United Church of Christ in Keene facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
|
|
United Church of Christ in Keene
|
|
United Church of Christ in Keene
|
|
 Location in New Hampshire
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | 23 Central Sq., Keene, New Hampshire |
|---|---|
| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1786 |
| Architect | Multiple |
| NRHP reference No. | 82001671 |
| Added to NRHP | March 09, 1982 |
The United Church of Christ in Keene is a very old and important church in Keene, New Hampshire. People also call it The First Church or the Church at the Head of the Square. It stands right in the middle of downtown Keene at 23 Central Square. This church was first built way back in 1786. Over the years, it was moved and changed to look even grander. Because of its history and beautiful design, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. This list helps protect important buildings in the United States.
Contents
About the Church Building
The United Church of Christ in Keene is easy to spot in downtown Keene. It sits on the north side of Central Square. The front of the church is very fancy and detailed.
Front Design
The main entrance is in the middle, under a rounded arch. This arch is part of a section that sticks out, called a pavilion. In front of this pavilion are tall, grooved columns called Corinthian columns. On either side of the pavilion, flat columns called pilasters are built into the wall.
These columns and pilasters reach up to a decorative band, known as an entablature. Above that is a fancy cornice with small blocks.
The Tower and Spire
A tall tower, about 130 feet (40 m) high, rises from the church. It has five different levels. At the very top, there is a pointed spire with a cross.
History of the Church
The oldest part of this church is its wooden frame. This frame was built in 1786. It was originally 50-by-70-foot (15 by 21 m) and served as the town's fourth meeting house.
Changes Over Time
In 1828, the meeting house was turned around and moved closer to where it stands today. At this time, a new front was added. It was designed in the Greek Revival style with Doric columns. The tower and steeple were also added then. These changes were likely inspired by the Third Fitzwilliam Meetinghouse, built nearby a few years earlier.
The church was moved again in 1859-60. It shifted a short distance to make space for a bigger worship area, called a sanctuary. This new design was created by the Boyden & Ball company from Worcester, Massachusetts.
Recent History
The outside of the church has not changed much since 1860. The original steeple was knocked down by the New England Hurricane of 1938. A new steeple was built to look exactly like the old one, using old photographs. In 1924, a two-story brick building, called a parish house, was built next to the church.
See also
