Washington Monument is also nearby.
The church is recognized as a very important historical site. It was added to the "National Register of Historic Places" on February 11, 1972. Just a week later, on February 20, 1972, it was named a "National Historic Landmark." These titles are given by the U.S. Department of the Interior and its National Park Service. The church is also part of the "Cathedral Hill Historic District" and the "Baltimore National Heritage Area."
See also
