Old Stone Church (West Boylston, Massachusetts) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Old Stone Church
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Old Stone Church
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 Location in Massachusetts
Location in the United States
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| Location | West Boylston, Massachusetts |
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| Built | 1891 |
| NRHP reference No. | 73000329 |
| Added to NRHP | April 13, 1973 |
The Old Stone Church is an old church building in West Boylston, Massachusetts. It was built in 1891. The church was left empty in 1902. This happened because a big lake, the Wachusett Reservoir, was being built. The church was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. This means it's an important historical place.
Contents
History of the Old Stone Church
A Church's Beginning
Long ago, in the 1800s, two rivers met in West Boylston, Massachusetts. These were the Quinapoxet River and the Stillwater River. The first church for the Baptist people in West Boylston was built near where these rivers joined. It opened on December 6, 1832.
Fires and Rebuilding
Sadly, this first church and another nearby church, Saint Anthony's, burned down. This fire happened on May 2, 1890. The Old Stone Church you see today was built in the same spot. It was supposed to open on March 17, 1892. But another fire badly damaged the inside! So, the opening was delayed until May 19, 1892.
The Reservoir's Impact
From 1896 to 1905, big changes came to West Boylston. The Wachusett Reservoir was being built. This huge project meant many mills and farms in the town were destroyed. When the reservoir was finished, the Old Stone Church was one of the few buildings left standing. It was like a reminder of the town that used to be in the valley, now covered by the new lake.
In June 1897, the people who owned the church were paid $22,500. This was to make up for losing the church because of the reservoir. The last church service was held in April 1902.
Becoming a Historic Landmark
On April 13, 1973, the Old Stone Church was officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This made it a recognized historical site.
A few years later, on June 27, 1974, the state gave $87,000 to fix the church's roof and walls. But just a month later, the roof and three walls fell down! The church had to be rebuilt. This work was finished in the spring of 1977.
On September 25, 1983, the Old Stone Church was celebrated again. This was part of the 175th anniversary of West Boylston becoming a town.
See also
