Highrock Church facts for kids
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Saint Athanasius Greek Orthodox Church
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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Photograph taken in 2008
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 Location in Massachusetts
Location in the United States
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| Location | Arlington, Massachusetts |
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| Built | 1841 |
| Architect | Thomas J. Silloway |
| Architectural style | Romanesque |
| Part of | Arlington Center Historic District (ID85002691) |
| NRHP reference No. | 83000805 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | June 23, 1983 |
| Designated CP | September 27, 1985 |
The Highrock Church is a special church building in Arlington, Massachusetts. It belongs to an organization called the Evangelical Covenant Church. This church started in 1999.
The building itself has a long history. It used to be called the Saint Athanasius Greek Orthodox Church. It was built way back in 1841 and got a new look in 1860. This building is a great example of a style called Italianate architecture. Because of its history and style, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1983.
Contents
A Look at the Church Building's History
The Highrock Church stands in the center of Arlington. It's on the west side of Massachusetts Avenue. The building is made of wood and has a simple rectangular shape. It has a pointed roof and a classic exterior.
The front of the church has a special entrance area. This part has fancy designs inspired by old Roman and Greek buildings. Above the entrance is a tall, three-part tower. A blue dome, called a cupola, sits on top. The inside of the church is simpler.
How the Church Building Changed Over Time
The building was first built in 1841. It was for a group called the Universalists. They had separated from another local church. Back then, the building looked different. It had a style called Greek Revival. It didn't have the fancy front entrance or the tall tower.
In 1860, the church got a big makeover. A famous church architect named Thomas Silloway designed the changes. He added the detailed front and a tall tower. This tower originally had a spire that was 90 feet (27 meters) tall!
Sadly, a big storm in 1938, called the Great New England Hurricane of 1938, damaged the spire. It was then replaced with the blue cupola you see today. Many people think this church is one of the best examples of early Italianate church architecture in the Greater Boston area.
Who Owned the Building?
In 1961, the Universalist church joined back with another church. Then, in 1964, the Saint Athanasius Greek Orthodox Church bought the building. They used it as their home until 2004. The building was officially recognized as a historic place in 1983.
In 2006, the Highrock congregation bought the building. The Greek Orthodox church had moved to a bigger place.
Highrock Church: Its Own Story
The Highrock congregation started in 1999. They first met in Needham, Massachusetts. They chose the name "Highrock" from the street where they held their meetings. In 2003, they joined the Evangelical Covenant Church.
In 2006, they bought this historic building in Arlington. Highrock Church has also helped start new churches. In 2008, they helped create a new church in Brookline. Later, in 2012, they helped start two more churches. These new churches are in Quincy and Salem.
See also
