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 very old and important church in Cambridge, Massachusetts. It's located at 400 Harvard Street. This church belongs to the American Baptist group. It has a long history and beautiful architecture.
Contents
History of the Church
The church started in 1844. Some members from the First Baptist Church in Cambridge decided to create a new church. Their first meeting place was later sold. It became the North Avenue Congregational Church.
In 1869, the church built its current home. This new building was much larger. It was made of stone and designed in the Gothic revival style. A famous architect named Alexander Rice Esty designed it. The Old Cambridge Baptist Church was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. This means it's recognized as an important historical site.
About the Building's Design
The church building uses local stone. This includes fieldstone and granite from Somerville, Massachusetts. It's a great example of American Gothic Revival architecture. This style often uses strong, heavy stone.
The building looks very solid and strong. Its different parts are not perfectly balanced, which adds to its unique look. The heavy gray stone contrasts with the large, beautiful stained glass windows. The stone walls protect these delicate windows while also showing them off.
Fire and Rebuilding
In 1897, the church's original parish hall burned down. A new hall was built under the direction of Clarence Blackall. He was a well-known architect for theaters in Boston.
A special part of the rebuilt hall is an 1890 Tiffany & Company Window. This early window was made by the famous Tiffany company. It connects the old tradition of Gothic stained glass with the newer Art Nouveau style.
What Happens at the Church Today?
Today, the Old Cambridge Baptist Church is a busy place. It hosts many different groups and projects. For example, the Homeless Empowerment Project is based here. This group publishes Spare Change News, a street newspaper.
Other groups also use the church. These include the José Mateo Ballet Theatre, which teaches ballet. The Adbar Ethiopian Women's Alliance and the Cambridge Child and Family Associates also have a home here.
See also
