North Avenue Congregational Church facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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North Avenue Congregational Church
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 Location in Massachusetts
Location in the United States
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| Location | Cambridge, Massachusetts |
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| Built | 1845 |
| Architectural style | Greek Revival |
| MPS | Cambridge MRA |
| NRHP reference No. | 83000819 |
| Added to NRHP | June 30, 1983 |
The North Avenue Congregational Church is a very old building in Cambridge, Massachusetts. It was built way back in 1845. Today, it's known as the John and Carol Moriarty Library. This historic building has had many names over the years. It was once the Old Cambridge Baptist Church and also Prospect Hall.
In 2015, the building was completely updated. It became a modern library for Lesley University. This former church is now an important part of the Lunder Arts Center complex.
Contents
History of the Building
This church building was first built in 1845. It was located on Kirkland Street, close to Harvard Square. The building was designed by a local architect named Isaac Melvin. It was originally home to the Old Cambridge Baptist Church group.
In 1866, the building was sold to a different church group. This new group was called the North Avenue Congregational Society. They renamed it the North Avenue Congregational Church. A year later, in 1867, the entire building was moved. It was carefully pulled up Massachusetts Avenue to a new spot. At that time, this road was called North Avenue.
The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1983. This means it's recognized as an important historical site. In 2006, the church group moved to Medford, Massachusetts. Lesley University then bought the building.
The Building at Lesley University
After buying the building, Lesley University used it for events. It was mainly an auditorium and lecture hall. Before starting big renovations, the university sold or gave away many church items. For example, a large 18-foot organ found a new home. It was moved to a church in Texas.
However, the beautiful stained-glass windows were kept. They were carefully cleaned and fixed. After the renovations, these windows were put back into the building. The outside of the building was also restored. Its historic details were brought back to life. A new cupola was added to the top. This cupola looks like the old bell tower from the 1900s. The original weathervane was placed on top of it.
The updated building now holds a special library. This library focuses on Art and Art History. It serves Lesley's College of Art and Design students. Before this, the art library was in Boston.
On December 5, 2013, something amazing happened. The university moved the entire building again! It was shifted about 100 feet south on its land. This move made space for a new building next door. The new address for the old church changed from 1803 to 1801 Massachusetts Avenue.
How the Building Changed Over Time
The church building first had a simple, rectangular shape. It was four sections deep. A tall, multi-stage spire sat above the entrance. It looked a bit like the New South Church in Boston. But this building was in the Greek Revival style. It even had Egyptian-style columns.
In 1872, more parts were added. A chancel and transepts were built. This changed the building's shape to a cross. The original tower and spire were damaged in a storm. So, in 1906, the top two parts were replaced. A square bell tower and a copper dome were added.
Today, the building has an eight-sided spire. This spire was built in 1964. The copper dome was hit by lightning and caught fire. Now, only the first part of the original steeple remains.
See also
- Isaac Melvin House
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Cambridge, Massachusetts
Images for kids
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Workers prepare to relocate the North Prospect Church, future home of Lesley University's College of Art and Design
