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 is a very old and important building in Newport, Rhode Island. It was also known by other names like First Congregational Church. This church was built in 1857. It became a special place called a National Historic Landmark in 2012. This was because of the amazing art inside, created by John La Farge in 1880-1881. The church used to be part of the United Church of Christ.
A Look Back: Church History
The church started in 1695. It was founded as Newport's First Congregational Church. Reverend Nathaniel Clap, a graduate of Harvard College, led the church. He was the minister until he passed away in 1745.
Another church, the Second Congregational Church of Newport, began in 1735. However, these two churches later joined together. During the American Revolution, both church buildings were used. British and French soldiers used them as places to stay and as hospitals. Dr. Samuel Hopkins was the minister of the church in the late 1700s.
The church closed its doors to regular services a few years ago. It has since been updated. Today, the building is used as a center for different events.
The Church Building and Its Art
The building you see today was designed by Joseph C. Wells. He was an architect from New York City. The church was finished in 1857. It is built from brownstone, a type of rock, and has two fancy towers. The style of the building is called Romanesque Revival.
In the 1880s, the church hired a famous artist named John LaFarge. He was asked to redecorate the inside. LaFarge had just finished working on Trinity Church in Boston. He wanted to create an even more detailed interior for this church.
LaFarge made twenty beautiful stained glass windows for the church. He also painted many murals on the walls. This church is special because it is the only place where LaFarge created a complete and connected church interior with his art. The church was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1971. It was then named a National Historic Landmark in 2012.
See also
