Nomination for First Trinitarian Congregational Church

From the form

The catalogue entry the section above was filed under.

NPS Form 10-900 (Rev. 10-90) RECEIVED OMB-No. 1024-0018 2280 United States Department of the Interior National Park Service 8 2002 National Register of Historic Places Registration Form NAT REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES NATIONAL PARK SERVICE 1037 This form is for use in nominating or requesting determinations for individual properties and districts. See instructions in How to Complete the National Register of Historic Places Registration Form (National Register Bulletin 16A). Complete each item by marking "x" in the appropriate box or by entering the information requested. If any item does not apply to the property being documented, enter "N/A" for "not applicable." For functions, architectural classification, materials, and areas of significance, enter only categories and subcategories from the instructions.

Place additional entries and narrative items on continuation sheets (NPS Form 10-900a). Use a typewriter, word processor, or computer, to complete allitems. 1. Name of Property historic name First Trinitarian Congregational Church other names/site number NA 2. Location street & number_ 381 Country Way NA not for publication city or town. Scituate NA vicinity state Massachusetts code_MA county_ Plymouth code 023 . zip code 02066 3. State/Federal Agency Certification As the designated authority under the National Historic Preservation Act of 1986, as amended, I hereby certity that this nomination request for determination of eligibility meets the documentation standards for registering properties in the National Register storic Places and meets the procedural and professional requirements set forth in 36 CFR Part 60.

In my opinion, the prope meets [ does not meet the National Register Criteria. I recommend that this property be considered significan ] nationally - statewide locally. (- See continuation sheet for additional comments. Brona Simm Signature of certifying official/Title Brona Simon 8/6/02 Massachusetts Historical Commission, Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer State or Federal agency and bureau In my opinion, the property meets does not meet the National Register criteria. (O See continuation sheet for additional Comments.) Signature of certifying official/Title Date State or Federal agency and bureau 4. National Park Service Certification 1, hereby certify that this property is: entered in the National Register - See continuation sheet. - determined eligible for the National Register - See continuation sheet.

- determined not eligible for the National Register - removed from the National Register - other (explain): Esaft Ball 111/02 First Trinitarian Congregational Church Name of Property 5. Classification Ownership of Property (Check as many boxes as apply) Xprivate - public-local - public-State - public-Federal Plymouth County, MA County and State (Check only one box) X building(s) - district - Site - structure _object Number of Resources within Property (Do not include previously listed resources in the count.) Contributing Noncontributing 1 _building _ sites - structures - objects Total Name of related multiple property listing (Enter "N/A" if property is not part of a multiple property listing.) NA 6.

Function or Use Historic Functions (Enter categories from instructions) RELIGION: religious facility SOCIAL: meeting hall 1 Number of contributing resources previously listed in the National Register Current Functions (Enter categories from instructions) RELIGION: religious facility EDUCATION: school (day-care center) SOCIAL: meeting hall Z. Description Architectural Classification (Enter categories from instructions) Early Classical Revival Materials (Enter categories from instructions) foundation GRANITE, CONCRETE wallsWOOD: weatherboard, shake; VINYL roof other FIBERGLASS Narrative Description (Describe the historic and current condition of the property on one or more continuation sheets.) OMB Approval No.

1024-0018 NPS Form 1 10-900-2 (8-86) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section number 7 Page_1 First Trinitarian Congregational Church Scituate (Plymouth), MA 7. DESCRIPTION General The First Trinitarian Congregational Church occupies an almost two-third acre square parcel of land in the geographic and civic center of Scituate. The building is set on a slight rise near the back property line, and faces east towards Country Way, the historic north/south thoroughfare in the town. It is accessed by a semi-circular drive off Country Way. Extending westward from the back of the church property is Fairview Cemetery, which was established at the same time as, but separate from, the church. Both properties are lined with continuous fieldstone walls.

The surrounding neighborhood is largely residential, characterized by 1½ and 2-story wood-frame houses that date from the 19th through early 20" centuries. The present church facility is generally U-shaped in plan, consisting of the main sanctuary, built in 1826; a spire that replaced the original cupola in 1853 and was rebuilt in 1947; and three major building additions dating from 1890, 1954, and 1988. At 2½ stories in height, the sanctuary is the dominant feature, as all subsequent additions have been 1½ stories high. All building components are rectangular in shape and of wood frame construction, with gable roofs covered by asphalt shingles. Unless otherwise noted, walls are sheathed in clapboards, and windows have double-hung wood sash.

The sanctuary is built on a granite block foundation, while concrete block and poured concrete foundations support the 20"h century additions, respectively. Notable elements of the 1826 design that remain intact include the overall volume of the sanctuary, its fenestration (with the exception of the first floor entrance), exterior trim, and the finely detailed gallery on the inside. The pews, pressed metal ceiling, and probably the vestibule and entrance design of the sanctuary date to an 1896 renovation. (continued) OMB Approval No. 1024-0018 NPS Form 1 10-900-8 (8-86) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section number 7 Page 2 First Trinitarian Congregational Church Scituate (Plymouth), MA The pulpit and choir area at the west end of the sanctuary was redesigned in 1951.

The -8o0 c pfl ie Co, s ely ec nevedi w eri i a desien ied rind or erecd y ape 954 Exterior The 1826 sanctuary is neo-classical in style with Greek Revival influences. (photo #1) A narrow water table with simple molding rings the three exposed walls of the sanctuary. The front (east) façade of the sanctuary is distinguished by a pediment that features a wide flat entablature and a narrow lunette window in the tympanum, which is supported by six shallow pilasters. The pilasters, too, are broad and flat, with simple moldings at their base and cap, and on the entablature above. The entrance is reached by a series of four wood stairs that span the greater part of the façade, decreasing in width as they A pair of closely spaced pilasters on each end of the front façade frames three larger, equally-sized bays in the center.

These three bays each contain an arched opening with a louvered wood fan. In the center bay is a pair of double-leafed, 6-paneled doors; the louvered arch above the doors is slightly narrower than the door opening. Flanking the doorway are fixed windows with diamond-paned sash. The present diamond-paned windows and double-leafed doorway were in place by 1912, and probably were installed with the 1896 alterations to the interior of the church, since they align with the arrangement of pews created at that time. Centered above the doorway is an elongated Palladian window wearing the boldest detailing of the building. The window is framed by molded pilasters and a high entablature with a widely-projecting cornice molding. The side windows have narrow, 6/6 sash; the tall center window has 16/9 rectangular panes and a glazed arch that nearly pierces through the entablature of the gable end.

A narrow cornice molding crowns the arch, in contrast to the bold entablatures over the side sash. The south and north sides of the sanctuary have a narrow frieze board with a simple (continued) OMB Approval No. 1024-0018 NPS Form 1 10-900-2 (8-86) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section number 7 Page_3 First Trinitarian Congregational Church Scituate (Plymouth), MA cornice molding that is continuous with the trim on the front façade. (photo #2) The south elevation contains three tall, arched windows with 15/15 wood sash and glazed arches, and simple molded surrounds. The north elevation of the sanctuary has two of its three original windows visible.

(The westernmost window opening on this elevation is still visible on the interior.) Early photographs show louvered shutters on the original front and side windows. A modern steel bulkhead with double-leafed doors accesses the basement on the south side of the sanctuary. Two small brick interior chimneys rise above the sanctuary roof at its western end, flanking the ridge. Atop the eastern end of the sanctuary is a three-stage tower with an octagonal spire. (photo #1) The present tower features flat corner pilasters and a simply-molded entablature at each level. The lowest stage has clapboarded walls on all four sides. The second stage, housing a carillon, has flushboarded walls with rectangular openings and an inner arched framework for the bell. A simple railing with wood pickets spans the openings on each side.

The highest level has clapboarded walls with a single nine-pane window sash centered on each elevation. The spire is sheathed in clapboards and capped by a ball-topped finial and brass weathervane. Replacing the sanctuary's original domed cupola in 1853, the spire was rebuilt in 1947 to match the existing design and materials. West of the sanctuary is a large, 1½ story addition, built in 1954. (photo #3) Known as Rice Hall, this wing completely subsumed a smaller 1890 addition on the west end of the sanctuary, extending it south of the sanctuary and a considerable distance farther to the north. The 1954 addition has a gable roof perpendicular to the original building, and a 1- story shed-roofed extension at the rear (west side) that covers a little more than half the length of the wing. Most of this addition stands on a concrete block foundation.

The entire 1954 addition is clad with wood shingles, and has flat corner boards and a modest frieze board with cornice molding (most pronounced on the southeast elevation, facing Country Way). All windows on this addition have 6/6 sash and narrow moldings around their casings. On the east side of this addition, to the south of the sanctuary, a single six-paneled door and a window face Country Way, providing entrance to the office (originally the (continued) OMB Approval No. 1024-0018 NPS Form 1 10-900-8 (8-86) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section number Page_4 First Trinitarian Congregational Church Scituate (Plymouth), MA minister's study) inside.

(photo #2) The south elevation has four regularly spaced windows on the first floor and three above, with a single six-paneled door and a smaller window that open into a kitchen in the lean-to part of this volume. On the back (west) elevation of the one-story lean-to are six short, equally-spaced windows and a small interior brick chimney rising from the northern end. A low, shed- roofed dormer with two casement windows and shingled walls is located near the middle of the lean-to extension, rising at the break between the gable and shed roofs. The northern end of Rice Hall has a poured concrete foundation, probably added in 1988 when the basement level was added onto and redesigned. Four tall windows are visible on the west elevation (another, blocked-in window is visible on the interior), and two windows are symmetrically disposed on the north elevation.

A concrete stairway accesses the basement on the west side of the hall. A chain link fence runs from the outer, northern corner of the lean-to the northern property line. Parallel to the sanctuary, the 1988 wing projects from the northeast end of Rice Hall, forming a small courtyard in front that serves as the primary entrance to the complex. (photo #3) The 1980s addition connects to the front façade of Rice Hall by an L-shaped portico, enclosed by shed roofs and pairs of large glazed openings within a framework of wood piers and lintels. The outer (east) end of this walkway terminates in a cross gable with a small entry portico supported by square posts, which shelters double-leafed, glazed doors. Another pair of similar doors opens into the east side of the walkway. The courtyard features brick and asphalt paving and a small informal garden.

Inside the portico, clapboard remains on the east façade of Rice Hall, along with two windows matching those on the west elevation, and a pair of asymmetrical and dissimilar, double- leafed doorways. The 1980s wing has a poured concrete foundation; wood clapboards on the south and north elevations and vinyl siding on the front (east) façade; and plain narrow boards trimming the base, corners, and eaves. The front or east façade features two 6/6 windows with plain flat casings, a small circular window in the gable, vinyl siding, and narrow (continued) OMB Approval No. 1024-0018 NPS Form 1 10-900-a (8-86) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section number 7 Page_5 First Trinitarian Congregational Church Scituate (Plymouth), MA wood trim at the base, corners, and eaves.

The side (north) wall of this wing contains grouped, 1/1 vinyl windows without casings on both the ground floor and basement levels. A shallow, shed-roofed projection at the basement level terminates at the west with a recessed entrance, which shelters a glazed door and an equally-wide sidelight. Narrow, dry-laid stones form the retaining walls for the walkway leading down to this entrance. Interior The interior of the church echoes the simplicity of the exterior. Although it has been remodeled several times, much of the original design and architectural character are still evident. The original church building contains an entrance vestibule at the west end, with a narrow, L-shaped stairway at each end rising to the gallery above. The wood stairways each have a turned newel post with a ball finial and a wood railing, but no balusters.

Horizontal wood wainscoting along the east and west walls of the vestibule continues up both sides of the stairwells, joining the wainscoting of the gallery area. Vertical wood boards panel the walls under the stairways and at each narrow end of the vestibule. A low door composed of vertical boards without casing accesses a small closet under each stair; the southern door retains its original latch and lock. The partition wall between the vestibule and main sanctuary (built ca. 1896) contains three pairs of double-leafed, six-paneled doors; these are framed by flat casings and corner blocks, as are the door and window openings on the exterior wall. On the sanctuary side of the partition, these doorways have simple molded casings.

The main sanctuary consists of a shallow, barrel-vaulted ceiling sheathed with pressed metal; two rows of curving wood pews on the ground floor, which are accessed by a center aisle and an aisle along each side of the building; and a curved gallery at the east end of the building, supported by four delicate Doric columns. (photo #4) At the west end of the sanctuary a center pulpit is flanked by small choir areas, all set on a low, raised (continued) OMB Approval No. 1024-0018 NPS Form 1 10-900-8 (8-86) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section number 7 Page_ 6 First Trinitarian Congregational Church Scituate (Plymouth), MA platform. A pipe organ is located to the left of the pulpit.

(photo #5) The arched windows and Palladian window in the sanctuary all have translucent glass panes; the sash may be replacements made in the 1896 renovation. The pews are constructed with wood sides and backs, and have decoratively sawn and carved ends. The side walls of the sanctuary teature plaster surtaces above a low wainscoting of horizontal boards with a bullnose chair rail continuous with the window sills; the wood for this wainscoting was recycled from the original pews. The floor consists of wood planks under the pews, and carpeting at the aisles and in the pulpit and choir areas. The pressed metal ceiling has a molded cornice and a large center medallion that originally contained a light fixture. Four modern chandeliers presently provide the major lighting for this space. The metal ceiling was most likely installed in 1885, while the pews and wainscoting were added in 1896.

The wood floor and chandeliers date to the 1951 renovation of the sanctuary. The 1826 balcony is segmentally arched in plan, supported by simple Doric columns having capitals but no base. The parapet wall consists of an entablature with a modillioned cornice directly above the columns, surmounted by five recessed panels that are separated by molded pilasters; the whole composition is topped by a delicately molded cornice that acts as a railing for the seats above. On the gallery side of this wall are beaded vertical boards separated by beaded stiles. Horizontal wood boards form the wainscoting, and floors are carpeted, as in the main sanctuary. The first row of pews- reported to be the original downstairs seats - are curved, with straight backs, shallow seats, and plain plank ends and legs. A narrow horizontal board with rounded edges forms the top rail of these seats.

The upper row of pews is also curved, and features the same decoratively cut and sawn design as on the ground floor. A modern, square wood support post rises from the balcony floor to the ceiling, just behind the parapet wall. The Palladian window that is given extraordinary detailing on the exterior has been given a similar level of attention on the inside, where it illuminates the balcony area. The (continued) OMB Approval No. 1024-0018 NPS Form 1 10-900-8 (8-86) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section number Page 1 First Trinitarian Congregational Church Scituate (Plymouth), MA opening is framed by elongated pilasters and free-standing Doric columns, which support a pilastered entablature with deep cornice molding, and a narrower molding over the center arch.

(photo #4) The pulpit and choir areas are the most recent parts of the sanctuary (1951). The pulpit contains a paneled lectern, and is two steps above the main floor. The choir lofts, flanking the pulpit and one step lower, are screened by low walls having horizontal boards and corner posts with decoratively carved urns. These walls enclose short rows of plain, straight benches with wood seats and backs. (photo #5) Occupying the center third of the wall behind the pulpit is a shallow projection with a large, semi-circular recess. To the left of the pulpit is a pipe organ, housed in a slightly lower recess with a segmentally arched top. To the right of the pulpit, a single, six- paneled door (installed in 1951) leads into Rice Hall beyond.

On the north wall of the sanctuary, the westernmost arched window has been filled in (although the molded casing remains), and contains double-leafed, six-paneled doors that lead into the 1980s portico. Rice Hall is dominated by a large, high-ceilinged open space used for meetings and social events, with a small stage at the north end. To the west, in the one-story lean-to, are two bathrooms and a storage room. At its southern end, where it subsumed the 1890 chapel, the 1954 addition has two floors. The first floor contains an office in the southeast corner; an L-shaped room in the center that is used for small meetings and other programs; and a long, L-shaped kitchen that primarily occupies the one-story lean-to.

Floors are wood, carpet, and vinyl tile; walls have a low wainscot of horizontal wood boards with plaster board and a cornice molding above; and acoustic tile covers the ceiling. All architectural features in this wing appear to date from the 1950s, with the exception of a four-paneled, Victorian door to a small closet in the middle room of the ground floor. (continued) OMB Approval No. 1024-0018 NPS Form 1 10-900-8 (8-86) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section number 7 Page_8 First Trinitarian Congregational Church Scituate (Plymouth), MA On the second floor of the west wing is a collection of three small classrooms, storage reas, and an enclosed, L-shaped stairway leading to the first floor room below.

Thi loor is also reached by a straight, open stairway leading directly into Rice Hall The 1988 addition contains a series of offices, administrative areas, and a library on the ground floor, off the enclosed portico, and classrooms, offices and storage areas for a nursery school on the basement level. Archaeological Description While no ancient Native American sites are known on the church property, sites may be present. One site is recorded in the general area. Environmental characteristics of the property indicate some locational criteria (slope, soil drainage, distance to wetlands) that are favorable indicators for ancient Native sites. The church is located on a well drained, level to moderately sloping land surface formed in glacial till, characteristics that are favorable for site location.

Soil types in this area, however, are reported to range from very stony to extremely stony, a characteristic which, when combined with the nearest wetland resource over 1000 feet from the church reduces the overall site sensitivity for this location. Given the above information, the small size of the parcel (0.67 acre) and construction impacts related to the church, additions, paving and horse stables no longer extant, a low potential exists for locating ancient Native American resources on the nominated property. A low to moderate potential exists for locating historic archaeological resources on the church property. Structural evidence of horse sheds, reported north of the sanctuary between the church and County Way, demolished in 1919 may survive, however, additions to the church and the access drive may have impacted these potential resources.

Archaeological evidence of additional outbuildings and occupational related features (trash areas, privies, wells) may also exist. (end) First Trinitarian Congregational Church Name of Property 8. Statement of Significance

Statement of significance

Applicable National Register Criteria (Mark "x" in one or more boxes for the criteria qualifying the property for National Register listing.) X A Property is associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of our history. Property is associated with the lives of persons significant in our past. XC Property embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, or method of construction or represents the work of a master, or possesses high artistic values, or represents a significant and distinguishable entity whose components lack individual distinction. - D Property has yielded, or is likely to yield information important in prehistory or history. Criteria Considerations (Mark "x" in all the boxes that apply.) Property is: X A owned by religious institution or used for religious purposes. _ B removed from its original location.

_ C a birthplace or grave. _ D a cemetery. _E a reconstructed building, object, or structure. _F a commemorative property. -G less than 50 years of age or achieved significance within the past 50 years. Narrative Statement of Significance (Explain the significance of the property on one or more continuation sheets.) Plymouth County, MA County and State Areas of Significance (Enter categories from instructions) ARCHITECTURE RELIGION SOCIAL HISTORY Period of Significance 1826-1952 Significant Dates 1826 forig, church] 1853 [spire] 1890-91 [chapel] 1896 [interior alterations; windows Significant Person (Complete if Criterion B is marked above) N/A Cultural Affiliation N/A Architect/Builder Rev. Daniel Wight, Jr. [designed 1853 spire] _George C. Lee and Job Bailey [built 1853 spire] Thomas F. Bailey and Alvin Colburn [built orig. chapel] 2.

The rest of the file

Bibliography, boundary description, and the people who prepared and reviewed the nomination.

Major Bibliographical References (Cite the books, articles, and other sources used in preparing this form on one or more continuation sheets.) Previous documentation on file (NPS): Primary location of additional data: - preliminary determination of individual listing (36 X State Historic Preservation Office CFR 67) has been requested - Other State agency - previously listed in the National Register - Federal agency - previously determined eligible by the National - Local government Register - University _ designated a National Historic Landmark x Other _ recorded by Historic American Buildings Survey Name of repository: # First Trinitarian Congregational Church _ recorded by Historic American Engineering Record # OMB Approval No.

1024-0018 NPS Form 1 10-900-8 (8-86) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section number 8 Page_ 1 First Trinitarian Congregational Church Scituate (Plymouth), MA STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE The 1826 First Trinitarian Congregational Church is an excellent example of early 19th century institutional architecture in Scituate, and the church organization has been closely identified with the town's development since 1634. Located near a prominent intersection in the civic center of town, the building possesses integrity of location, design, setting, materials, workmanship, feeling, and association, and meets criteria A and C of the National Register at the local level. Scituate is a small town with a population of 17,000 occupying approximately 17 square miles.

It is situated on coastal lowlands adjacent to Massachusetts Bay, approximately 25 miles south of Boston. The first European settlers arrived from Kent, England, and from the Plymouth colony to the south before 1633, and the town was incorporated in 1636. As the town's economic base was dominated by maritime activities for its first two and a half centuries, early settlement focused on a rough grid of streets to the south of Scituate Harbor, but expanded to interior regions of the town. Shipbuilding, fishing, and coastal trade were Scituate's leading industries from the 17'h through the mid-19" centuries. Closely following the decline of those local activities, the train line from Boston arrived in 1871, transforming Scituate first into a summer resort and then into a commuter suburb.

Country Road, on which the First Trinitarian Congregational Church is located, was established in the 17" century as part of the old Plymouth Coast Road from Boston to Plymouth, becoming the primary north/south route through the town by the Federal period. The Rev. John Lothrop and 30 of his followers left England in 1634, stopping first in Boston but arriving shortly thereafter at "an early settlement in the wilderness, called Scituate" (quoted in Waite 1967, p. 2). Dissenters from the established Church of England, Lothrop's group established the fourth church in the Plymouth colony, and the thirteenth in Massachusetts. Their first meeting house was built in 1636, the same year (continued) OMB Approval No.

1024-0018 NPS Form 110-900-2 8-86 United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section number 8 Page 2 First Trinitarian Congregational Church Scituate (Plymouth), MA that the town was incorporated. Indicative of the evolution of the town, Scituate's first meeting house was built near the harbor in 1636, but a century later, in 1737, the fourth meeting house was located a few miles inland - not far from the present church's location. New England town government was closely identified with the (Congregationalist) church for more than two centuries. The earliest towns had the same boundaries as the church parishes; town meetings were held in the church meeting house; town officers were required to be church members; and town taxes supported church operations.

The parish, or civic government was responsible for material and financial mattersbuilding the meeting house, paying the minister, and providing other physical necessities. In addition, the parish legally owned the church building. Church members selected and ordained their own ministers, and were responsible for spiritual matters. As they had to meet strict tests of faith, many parish members did not formally belong to the church. Vigorous religious disputes characterized Scituate's established church (as well as those of many other Massachusetts towns) nearly from the beginning. Rev. Lothrop was troubled by dissension over methods of baptism and growing sentiment for a second or south parish to accommodate the expansion of settlement in the town.

He received permission from the General Court of Plymouth Colony to establish a new church in Barnstable (on Cape Cod) in 1639, taking about half of the town's population with him. (The Second Parish was officially separated as a religious entity in 1644, and in the 19th century became the town of Norwell.) The minister's place in early New England was distinguished: Scituate's first four ministers - Lothrop, Saxton, Chauncy, and Dunster - were "scholarly men educated in English universities" (Waite, p. 16); the latter two were the second and first presidents of Harvard College, respectively. Nonetheless, economics dictated that the early ministers farmed as well as preached. Rev. Lothrop had a farm located south of the Driftway in the Greenbush area of Scituate. Farmland near the Harbor was given to the church in the mid (continued) OMB Approval No.

1024-0018 NPS Form 110-900-8 (8-86) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section number 8 Page First Trinitarian Congregational Church Scituate (Plymouth), MA 17" century, and helped the support the church with its crops, which were often used for payment to the ministers. This property also contained a parsonage - a succession of three different buildings on the site, which were used until 1806. The parsonage was often rented out when there was no regular minister. During the 17" and 18"h centuries, Scituate was a relatively populous and prosperous settlement. As the only deep harbor between Boston and Cape Cod, its shipbuilding and fishing industries were prominent; while mills were also active in inland areas.

The Federal period was Scituate's most prosperous era, still led by fishing and shipbuilding (many of the whaling ships used in New Bedford and Nantucket were built in Scituate during this period). Although population growth was relatively slow, it began to move westward from the coast, and a concentration of houses began to emerge on First Parish Road, in the vicinity of the present First Trinitarian Congregational Church. The first, second, and third meetings houses were built (1636, ca. 1682, and 1709, respectively) on the same site near the harbor, on what is known as Meeting House Hill. In recognition of changing settlement patterns, the fourth meeting house was finally located to the west, in what is now called Scituate Center, in 1737. This building incorporated portions of the third meeting house that were moved to the site, and was enlarged ca. 1750.

While the first three church buildings seem to have been simple structures, the fourth meeting house was distinguished by its stone steps and horse sheds, whitewashed exterior, and plastered interior walls and ceiling. Scituate's fifth meeting house was built in 1774 on a prominent hilltop setting, 200 yards west of the previous church building. Serving a growing population, it was a substantial buildingdescribed as 48 by 66 feet in size, with a high steeple, 40 panes of glass in each window, seats for singers in the front gallery, and a heating stove installed for the first time in 1823. A serious religious schism between liberal and orthodox religious views emerged in the late 18"h century, and became prominent in the early 19" century.

Disagreement on fundamental doctrines (such as the divinity of Christ and the trinitarian concept of God) led to a split between the Unitarians and the Congregationalists in Scituate in 1825. A (continued) OMB Approval No. 1024-0018 NPS Form 1 10-900-s (8-86) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section number 8 Page__4 First Trinitarian Congregational Church Scituate (Plymouth), MA majority of parish members voted for Unitarianism, but a majority of church members voted for Trinitarianism, or traditional Congregationalism. Since the parish members had legal ownership of the building, the Universalists retained the meeting house and other property (such as the communion service) of the original church.

The orthodox Congregationalists, who formed a majority of church members, still considered themselves to be the "First Church" in Scituate, although they technically seceded from the parish. The name of First Trinitarian Congregational Church was adopted to identify their religious views with those of the founding church of 1634. With 21 subscribers to the original Trinitarian society (who owned the building in proportion to their financial contribution), a new sanctuary was quickly constructed in 1826 at a cost of $1230; it was located less than a half mile north of the First Parish (Unitarian) Church. The new structure was 54 feet long and 40 feet wide, and was said to seat nearly 400 people; a Mr. Oakman of Marshfield was the builder. Two services were originally held on Sundays, with a 2½ hour break for lunch and socializing.

Other religious denominations were also formed in Scituate at this time, and the prosperous population was constructing numerous schools and taverns, as well as a summer hotel at the harbor. The 1831 map of the town shows the Trinitarian, Baptist, and First Parish (Unitarian) churches all located in Scitutate Center, near the intersection of Country Way, First Parish Road, and Branch Street; their Methodist contemporary (ca. 1825; not extant) was located near the harbor. During the mid-19 century, James S. Briggs, treasurer of the Baptist Society, lived on the corner, two houses south of the Congregational Church; he is said to have opened his house to provide drinking water during the lunch break between the Sunday services to members of all three congregations in the vicinity.

Federal period architecture in Scituate - both domestic and institutional - was typically modest in its aspirations, as represented by the extant Baptist and Congregational churches. The 1825 Baptist chapel - whose design is a much simpler but remarkably similar version of the First Trinitarian Congregational Church - still stands on Country (continued) OMB Approval No. 1024-0018 IIPSFora 1 18-900-4 United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section number_ 8 Page_ 5 First Trinitarian Congregational Church Scituate (Plymouth), MA Way, less than a quarter-mile south of the Congregational Church.

(It stopped being used as a church in 1870, when a new and larger edifice was erected in North Scituate.) The Congregational Church is much more substantial in size and composition than its Baptist sibling, and is the town's earliest surviving religious building still serving its original use. Fairview Cemetery, in back of the Congregational church, was also established in 1826, but was created as a nondenominational burial ground for all Protestants, and has been separately owned and managed by a private corporation throughout its history. The First Trinitarian Congregational Church sanctuary is well preserved on both the exterior and interior, and its architectural evolution demonstrates the changing role of the church within the community, and cultural changes within the community.

The original 1826 sanctuary was largely similar to what exists today, with the major exception of having an octagonal, domed belfry (with no bell) set on a low, square base. The main façade had two doorways providing separate entrances for men and women, with a shuttered (probably false) window between them. Early photographs show louvered shutters on the original front and side windows. Plank steps extended "clear across the front of the building," (Waite p. 50) probably very similar to those in use today. Just to the north of the sanctuary, horse sheds extended between the church and Country Way; they were demolished in 1919. On the interior, straight-backed pews had narrow seats and were closely spaced, accounting for the much higher seating capacity (about double of the present-day).

There were only two aisles then, and the pews - at least some of which were the old boxed pews extended to the side walls of the building. Pews were owned by church members for several decades, after which (into the 1890s) they were rented to church members. The original doorways are said to have led into box-like foyers that opened onto the aisles. Between the doorways, and also under the gallery, was the wood stove that heated the church. There was no partition between the vestibule and the main body of the sanctuary. It is not certain if a stove was original to the building, although stoves were being used in meetinghouses of this period, including the First Parish Church. A stove pipe was suspended from the rafters and ran the length of the church to a chimney on the (continued) OMB Approval No.

1024-0018 NPS Form 110-900-8 (8-86) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section number 8 Page 6 First Trinitarian Congregational Church Scituate (Plymouth), MA north side of the building. Benches were arranged around the stove, where people sat in the winter for warmth and to eat their lunches, and the Sunday school met here until the Chapel addition was built in 1890. The pulpit platform was smaller than at present, allowing for more pews in front of and flanking it. Accompanied by a bass viol and flute, singers sat in the gallery, which is thought to be virtually unchanged from its original construction. In 1856, the choir was invited to sing downstairs with the congregation. The Rev. Daniel Wight, Jr.

(minister from 1842-56) was responsible for the first major change in the church building, the construction of the bell tower in 1853. Rev. Wight designed the project himself, and enlisted the Ladies' Sewing Circle to help with fundraising (they provided about one-third of the cost). George C. Lee and John Bailey of North Scituate built the steeple; the bell, weighing more than 1000 pounds, was brought from Troy, New York. A clock was also envisioned for the new tower, but proved too costly to acquire. Outstanding during this period was the Rev. Wight, who is recognized as one of the most highly regarded and effective ministers of the church, and who is remembered as revitalizing his congregation both spiritually and materially.

He organized the old church records and set high standards for future record-keeping; revised the church's covenant and articles of faith; founded the Sunday School; encouraged formation of the Ladies' Sewing Circle; and was active in town affairs, including the school committee. Of Wight's 14-year tenure, the church's official historian writes, "He came at a time when the fortunes of the church were low and provided the necessary energy, faith and strength of character to solidify its structure and set it on a firm foundation. He was loved and respected by his parishioners...." (Waite 1967, p. 61) (continued) OMB Approval No.

1024-0018 NPS Form 1 10-900-8 (8-86) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section number 8 Page_ First Trinitarian Congregational Church Scituate (Plymouth), MA The Ladies Sewing Circle was a critical part of the First Trinitarian Congregational Church in the late 19* century. It had 30 charter members, including the minister's wife, who was its first president. The Sewing Circle's purpose was primarily to assist in the maintenance of the church property, as stated in its original constitution: "The place... of public worship should be attractive, as well as comfortable... the Sanctuary ought to be kept in suitable Order, the interior especially, combining neatness comfort and beauty, without extraviganse [sic].

We, therefore, ladies in the Orthodox congregation of Scituate, believing that the interior of our house of worship needs improving, & also that... there may be other objects of religious interest, which we may aid, and the more effectually, by united effort, we do therefore agree to form ourselves into an association.... The object of this asso. [sic] shall be, first, to improve the interior of our house of public worship, and then such other objects as shall be approved by a majority of the members present...." (Sewing Circle Secretary's Book, 1848, Money was raised through the sale of clothing, aprons, and household linens (quilts, comforters, sheets, drapes) that they made, as well as through church festivals, fairs, tea parties, and suppers.

The late 19" century was a period of economic decline for Scituate as a whole, except for the geographically- and socially-isolated summer resort industry. The second parish, or South Scituate (now known as Norwell), became a separate town in 1849. South Scituate took the town hall with it, and before a new town hall was built in 1849 in Scituate proper, the first town meeting after the division was reportedly held in the Congregational church building. The town's traditional economic base continued to decline through the early 20"h century, and there was little population growth. Not only were local supplies of fish depleted, but also the North River (at Scituate's southern border) was not able to accommodate the larger vessels being required of shipbuilders, and locally available timber for ship construction was disappearing. (continued) OMB Approval No.

1024-0018 NPS Form 1 10-900-8 (8-86) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section number 8 Page_ 8 First Trinitarian Congregational Church Scituate (Plymouth), MA These losses were partially offset by the emergence of summer resort colonies in the 1840s, aided by the arrival of the railroad in neighboring Cohasset (to the north) in 1849, and extension of the line through Scituate in 1871. Significant new development started to pick up only after 1900, largely in the form of summer houses along the coast and suburban construction in northern parts of town. Most of the extant institutional structures date from 1870-1915. Despite its ambitious beginnings, the First Trinitarian Church was troubled by financial problems throughout the 19"h century and well into the 20" century.

The church often had no regular minister, but rather many acting pastors and ordained ministers who served only for short periods. During this time, the church was sustained by gifts and legacies, the Massachusetts Home Missionary Society, and the Ladies Sewing Circle. This work included, at various times, gifts to the ministers and their families, repairs and improvements to the church building, care of the cemetery grounds, transportation of children to Sunday School, purchase of an organ, and payment of the organist's salary. The Sewing Circle often paid not only for the materials, but also for the labor required for installation (they are described as having laid carpeting themselves in 1850), and typically followed through with superintending the work.

The Sewing Circle funded several important improvements to the sanctuary in the 19th century, including new wall paper (1849); carpeting for the aisles and open areas (1850) and pews (1867); and purchase of an organ to be installed in the gallery (1865). It has also been noted, but without any details, that "extensive repairs were made on the meeting house in 1867, during which time the congregation was invited to hold worship service in the Baptist church." [Waite, p. 74] It is likely that these were repairs in-kind, perhaps of a structural nature. In 1885, the Sewing Circle commenced a substantial project of repairs, redecoration, and replacement of the heating system. The work included wallpapering, carpet cleaning, (continued) OMB Approval No.

1024-0018 NPS Form 1 10-900-8 (8-86) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section number_ Page9 First Trinitarian Congregational Church Scituate (Plymouth), MA new kerosene light fixtures mounted on the side walls, indeterminate chimney work, and probably installation of the present pressed metal ceiling. The church history infers from Sewing Circle records of labor and materials "that the ceiling was first installed at this time, the auditorium originally being open to the rafters." (Waite, p. 51) Because the cost of a new furnace was prohibitive, the Sewing Circle re-installed the old stove, but had its pipes supported by rods on the pews rather than hung from the new ceiling; the pipes were taken down in the spring and put back in the fall. A new coal furnace was installed the following year, in 1886.

The Sewing Circle's largest project was the first change to the building footprint. In 1890, the Circle erected a 30 by 45 foot addition built by Thomas Bailey and Alvin Colburn. Traditionally called the chapel, the new wing housed a parlor and kitchen, and its furnishings included 125 assembly chairs. The addition was used as a meeting space for the Ladies Sewing Circle (which had been congregating in private homes) and the Sunday school, and presumably for social functions. The Sewing Circle undertook its last major repairs and renovations of the sanctuary in 1896. The old box pews were removed, their boards and mahogany railing used for wainscot paneling and chair rails on the side walls. The present pews were installed with three aisles instead of the original two - one down the center and another along each side of the building.

It seems likely that the present arrangement of exterior doors and windows on the main sanctuary façade was also created in 1896, to coordinate with the new arrangement of the pews inside. A new pulpit with furnishings was given by a church member at the same time. Lastly, a 1926 history of the church states that "the old windows were replaced by the present ones" in the 1896 renovation, with the new windows given by members of the church. (Minot, p. 6) The church continued to struggle with low membership, accompanying financial problems, and lack of organizational focus in the early 20th century. Few improvements were made to the building in this period, the most notable being demolition of the horse sheds in 1919, new carpeting laid in 1926, and painting and "redecorating" (Waite, p. 90) (continued) OMB Approval No.

1024-0018 NPS Form 1 10-900-a (8-86) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section number 8 Page_10 First Trinitarian Congregational Church Scituate (Plymouth), MA in 1936. Due to the cost of experienced, full-time ministers, seminary students - who were not always Congregationalist - were frequently hired, as well as retired, part-time ministers. Beginning in the second quarter of the 20** century, however, and intensifying after World War II, Scituate experienced a dramatic population increase. The new residents were largely suburban commuters attracted by convenient transportation to Boston. Coincident with this large-scale residential growth and development, the First Trinitarian Congregational Church found its second outstanding minister - Dr.

Austin Rice, who came to the church in 1945 as an acting minister, recently retired, but stayed on until 1954. Dr. Rice was instrumental in revitalizing all areas of the church - its organizational and spiritual structure, its membership (which grew considerably), programming, and its building. As described later, "For the first time in many years [the church] was in the hands of a leader with life- long ministerial experience as well as total dedication and rare nobility of character. His coming seemed providential...." (Waite, p. 95) In a largely symbolic act, the dichotomy between the business and religious aspects of the church was ended in 1949, when the original Trinitarian Congregational Society was dissolved and the church was incorporated, allowing it to finally own its property. After 50 years of inactivity, necessary repairs, renovations, and additions to the building resumed.

A coastal storm in 1942 weakened the original spire, which was replaced in 1947 with what was described as "an exact duplication." (Bylaws and Records, 1933- [n.d.], p. 120) Between 1948 and 1951, the choir loft adjacent to the pulpit was enlarged, building repairs (presumably routine) were made, and the landscaping of the grounds was improved. To help mark the 125" anniversary of the laying of the cornerstone of the original sanctuary in 1951, a number of renovations were made. These included the present screen walls around the choir stalls; a new pulpit and related furnishings (such as chairs) and an enlarged platform beneath them all; four chandeliers, which replaced a (continued) OMB Approval No.

1024-0018 NPS Form 1 10-900-a 8-86) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section number 8 Page_11 First Trinitarian Congregational Church Scituate (Plymouth), MA single fixture in the center of the ceiling; a new wood floor; and other, unspecified "changes and improvements." (Waite, p. 97) Edgar T.P. Walker of Boston was the architect for this project. The spire was also illuminated at this time. By the early 1950s attendance at services, Sunday school, and other activities had increased so greatly that larger facilities were required. A professional fund-raising organization was hired, and construction was finished in 1954.

A large wing for Sunday school classes, meetings and special functions was added as the Austin Rice Chapel (now known as Rice Hall), which incorporated and enlarged the 1890 chapel addition under a continuous gable roof. Additional storage space was provided where the roof was raised over the former ladies parlor; the ladies parlor and kitchen were rebuilt and modernized; and a pastor's study was added at the southeast corner of the wing, with a private entrance overlooking Country Way. During the next three decades, alterations to the church building were relatively minor. In the late 1950s, rooms for the growing Sunday school were created from the storage area over the ladies parlor, connected to the chapel by a new stairway.

In the 1960s, the Rice Memorial Carillon was installed, as was a new Aeolian-Skinner pipe organ; four new rooms were added on the second floor above the former ladies parlor; and the interior of the sanctuary was redecorated (probably cosmetic). The most recent major addition to the church facility is the office wing addition, added to the north of and parallel to the original sanctuary in 1988; Wallace Floyd Associates of Boston was the architect. This project encompassed three administrative offices, a library, and rooms for a weekday nursery school and Sunday school classes in the basement level. The church is presently heavily involved in community affairs.

In addition to its traditional religious services and activities, the building continuously hosts scout troops, support groups, bloodmobiles, meals for senior citizens, exercise groups, a pre-school, and performing arts groups, as well as charitable programs for housing, the homeless, and missions. (continued) OMB Approval No. 1024-0018 NPS Form 1 10-900-8 (8-86) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section number Page_12 First Trinitarian Congregational Church Scituate (Plymouth), MA Architecturally, the First Trinitarian Congregational Church is a modest example of its style, although its modesty is typical of its period in Scituate.

The newer additions to the building, while considerably enlarging the building footprint, defer to the original building in size and massing, and blend harmoniously through their use of materials, detailing, and good quality design. The design of this church is more ambitious than the nearby Baptist chapel of 1825, which also has a pedimented front façade. The First Trinitarian Congregational Church is more closely related to the 1830 meetinghouse in South Scituate (now Norwell). [NRDIS 1982] Common architectural features include their more substantial massing, a pedimented façade with shallow pilasters and a narrow lunette window in the tympanum, and a series of three arched windows on the long walls.

Furthermore, these to churches may share a builder: among the three men contracted to supply the materials for and construct the South Parish church was a Christopher Oakman - very possibly the "Mr. Oakman of Marshfield" who is described as the builder of the First Trinitarian Congregational Church (Waite, p. 49). The First Trinitarian Congregational Church today is an active and lively organization, which has maintained its property well. Listing on the National Register would recognize the important place of the church building in the history and development of Scituate, and would provide opportunities for grant funds to help support the increasing costs of maintenance for this prominent structure. (continued) OMB Approval No.

1024-0018 NPS Form 1 10-900-a (8-86) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet 8 Section number Page_13 First Trinitarian Congregational Church Scituate (Plymouth), MA Archaeological Significance Historic archaeological resources described above have the potential to contribute further documentation on early 19"h century institutional architecture and related outbuildings in Scituate and southeastern Massachusetts. Structural evidence from the horse sheds may contribute information on 19" century transportation and how these facilities conformed to the "modest aspirations" reported for Federal Period domestic and institutional architecture in Scituate.

Detailed analysis of the contents from occupational related features, if they exist, may contribute important social, cultural and economic information on the 19" and 20th century parishioners of the church and members of the Scituate community. (end) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES CONTINUATION SHEET Section number Page _1_ First Trinitarian Congregational Church Scituate (Plymouth County), Mass. 9. MAJOR BIBLIOGRAPHICAL SOURCES BOOKS AND PAMPHLETS Bailey, Sarah Tilden. The First Baptist Church; North Scituate[,] Massachusetts; A Sketch of Its History, [No location]: The Boundbrook Press, 1913. Barnhart, Linda J. "A Brief History of the First Trinitarian Congregational Church in Scituate." Draft manuscript located in church files, 1/25/2000. Deane, Samuel. History of Scituate, Massachusetts. Boston: James Loring, 1831.

Ferguson, John D. "Historical Address at the One Hundredth Anniversary of the First Trinitarian Congregational Church." Boston: William H. Minot, 1926. Murphy, Barbara. "Scituate: The Coming of Age of Plymouth Colony Town." 1985. (Located in Scituate Historical Society files) Vinal, William Gould. "Old Scituate Churches in a Changing World." Norwell, Mass.: Ladies Alliance of The First Parish Church, 1954. Waite, Clarence M. Congregationalism in Scituate. Scituate, Mass.: First Trinitarian Congregational Church, 1967. MAPS AND ATLASES "Site Plan; Proposed Addition." First Trinitarian Congregational Church, Nov. 20, 1986. Assessors Map, Town of Scituate, 2000. Robbins, A. and Turner, S.A. "Map of Scituate," 1831. Map of "Town of Scituate, Mass.," 1879. Located in files of the Scituate Historical Society. Bailey, Frederic T. "Historical Map of the Town of Scituate," 1929.

Sanborn map, August 1939. Located in the Special Collections Library, Mass. State House, Boston. CHURCH DOCUMENTS "Bylaws and Records, 1933 - ." Bound manuscripts. "Dedication Exercises of the New Organ." [1912] (continued) nited States Department of the Interio lational Park Servici NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES CONTINUATION SHEET Section number 2 Page_2_ First Trinitarian Congregational Church Scituate (Plymouth County), Mass. "First Trinitarian Congregational Church, 1634-1936." [1936] "Historical Highlights of the First Trinitarian Congregational Church, 1616-1951." [1951] "Oldest Church Records; Book I; November 20, 1824-August 24, 1913." Bound manuscripts. "Records, 1824-1845." Bound manuscripts. "Sewing Circle Secretary's Book, 1848 -_ " Bound manuscripts. "325" Anniversary Program, 1634-1959." [1959] GOVERNMENT DOCUMENTS Mass.

Historical Commission, Scituate Reconnaissance Survey Report, 1981. Quitclaim Deed, First Trinitarian Congregational Society of Scituate, Mass. to First Trinitarian Congregational Church of Scituate, Mass. June 30, 1954. PERSONAL COMMUNICATIONS Telephone conversation with Arnold (Joe) Bowker, President of the Fairview Cemetery Corporation, 1/21/2001. Telephone conversation with Wally Hollis, Superintendent of the Fairview Cemetery Corporation, 1/19/2001. (end) Eirst Trinitarian Congregational Church Name of Property 10. Geographical Data Acreage of Property - less than one acre JTM References See continuation sheet. (Place additional UTM references on a continuation sheet) 1. 19 Zone 354660 4673280 Easting Northing *Zone EastingR Northing Plymouth County, MA County, State 3.

Zone Easting "Zone Easting - See continuation sheet Northing Northing Verbal Boundary Description (Describe the boundaries of the property on a continuation sheet.) Boundary Justification (Explain why the boundaries were selected on a continuation sheet.) 11. Form Prepared By name/title_Wendy Frontiero, Consultant, with Betsy Friedberg, MHC National Register Director organization_Massachusetts Historical Commission date July 2002 street & number_220 Morrissey Boulevard telephone_ 617-727-8470 city or town Boston stateMA _ zip code_02125 Additional Documentation Submit the following items with the completed form: Continuation Sheets A USGS map (7.5 or 15 minute series) indicating the property's location. A sketch map for historic districts and properties having large acreage or numerous resources. Photographs Representative black and white photographs of the property.

Additional items (Check with the SHPO or FPO for any additional items) Property Owner (Complete this item at the request of the SHPO or FPO.) name First Trinitarian Congregational Church street & number 381 Country Way _ telephone 781-545-5301 city or town_ Scituate state_MA _ zip code 02066 Paperwork Reduction Act Statement: This information is being collected for applications to the National Register of Historic Places to nominate benettin for istiance ietere Nationai Hisfori Pires to liton Act, ase a, aedded (% U.S.C, 47 istinga, Response to this request is required to obtain a Estimated Burden Statement: Public reporting burden for this form is estimated to average 18.1 hours per response including the time for reviewing instructions, gathering and maintaining data, and completing and reviewing the form.

Direct comments regarding this burden estimate or any aspect of this form to the Chief, Administrative Services Division, National Park Service, P.0. Box 37127, Washington, DC 20013-7127; and the Office of Management and Budget, Paperwork Reductions Project (1024-0018), Washington, DC 20503. NPS Form 10-900a 1024-0018 (8-86) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES CONTINUATION SHEET Section number _10 Page_1_ OMB No. First Trinitarian Congregational Church Scituate (Plymouth County), Mass. 10. GEOGRAPHICAL DATA Verbal Boundary Description The boundary of the nominated property is shown as lot 37-4-23 on Sheet 37 of the Scituate Assessor's map. The total lot area is 29,200 SF (0.67 acres).

Boundary Justification The boundary includes the entire property historically associated with the church during its period of significance, 1826-1950. Although it was established at the same time as the church, the adjacent Fairview Cemetery is owned and managed by a private corporation, and by all accounts has never been part of the church or its property. It is therefore not included in this nomination. The church's own burial grounds are located on two small, separate parcels, located to the northwest and southwest of the church building, which were acquired in the 1990s. These parcels do not contribute to the significance of the First Trinitarian Congregational Church, and are therefore not included in this nomination.

(end) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES CONTINUATION SHEET Section number photos Page - First Trinitarian Congregational Church Scituate (Plymouth County), Mass. PHOTOGRAPHS All photographs are 8 x 10", taken by Wendy Frontiero in January 2001. Negatives in possession of the photographer. 1. East façade and north elevation: Sanctuary and portion of 1988 addition, looking SW. 2. South elevations: Sanctuary and Rice Hall, looking NW. 3. East façade and north elevation: 1988 addition and portions of sanctuary and Rice Hall, looking SW. 4. Sanctuary and gallery, looking E. 5. Sanctuary, pulpit, and choir areas, looking W.

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES EVALUATION/RETURN SHEET REQUESTED ACTION: NOMINATION PROPERTY NAME: First Trinitarian Congregational Church MULTIPLE NAME: STATE & COUNTY: MASSACHUSETTS, Plymouth DATE RECEIVED: DATE OF 16TH DAY: DATE OF WEEKLY LIST: 8/08/02 9/05/02 DATE OF PENDING LIST: 8/20/02 DATE OF 45TH DAY: 9/22/02 REFERENCE NUMBER: 02001037 REASONS FOR REVIEW: APPEAL: N DATA PROBLEM: N LANDSCAPE: N LESS THAN 50 YEARS: OTHER: N PDIL: N PERIOD: N PROGRAM UNAPPROVED: REQUEST: N SAMPLE: N SLR DRAFT: N NATIONAL: COMMENT WAIVER: N LACCEPT RETURN ABSTRACT/ SUMMARY COMMENTS : REJECT 9/12/0Z0AT8 N N N Bntered in the Mational Registor RECOM./CRITERIA REVIEWER TELEPHONE DISCIPLINE DATE DOCUMENTATION see attached comments Y/N see attached SLR Y/N FIRST TRINITARIAN CONGREGATIONAL CHURGH 381 COUNTRY WAY, SCITUATE PLYMOUTH COUNTY, MASS.

PHOTO #1 13dVd a3dyd 13dVd 13dVd 83ld a3dyd 13dVdl FIRST TRINITARIAN CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH 381 COUNTRY WAY, SCITUATE PLYMOUTH COUNTY, MASS. PHOTO #2 a31dVd 13dVd.0 811 33dVd 13dVdG jeuol 13d9 13dVd Jeuolss a3ldVd0 a3dVd - xadya o) 13d Vid - aaldva G H3dVd essal - 13d) Jeuol 13dVd aalaydO a3dVd ssej eo FIRST TRINITARIAN CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH 381 COUNTRY WAY, SCITUATE PLYMOUTH COUNTY, MASS. PHOTO#3 LO HadVd IVA 46446 T1dVd 9 13dVd 0 83ldVd 0 83dVd T3dvd 8]dyd 13dVd C XalaVa jeuoissa) x3avd (epox a3dyd 13dVd FIRST TRINITARIAN CONEREGATIONAL CHURCH 381 COUNTRY WAY, SCITUATE PLYMOUTH COUNTY, MASS. PHOTO #4 23dVd (ldva Jadydo euOIs 83dVd 2P° a3dVd 3dVd The desert shall rejoice and blossom a FIRST TRINITARIAN CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH 381 COUNTRY WAY, SCITUATE PLYMOUTH COUNTY, MASS. PHOTO #5 RECEIVED 2280 AUG - 8 2002 NAT.

REGISTER OF HISTOE PLACES NATIONAL PARK SENVICE DV LI The Commonwealth of Massachusetts William Francis Galvin, Secretary of the Commonwealth Massachusetts Historical Commission August 6, 2002 Ms. Carol Shull National Register of Historic Place Jepartment of the Interio National Park Service Mail Stop 2280, Suite 400 1849 C Street, NW Washington, DC 20240 Dear Ms. Shull: Enclosed please find the following nomination form: First Trinitarian Congregational Church, Scituate (Plymouth), MA The nomination has been voted eligible by the State Review Board and has been signed by the State Historic Preservation Officer. The owners of the property were notified of pending State Review Board consideration 30 to 45 days before the meeting and were afforded the opportunity to comment.

Sincerely, Betsy Fuedkey Betsy Friedberg National Register Director Massachusetts Historical Commission enclosure CC: David S.

Bell, Scituate Historical Society Ralph Crossen, Board of Selectmen Wendy Frontiero, Consultant Laura Harbottle, Planning Director First Trinitarian Congregational Church 220 Morrissey Boulevard, Boston, Massachusetts 02125 (617) 727-8470 - Fax: (617) 727-5128 www.state.ma.us/sec/mhc UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES EVALUATION/RETURN SHEET REQUESTED ACTION: ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTATION PROPERTY First Trinitarian Congregational Church NAME: MULTIPLE NAME: STATE & COUNTY: MASSACHUSETTS, Plymouth DATE RECEIVED: DATE OF 16TH DAY: DATE OF WEEKLY LIST: 10/28/11 DATE OF PENDING LIST: DATE OF 45TH DAY: REFERENCE NUMBER: 02001037 12/13/11 REASONS FOR REVIEW: APPEAL: N DATA PROBLEM: N LANDSCAPE: N LESS THAN 50 YEARS: OTHER : N PDIL: N PERIOD: N PROGRAM UNAPPROVED: REQUEST: N SAMPLE: N SLR DRAFT: N NATIONAL: COMMENT WAIVER: N ACCEPT _RETURN REJECT DATE ABSTRACT/SUMMARY COMMENTS: N N N Additional Documentation Approved ECOM./CRITER REVIEWER iseyept DISCIPLINE TELEPHONE DATE Dbisl 12.9.11 DOCUMENTATION see attached comments Y/N see attached SLR Y/N If a nomination is returned to the nominating authority, the nomination is no longer under consideration by the NPS.

NPS Form 10-900-a RECEIVED 2280 0200/637 OMB Approval No. 1024-0018 (8-86) Ir.. United States Department of the Interior OCT 28 2011 National Park Service National Register of Historic Places NAT. REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES NATIONAL PARK SERVICE Continuation Sheet First Trinitarian Congregational Church Scituate (Plymouth) MA Section number 10 Page 1 The coordinates originally provided for First Trinitarian Congregational Church were 19 354660 4673280. The correct location is235feet north of this point at 19 354653 4673351 (North American Datum 1927). Corrected March 2009 RECEIVED 2280 NTO CHIBH TING) TNE LIRERANT ORITEN OCT 2 8 2011 NAT. REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES The Commonwealth of Massachusetts NATIONAL PARK SERVICE William Francis Galvin, Secretary of the Commonwealth Massachusetts Historical Commission October 20, 2011 Mr. J.

Paul Loether National Register of Historic Places Department of the Interior National Park Service 1201 Eye Street, NW 8*h floor Washington, DC 20005 Dear Mr. Loether: Re: Additional Documentation (Technical corrections of UTMs) In the process of mapping National Register nominations for our GIS database, we have identified errors in UTM coordinates for 23 properties. The errors vary from a few hundred feet to hundreds of miles, often due to transposition of numbers. As recommended by Edson Beall, we are enclosing a continuation sheet for each of the nominations. Please let me know if you need more information in order to correct your records. Sincerely, Betay treedlerg Betsy Friedberg National Register Director Massachusetts Historical Commission Enclosures 220 Morrissey Boulevard, Boston, Massachusetts 02125 (617) 727-8470 - Fax: (617) 727-5128 www.state.ma.us/sec/mhc