Old Cambridge Baptist Church facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Old Cambridge Baptist Church
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(2017)
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 Location in Massachusetts
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| Location | 400 Harvard Street (Cambridge, Massachusetts |
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| Built | 1869 |
| Architect | Alexander Rice Esty |
| Architectural style | Gothic Revival |
| MPS | Cambridge MRA |
| NRHP reference No. | 82001968 |
| Added to NRHP | April 13, 1982 |
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The Old Cambridge Baptist Church is a historic and beautiful church located at 400 Harvard Street in Cambridge, Massachusetts. It is part of the American Baptist group. This church has a long history and is known for its unique building style.
The church community began in 1844. Some members from the First Baptist Church in Cambridge wanted to start a new church. Their first meeting place was later sold. In 1869, the church built its current home. This new building was much larger and made of stone. It was designed by a famous architect named Alexander Rice Esty. The Old Cambridge Baptist Church was recognized as a special historic place in 1982. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
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The Church Building's Design
The Old Cambridge Baptist Church is a great example of Gothic Revival architecture. It was built using local fieldstone and granite. This stone came from Somerville, Massachusetts. The building looks very strong and solid. This style shows off the strength of the stone. The architect, Alexander Rice Esty, made the building look powerful. He used different shapes that were not perfectly balanced.
Stone and Stained Glass
The heavy gray stone walls make the church look very strong. But they also protect and show off the large, beautiful stained glass windows. These windows are delicate and graceful. The contrast between the strong stone and the colorful glass is a key part of the church's design.
Changes Over Time
In 1897, a part of the church called the parish hall was destroyed in a fire. It was rebuilt under the guidance of Clarence Blackall. He was a well-known architect for theaters in Boston.
Tiffany Window
One of the most special parts of the rebuilt section is a window from 1890. This window was made by Tiffany & Company. It is an early example of their work. This Tiffany window connects the old style of gothic stained glass with a newer art movement called Art Nouveau.
Community Activities Today
Today, the Old Cambridge Baptist Church is a busy place. It hosts many different groups and projects. These groups help the community in various ways.
Organizations at the Church
- The Homeless Empowerment Project: This group helps people who are experiencing homelessness. They publish a newspaper called Spare Change News.
- The José Mateo Ballet Theatre: This is a ballet company that uses the church space.
- The Adbar Ethiopian Women's Alliance: This group supports Ethiopian women.
- The Cambridge Child and Family Associates: This organization helps children and families.
Many other groups also use the church for their important work.
Notable People Connected to the Church
- Ezra Palmer Gould: He was a pastor at the church in 1868. He was also a Christian author.
See Also
