United Parish of Auburndale facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Auburndale Congregational Church- United Parish of Auburndale
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 Location in the United States
Location in Massachusetts
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| Location | 64 Hancock Street, Auburndale, Newton, Massachusetts |
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| Built | 1857 |
| NRHP reference No. | 86001769 |
| Added to NRHP | September 4, 1986 |
The United Parish of Auburndale is a historic church located at 64 Hancock Street in the Auburndale area of Newton, Massachusetts. It was once known as the Auburndale Congregational Church.
This beautiful church was built in 1857. It is a great example of Romanesque architecture, which is a style of building that uses round arches. The church has been made bigger several times over the years. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places on September 4, 1986, because of its important history and design.
Contents
The Church's Story: A Timeline
The Auburndale Congregational Church started as a group of people in 1850. The main part of the church building was finished in 1857. It was designed by an architect named Charles Edward Parker, who lived nearby.
Key Dates in the Church's History
- 1862: The church's tall spire was damaged by a strong wind and had to be rebuilt.
- 1878: A small chapel was added to the church.
- 1880: A porch was built on the south side of the church.
- 1892: The chapel was made larger.
- 1950: A new office area was added to the building.
- 1972: The church's organ, which was built in 1870, was repaired and made bigger.
- 1980: The original church group joined with the Centenary United Methodist Church. They formed a new group called the United Parish of Auburndale.
- Today: The church is connected to both the United Church of Christ and the United Methodist Church.
What Does the Church Look Like?
The United Parish of Auburndale is in a neighborhood close to Lasell Junior College. It stands on the corner of Hancock Street and Woodland Road. The front of the church faces Hancock Street.
Building Features
The church is a long, one-story building made of wood. It has a pointed roof and its outside walls are covered with clapboard siding.
- Tower: A tall, square tower rises from the front right corner of the church. It has three levels, each with round-arch windows. The top of the tower has a belfry (where bells are kept) and a steeple with a slate roof.
- Entrance: The main entrance is in the middle of the front of the church. Above the entrance, there is a large, beautiful stained-glass window with a round arch.
- Windows: Most of the windows on the church have round-arch tops. The spaces between the windows are decorated with flat, column-like shapes called pilasters.
- Decorations: The edges of the roof and the ends of the gables (the triangular parts of the wall under the roof) have decorative trim. The porch on the south side has fancy Victorian-style decorations.
Community Activities
Besides holding regular church services, the United Parish of Auburndale is very active in its community.
How the Church Helps the Community
The church often hosts events to raise money for good causes. It also helps with community service projects. For example, every October, the church holds a fun pumpkin patch fundraiser.
Images for kids
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The United Parish of Auburndale, a historic church in Newton, Massachusetts.
See also
