Second Unitarian Church facts for kids
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Second Unitarian Church
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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Second Unitarian Church
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 Location in Massachusetts
Location in the United States
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| Location | 11 Charles St., Brookline, Massachusetts |
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| Built | 1916 |
| Architect | Edwin J. Lewis Jr. |
| Architectural style | Colonial Revival, Georgian Revival |
| Part of | Beacon Street Historic District (ID85003322) |
| MPS | Brookline MRA |
| NRHP reference No. | 85003315 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | October 17, 1985 |
| Designated CP | October 17, 1985 |
The Second Unitarian Church is a special historic building in Brookline, Massachusetts. It was first built in 1916 for a Unitarian group. Later, in 1944, a new and creative Reform Jewish group called Temple Sinai bought the building.
This building is a great example of Colonial Revival and Georgian Revival styles. These are types of architecture that look back to older American and British designs. Because of its history and beautiful design, the building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1985. This means it's an important place to protect.
Contents
About the Building's Design and History
Where is the Temple Sinai Building Located?
The Temple Sinai building is on Charles Street in Brookline. This street is just south of Beacon Street. It's also near an area called Coolidge Corner. The land where the building stands used to go all the way to Beacon Street.
What Does the Building Look Like?
This building is made of brick and has two stories. It has a roof that slopes down from the front, called a gable roof. At the front, there's a grand entrance with columns, like an ancient Greek temple. There's also a tall tower with an eight-sided top part, known as an octagonal cupola.
The corners of the building have special brick designs called quoining. The windows are rounded at the top. They have decorative stone pieces above them called limestone keystones.
Who Built the Church and When?
The Second Unitarian Church group built this building in 1916. This group started in 1896 and used to meet in a shared chapel. The famous Boston architect Edwin J. Lewis Jr. designed the building. He based his design on the historic Christ Church in Alexandria, Virginia.
How Temple Sinai Made History
In 1944, the building was bought by Temple Sinai. This was a Reform Jewish group that began in 1939. Temple Sinai was the first new Reform Jewish group to start in the Greater Boston area in 84 years. They were known for making important changes to how Reform Jewish groups worship and are run.
For example, they made sure everyone had equal seating during services. They also gave women the right to vote in the group's decisions. These changes were very new and important for their time.
More to Explore
Find Out More Online
- Temple Sinai website
