United Congregational Church (Newport, Rhode Island) facts for kids
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United Congregational Church
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U.S. National Historic Landmark District
Contributing Property |
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United Congregational Church in 2017
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 Location in Rhode Island
Location in the United States
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| Location | 73 Pelham Street, Newport, Rhode Island |
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| Area | 9 acres (3.6 ha) |
| Built | 1857 |
| Architect | Joseph C. Wells; John LaFarge |
| Architectural style | Romanesque, Lombardic |
| Part of | Newport Historic District (ID68000001) |
| NRHP reference No. | 71000027 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | November 19, 1971 |
| Designated NHL | October 16, 2012 |
| Designated NHLDCP | November 24, 1968 |
The United Congregational Church in Newport, Rhode Island, is a really old building that used to be a church. It's also known by other names like First Congregational Church. It was built in 1857. This church is super special because of the amazing artwork inside, created by an artist named John La Farge in the 1880s. Because of this unique art, it was named a National Historic Landmark in 2012.
History of the Church
The church community started way back in 1695. It was called Newport's First Congregational Church. A minister named Rev. Nathaniel Clap, who went to Harvard College, led the church until he passed away in 1745.
Later, in 1735, another church called the Second Congregational Church of Newport began. But these two churches eventually joined together. The church was very active during the American Revolution. Both church buildings were even used by British and French soldiers as places to stay and as hospitals. Dr. Samuel Hopkins was a minister here in the late 1700s.
The church has since closed its doors. The building is now being updated to become a place for events.
The Church Building and Art
The building you see today was finished in 1857. It was designed by Joseph C. Wells from New York City. It looks like a Romanesque Revival style building, which means it has a classic, strong look. It's made from brownstone and has two fancy towers.
In the 1880s, the church asked a famous artist named John LaFarge to redecorate the inside. LaFarge had just finished working on Trinity Church in Boston. He wanted to make the Newport church even more beautiful and detailed.
He created twenty stunning stained glass windows for the church. He also painted many murals on the walls. This church is the only place where LaFarge designed the entire inside of a church with his art. The church was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1971. Then, in 2012, it was named a National Historic Landmark because of its special history and art.
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