Second Church in Newton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Second Church of Newton
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Second Church in Newton
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| Location | 60 Highland Street, West Newton, Massachusetts |
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| Built | 1916 |
| NRHP reference No. | 90000049 |
| Added to NRHP | March 16, 1990 |
The Second Church in Newton is a beautiful church located at 60 Highland Street in West Newton, Massachusetts, a part of Newton, Massachusetts. It belongs to the United Church of Christ and welcomes everyone. This church building is quite old and special. It was designed in a style called Gothic Victorian by famous architects Allen & Collens and finished in 1916. Because of its history and unique design, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1990.
Discovering the Church's History
This amazing building is actually the third home for the church community. The church group, originally called West Parish of Newton, started way back in 1764. It became an official parish in 1778.
Why a New Church Building?
As the church community grew, they built a meeting house on Washington Street in 1848. But by the early 1900s, the church needed even more space. So, they decided to build a brand new, bigger church.
Designing a Landmark Building
Planning for the new church began in 1908. The land was bought in 1913, and the first stone was laid in 1914. This was a special year because it was the church's 150th birthday! The building was designed by Allen & Collens, a well-known architecture firm. They were famous for their Gothic Revival architecture style, which you can also see in places like the Cloisters Museum in New York.
Exploring the Church's Design
The Second Church in Newton is easy to spot! It sits on the east side of Highland Street, close to the Massachusetts Turnpike. Its tall spire can be seen from many directions, making it a landmark in West Newton.
What Does the Church Look Like from Outside?
The main church building is made of stone and shows off the detailed Gothic Revival style. Next to it is the Parish House, which was started in 1915 and finished in 1938. The Parish House has stucco walls and a style called Tudor Revival. Both parts of the building are still in great shape, looking much like they did when they were first built.
The front of the church faces Highland Street. It has a narrow design with a main entrance set back in a grand arch. Above the entrance, there's a large, beautiful stained-glass window. The sides of the church also have strong supports and pointed-arch windows.
The Tall Spire and Its Secrets
The church's spire is very tall, reaching 196 feet into the sky. It has fancy decorations at the top. You might notice two figures on top of the spire: a young man looking east and an old man looking west. The spire is a famous sight for people driving on the Massachusetts Turnpike. Inside the tower, there's a bell from 1828 that still works! It was moved from the church's previous building.
Fun Details: Gargoyles and More
Look closely, and you'll find gargoyles on either side of the front entrance. These are decorative stone carvings. To the north of the main church, the Parish House was added in 1938. It has a Tudor style with leaded windows and is used for education.
Stepping Inside the Sanctuary
The inside of the church, called the sanctuary, feels like a European Gothic cathedral. The ceiling looks like an upside-down boat, which reminds people of Noah's Ark and the safety it provided. Stone pillars support the ceiling, looking like tree trunks.
The Colorful Stained-Glass Windows
The church has many stunning stained-glass windows. Some are original from when the church was built, and others were added later, between World War I and the 1960s. The oldest windows have glass from Europe and were designed by Henry Wynd Young and Charles Jay Connick. Charles Jay Connick was a famous artist who lived nearby. His windows at the back of the church have special crosses at the top. Later, more windows were added with themes of peace and prayer. One modern window, with deep blue colors, honors healthcare workers.
Beautiful Wood Carvings
You'll also see amazing wood carvings made from red oak. These carvings are at the altar, where the choir sits, and at the pulpit and lectern. They were created by Johannes Kirchmayer. The carvings include natural elements like branches, birds, and small animals, showing the style of the Arts and Crafts movement.
See also
Images for kids
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Second Church in Newton
