Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church (Lowell, Massachusetts) facts for kids

Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church
U.S. National Register of Historic Places
U.S. Historic district Contributing property
Location in Massachusetts Show map of Massachusetts Location in the United States Show map of the United States
Location	Lewis St, Lowell, Massachusetts
Area	0.2 acres (0.081 ha)
Built	1906
Architect	Henry L. Rourke, G. Rinkelin
Architectural style	Neo-Byzantine
Part of	Lowell National Historical Park (ID78003149)
NRHP reference No.	77000181
Quick facts for kids Significant dates
Added to NRHP	April 13, 1977
Designated CP	June 5, 1978

The Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church is a historic church building in Lowell, Massachusetts. You can find it at 62 Lewis Street. This church is one of many Eastern Orthodox churches in Lowell. It is part of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. The church is located in a neighborhood called The Acre in Downtown Lowell. It was built in 1906. In 1977, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. Holy Trinity was the first church built in the United States specifically for a Greek Orthodox group. It is well-known for its golden dome, beautiful mosaics, and special religious art called iconography.

A very important leader, Archbishop Iakovos of America, became a priest at Holy Trinity. He led the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America for many years, from 1959 to 1996. His ordination happened here on June 16, 1940.

History of the Church

This church was built because many Greek immigrants were moving to Lowell. The Greek community in the city was growing quickly. Construction of the church began in 1906. The building was finished and opened in 1908. It holds a special place in history. It was the very first church in America built just for a Greek congregation.

On April 13, 1977, the church was recognized as a historic place. It was officially added to the National Register of Historic Places. In late 2010, the church community started important repair work. They fixed up the outside of the church. They also repaired water damage inside the building. Many of the beautiful icon murals were also carefully restored.

Hellenic American Academy

The Hellenic American Academy was started on March 4, 1906. It was first known as the Greek Parochial School. The academy first held classes in the church's basement. This was the first Greek Orthodox Academy in America. It was founded by some of the same Greek immigrants who started the church. Today, the Academy is located on Broadway. This street is right next to the church. The academy teaches children from kindergarten through eighth grade.

Church Design and Art

The Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church was built in 1906. It was the first church in America designed in the Byzantine style. The building was completed in 1908. The church is shaped like a cross. This is a common design for many traditional Greek Orthodox churches.

The architect, Henry L. Rourke, designed the building. He was inspired by the famous Hagia Sophia church in Constantinople. Inside the church, you can see beautiful mosaics. These mosaics decorate the narthex, which is the entrance area. In the main part of the church, called the nave, there are many Byzantine icon murals. These are special paintings of religious figures. You can also see colorful stained glass windows.

Gallery

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  The church during the day.

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  The west side of the church.

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  The interior dome.

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  The Hellenic Cultural Center adjacent to the church.