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Pilgrim Congregational Church (Taunton, Massachusetts) facts for kids

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Pilgrim Congregational Church
Pilgrim Church Taunton.jpg
Pilgrim Congregational Church (Taunton, Massachusetts) is located in Massachusetts
Pilgrim Congregational Church (Taunton, Massachusetts)
Location in Massachusetts
Pilgrim Congregational Church (Taunton, Massachusetts) is located in the United States
Pilgrim Congregational Church (Taunton, Massachusetts)
Location in the United States
Location Taunton, Massachusetts
Built 1852
Architect Richard Upjohn
Architectural style Romanesque
MPS Taunton MRA
NRHP reference No. 84002199
Added to NRHP July 5, 1984
Elizabeth Pole
Plaque on the front of the church

The Pilgrim Congregational Church is a very old and important church located at 45 Broadway in Taunton, Massachusetts. It is a Congregational church, which is a type of Christian church. This beautiful stone church was designed by a famous architect named Richard Upjohn. It was built way back in 1852.

The church building has a special style called Romanesque. This style often uses round arches and strong, heavy walls. The church was added to the National Register of Historic Places on July 5, 1984. This means it is recognized as an important historical place.

About the Church Building

The Pilgrim Congregational Church stands on the east side of Broadway. It is not far from a historic area called Taunton Green. The church is made from fieldstone, which gives it a strong and natural look.

Church Design and Features

The church has a wide roof with a gable, which means it comes to a point like a triangle. A square tower sticks out a little from the front of the church. This tower divides the front into three parts. The main door is at the bottom of this tower. It is set back under a round arch.

The windows on the front of the church and in the tower are tall and narrow. They have a Gothic arch shape. Higher up in the tower, there is a belfry where the bells would be. This part has three tall, round-arched openings on each side. The very top of the tower has a low, pointed roof with strong supports.

Side Walls and Chapel

The side walls of the church have large, round-arched windows. These windows are made of beautiful stained glass. In the first section of the side wall, there is a recessed area with three smaller windows. These look similar to the windows on the front of the church.

Behind the main church building, there is a smaller chapel. This chapel was added much later, in 1915.

History of the Congregation

The Pilgrim Congregational Church was designed by the well-known architect Richard Upjohn. It was built in 1852. The church community itself started even earlier, in 1823.

Early Beginnings

Before this stone building was constructed, the congregation met in a wooden church. That first building was located just north of where the current church stands. The Pilgrim Congregational Church is the second-oldest church building in the center of Taunton.

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