St. Thomas Episcopal Church (Dover, New Hampshire) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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St. Thomas Episcopal Church
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 Location in New Hampshire
Location in the United States
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| Location | 5 Hale Street Dover, New Hampshire |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1891-1892 |
| Architect | Henry Vaughan |
| Architectural style | Gothic Revival or English Perpendicular |
| NRHP reference No. | 84003241 |
| Added to NRHP | June 7, 1984 |
St. Thomas Episcopal Church is a historic church located in Dover, New Hampshire. It is a special place where people have gathered for worship for many years. The church building itself is famous for its beautiful design. It was created by a talented English architect named Henry Vaughan. This church is so important that it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1984.
Contents
The Story of St. Thomas Church
St. Thomas Episcopal Church first started on September 22, 1839. In 1840, the church built its first building. It was a style called Carpenter Gothic. This first church was located on Central Avenue.
A New Location for the Church
In the late 1880s, the city of Dover needed land for a new City Hall. The city decided to use the land where the church and a nearby house (the William Hale House) stood. This process is called "eminent domain." It means the city can take private land for public use, even if the owners don't want to sell.
Because of this, the first church building was taken down in 1891. The William Hale House was moved to the other side of Hale Street.
Building the Current Church
The church bought a new piece of land right next to the moved Hale House. In 1890, they hired architect Henry Vaughan to design a brand new church. He designed it in the Gothic Revival style, which looks like old English churches.
Construction of the new church began in 1891. The very first service was held there in 1892. However, the church was not officially "consecrated" (blessed for holy use) until September 17, 1916. In 1901, the church also bought the William Hale House. This house was later added to the National Register of Historic Places too.
On June 7, 1984, St. Thomas Episcopal Church was officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means it is recognized as an important historical site. The church is still an active place of worship today.
What the Church Looks Like
St. Thomas Church is in downtown Dover, across from the City Hall. The church building is mostly rectangular. It has a tall, square tower at its northwest corner. This tower has a round staircase on the outside.
Special Design Features
The tower has strong supports called buttresses at its corners. The main part of the church also has buttresses next to its windows. The roof of the church is shaped like a triangle (gabled roof). It is held up by large wooden beams inside.
The inside of the church still has its original wooden details and plaster. The old gas lights have been replaced with electric ones. At the back of the church, a modern hall connects it to the historic William Hale House next door.
See also
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Strafford County, New Hampshire
- St. Thomas Episcopal Church (disambiguation)
