Unitarian Universalist Church of Medford and the Osgood House facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
|
|
Unitarian Universalist Church of Medford and The Osgood House
|
|
 |
|
 Location in Massachusetts
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | 141 and 147 High St., Medford, Massachusetts |
|---|---|
| Area | 1 acre (0.40 ha) |
| Built | 1894 |
| Architect | Brown, J. Merrill; Dodge Bros. |
| Architectural style | Gothic, Georgian |
| NRHP reference No. | 75000281 |
| Added to NRHP | April 21, 1975 |
The Unitarian Universalist Church of Medford and The Osgood House are a historic church building and a house for the minister (called a parsonage) located at 141 and 147 High Street in Medford, Massachusetts. These two buildings are important because of their history and unique architecture.
Church History
The church started way back in 1690. It was first a Puritan church, which was the official church for the state of Massachusetts at that time. In 1696, they built their first meeting house. This was a building used for both church services and community gatherings.
In the early 1820s, the church group split up because some members had different beliefs. The people who believed in the Trinity (God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) left to start their own church. The church building you see today is the fifth one built by this congregation. It was finished in 1894. Because of its historical importance, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1975. This is a special list of places in the United States that are worth preserving.
Some famous religious leaders were connected to this church. The Reverend William Ellery Channing gave his very first sermon here on August 8, 1802. Also, the Reverend Thomas Starr King studied to become a minister here. He learned from Hosea Ballou II, who later became the first president of Tufts College in 1852.
In 1961, two other churches, the First Universalist Church and the Hillside Universalist, joined together with the First Parish Church (Unitarian). They formed what is now known as The Unitarian Universalist Church of Medford. Since 1996, this church has been a "Welcoming Congregation," which means it openly welcomes people of all backgrounds.
Building Style
The church building was constructed between 1893 and 1894. It is a great example of Late Gothic Revival architecture in Medford. This style looks like the grand, old European churches with pointed arches and tall windows. The church was designed by J. Merrill Brown, an architect from Boston. He had worked with famous architects like H.H. Richardson before. The builders were the Dodge Brothers, a well-known company that specialized in building churches.
The Osgood House, which used to be the minister's home, was built much earlier in 1785. It is a beautiful example of Federal period architecture. This style was popular when the United States was a new country. Today, this house is used for other church activities.
Famous People Connected to the Church
Many notable people have been members of this church throughout its history. Here are a few:
- George Luther Stearns
- Lydia Maria Child
- Fannie Farmer
- Rev. John Pierpont
- James Pierpont
- Robert D. Richardson
- Samuel C. Lawrence
- Gov. John Brooks
- Rev. Hosea Ballou II
- Rev. Clarence Skinner
See also
