Nomination for First Baptist Church

From the form

The catalogue entry the section above was filed under.

FHR-8-300 (11-78) United States Department of the Interior Heritage Conservation and Recreation Service National Register of Historic Places Inventory - Nomination Form See instructions in How to Complete National Register Forms Type all entries - complete applicable sections 1. Name For HCRS use only received FEB 12 1980 date entered APR g C....- historic First Baptist Church in Framingham and/or common same 2. Location street & number 1013 Worcester Road city, town Framingham . vicinity of congressional district not for publication 10th State Massachusettoode 3.

Classification Category Ownership district public * building(s* private _ structure both site Public Acquisition object in process being considered 025 county Middlesex code 017 Status X occupied unoccupied work in progress Accessible x yes: restricted yes: unrestricted no Present Use agriculture commercial X educational entertainment - government industrial military museum park - private residence - religious - scientific - transportation other: 4. Owner of Property name First Baptist Church in Framingham street & number1013 Worcester Road city, town Framingham - vicinity of 5. Location of Legal Description state Massachusetts courthouse, registry of deeds, etc. Middlesex County Court House street & number 208 Cambridge St. city, town Cambridge state Massachusetts 6. Representation in Existing Surveys Inventory of the Historic Assets title of the Commonwealth H.A.B.S.

has this property been determined elegible? yes Vno date 1940-1979 X federal Xstate county _ local depository for survey records 294 Washington St. city, town Boston state Mass. 1980 7. Description Condition excellent - good X fair deteriorated ruins unexposed Check one _ unaltered X altered Check one X original site date Describe the present and original (if known) physical appearance

Description of the property

The First Baptist Church at Framingham Centre is a Federalist style building of timber- frame construction. At its east end, the structure rests on a foundation of hammered granite, while its west-end foundation is made of squared granite rubble which dates from 1856 when this end of the foundation was enclosed. Except for the facade which is covered with matched boarding, the church is covered with clapboards and is trimmed on all elevations with frieze and modillioned cornice. The main body of the church (54'X64') and a west end ell (32'X 12'), are enclosed by pitched roofs covered with slate. Projecting out from the symmetrical facade (5'-9") and set on a base of two granite steps is an Ionic portico, consisting of two pairs of Ionic columns supporting a frieze, modillioned cornice and a pediment with a semi-elliptical fanlight.

The,main body of the facade is framed by four pairs of Ionic pilasters, one pair at each corner and two pairs set behind 'the portico in positions corresponding to the portico's columns. These also support an entabulature and pediment. Beneath the portico, at the first story, is a wide- center entry flanked by two narrower entries, all with panelled doors. . The center door . is framed by an elliptical arch beneath which are a fanlight and sidelights while the narrower entries are framed by semi-circular arches with fanlights only. At the center of the second story is a Palladian window framed by pilasters which support a frieze and modillioned cornice. Flanking this central window or two windows with semi-circular arched heads. Above the facade is a tower which rises in five stages, the last of which is a steeple, 19'7" high.

The base of the tower is square in plan and has a Palladian window like that at the facade's second story on its east elevation; it is trimmed with a cornice like that of the church's main body. At its second stage, the tower contains a square-plan. belfry, each face of which contains a single arched opening trimmed with a moulded architrave, keystone and fixed blinds. Each, face of the belfry is framed by Doric pilasters which support an undecorated entablature. Above the belfry is an octagonal lantern, each face of which contains an arched opening with a fixed blind and is framed by two Doric pilasters supporting a modillioned cornice.The tower's fourth stage is a small octagonal lantern, essentially identical to the latern below it. Atop the steeple is a Banneret weathervane with an arrow, scrolls and sun at its tail. The church's north and south elevations are nearly identical.

Each contains three 8/8 windows in the basement near the building's west end and six evenly spaced 6/6 windows at both the first floor and gallery level. Some original 12/12 sash remains in the gallery windows. The south elevation contains a panelled entry porch which allows access to the basement. The church's west end is partially covered by a shallow addition built in 1886. This addition contains a center entrance with bracketted hood and two 2/2 windows at its first story and three 2/2 windows at its second story. Flanking this addition on the main body of the church are two windows at the basement, first story and gallery level. The gable of the church's main body is framed into a pediment by a raking modillioned cornice; centered on the pediment is a semi-elliptical famlight.

Alterations to the church's exterior consist of the enclosing of its basement's west end (1856), the addition of the west wing (1886), the installation of a slate roof (1910) and the partial replacement of original sash (?). In addition, the railings which originally trimmed the first four stages of the tower have all been removed. Interior alterations include the raising of the sanctuary floor and the removal of box pews in 1856-1857.

From the form

The catalogue entry the section above was filed under.

Significance Period - prehistoric 1400-1499 1500-1599 1600-1699 .1700-1799 XXX1800-1899 1900 Areas of Significance-Check and justify below _ - archeology-prehistoric community planning - archeology-historic conservation agriculture economics _ architecture education art engineering commerce exploration/settlement communications industry invention - landscape architecture . law literature military music - philosophy politics/government - religion science sculpture social/ humanitarian theater transportation other (specify) Specific dates 1826 Builder

Statement of significance

/Architect Solomon Willard, Architect Colonel David Harrington, Builder Statement of Significance (in one paragraph) The First Baptist Church of Framingham possesses integrity of location, design materials and workmanship, as well as historical association with the brief develop- ment of old Framingham Centre in the early nineteenth century and with a prominent Boston architect. Now the oldest church building extant in Framingham, the First Baptist Church is an especially sophisticated local example of Federalist architecture, one which retains nearly all of the original decorative details of its neo-classical facade. Planned to replace a smaller Baptist church, the present church was designed by Solomon Willard of Boston and built on a prominent site facing the Boston-Worcester Turnpike (Route 9).

Opened in the early nineteenth century, this turnpike encouraged the commercial devel- opment of Framingham Center, until the Turnpike Corp. was dissolved in 1843 and the area was by-bassed by train lines in 1853. During its major period of growthy Fram- ingham Centre became built-up with a number of Federalist buildings, of which the First Baptist Church is the finest example. The present church was begun in 1825 and the cornerstone was laid on November 17, 1825 at a ceremony which included Masonic rites. Completed in 1826, the building was dedicated on January 1, 1827 and has remained in use by the same congregation since then. Trained as a carpenter and cabinet-maker, the church's architect, Solomon Willard (1788-1862) is known for his wood and stone-carving in Boston as well as for the con- struction of a spiral staircase in Boston's Exchange Coffee House of 1808.

Willard is thought to have studied architecture in Boston with Asher Benjamin, after which he maintained his own architecture office and architectural school between ca. 1820 and 1830- Although Willard is known as the designer of a number of public buildings and especially as the designer of the Bunker Hill Monument, the First Baptist Church is the only church known to have been i designed by Willard.

The rest of the file

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

Major Bibliographical References Outline History of First Baptist Church in Framingham, Framingham Public Library, no date. Photos in H.A.B.S. at Library of Congress. Washington, D.C. Architectural Review, Vo1.VI,#5, May 1918; Measured Drawings, Plates XLII-XLV. Josiah H. Temple, History of Framingham, Mass. 1640-1880; Town of Framingham, 188(continued) 10. Geographical Data less than one acre WIM NOT VERIFIED Acreage of nominated property Framingham Quadrangle name UMT References ACREAGE NOT VERIftEdangle scale 1:24000 A 1,2 208855 4,68,517,80 Zone Easting Northing Zone CLI D Easting LLLL btilu Northing LliLL E HLi LITLLL Verbal boundary description and justification Please refer to the attached assessor's map; sheet 237, the boundaries are deliniated in red.

List all states and counties for properties overlapping state or county boundaries state code county code state code county code 11. Form Prepared By name/title Brian Pfeiffer, Consultant with organizationMassachusetts Historical Commission Mary S. Evans, Secretary Framingham Historical Commission dateNovember 1979 street & number 294 Washington St. telephone (617) 727-8470 city or town Boston state Massachusetts 12. State Historic Preservation Officer Certification The evaluated significance of this property within the state is: _ national local As the designated State Historic Preservation Officer for the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 (Public Law 89 665), I hereby nominate this property for inclusion in the National Register and certify that it has been evaluated accordingto the criteria and procedures set forth by the Heritage Conservation and Recreation Service.

State Historic Preservation Officer signature Valua RWeshwski. 1/22/80 title Executive Director, Massachusetts Historical Conmission date For HCRS use only I hereby certify that this property is included in the National Register Mar Dory date 112/30 Keeper of the National, Register Attest: latuick Andrus date 4/2/80 Chief of Registration GPO938 835 FHR-8-300A (11/78) UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR HERITAGE CONSERVATION AND RECREATION SERVICE NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES INVENTOR Y -- NOMINATION FORM FOR HCRS USE ONLY RECEIVED FEB 12 1980 DATE ENTERED CONTINUATION SHEET ITEM NUMBER 9 PAGE 1 Edmond W. Sinnott, Meetinghouse & Church in Early New England. McGraw-Hill, N.Y., Dictionary of American Biography. Form No. 10-300a (Rev.

10-74) UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES INVENTORY -- NOMINATION FORM FOR NPS USE ONLY RECEIVED DATE ENTERED FEB 12 1980 APR 9 1980 CONTINUATION SHEET Assessors Plan, Sheet 237, Blocks 89 - 90 First Baptist Church in Framingham 1013 Worcester Road ITEM NUMBER PAGE PLEASANT STREET HODSE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCIt IN FRAMINGHAM 69 28; 680 CHÜRCH GREEN CHURCH ROAD FIRE STATION WORCESTER Property Fuist Baptist Chusch State Ma- Middlesu Working Number 2-12-80 453 TECHNICAL CONTROL Photos - Z Maps This building is eligible fr architecture and for its relation to the noted HISTORIAN Boston architect, Solomon Willard. Built in 1826 this timber frame building is a accept sophisticated bcal example of Federatiot stile architectmne. . With it wealtho oriqinal decorative detail remaming, this bldq.

is the furest exampled tederalist aichutecture in the town. Patuick Andus 4/2/80 ARCHITECTURAL HISTORIAN ARCHEOLOGIST® OTHER HAER Inventory - Review REVIEW UNIT CHIEF BRANCH CHIEF KEEPER National Register Write-up Federal Register Entry 2.3.81 Send-back Re-submit Entered APR United States Department of the Interior - Heritage Conservation and Recreation Service 1880 Fust Baptist Church, horth side First Baptist Churchin Framingham Framingham, Mass. middleser ca 1880 90 Belknap Rd. Framingham, Mass. Photo #1 of 7 393 1880, north view 01701 FEB 12 1980 NEG. #393. M. S. EVANS COLLECTION 90 BELKNAP ROAD FRAMINGHAM, MASS. 01701 from:Framingham Pelustratd, 1880 1940 Füst Baptist Church, Worcestr Rd, Railengs on 2 lover tower stages wer blown off in1938 hurricane, not replaced. NEG. #394 M. S. EVANS COLLECTION 90 BELKNAP ROAD FRAMINGHAM, MASS.

01701 First Baptist Church in Framingham Framingham, Mass. Middlesex co 1940 90 Belknap Ra. Framingham, Mass. 01701 Photo #2 of 7 394 1940, HABS rear view FEB 12 1980 OESHIP THE LORD TE BANTY OF HOLINESS 1926 Füst Baptist Church, Worcestir Rol Puepit, west end, First Baptist Church): Framingham, Mass Middlesex ca Mary S. Evans 90 Belknap Rd. Framingham, Mass. 01 Photo #3 of 7 72-1-F Interior alte FEB 12 NEG.#72-/-F. M. S. EVANS COLLECTION 90 BELKNAP ROAD FRAMINGHAM, MASS. 01701 Phots by M.S.Evans. 1976. Frst Baptist Chuuch, Worcestu Rol, Organ loft. First Baptist Church i Framingham, Mass. m- Mary S. Evans 90 Belknap Rd. Framingham, Mass. 017 Photo #4 of 7 72-1-G Interior organ FEB.12 1 NEG.# 72-1-S. M. S. EVANS COLLECTION 90 BELKNAP ROAD FRAMINGHAM, MASS. 01701 Phots by I. S. Evans, 1972 Fist Baptist Church, Vestibule First Baptist Church in Framingham Framingham, Mass. Muddlesex CO.

Mary S. Evans 1972 90 Belknap Rd. Framingham, Mass. 01701 Photo #5 of 7 72-1-H Interior vestibule FEB 12 1980 NEG. #79-/-H. M. S. EVANS COLLECTION 90 BELKNAP ROAD FRAMINGHAM, MASS. 01701 Photo by Mn. S. Evano, 1922. First Baptist Churchin Framingham Framingham, Mass. Middlesex co, Mary S. Evans 1972 90 Belknap Rd. Framingham, Mass. 01701 Photo #6 of 7 72-1-T 1972, Front view 6' FEB 12 1980 NEG. #72-1-7. M. S. EVANS COLLECTION 90 BELKNAP ROAD FRAMINGHAM, MASS. 01701 Photo by M.S. Evans, 1976 First Baptest Chuuch Slave Gallers First Baptist Church in Framingham Framingham, Mass. middlesee co. Mary S. Evans 1972 90 Belknap Rd. Framingham, Mass. 01701 Photo #7 of 7 76-3-H Interior slave gallery FEB 12 1980 NEG. # 76-3-1 M. S. EVANS COLLECTION 90 BELKNAP ROAD FRAMINGHAM, MASS. 01701 Phots by M. S.

Evano MASSACHUSETTS HISTORICAL COMMISSION COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS Office of the Secretary of State 294 Washington Street Boston, Massachusetts 02108 617-727-8470 MICHAEL JOSEPH CONNOLLY Secretary of State January 28, 1980 Ms. Carol Schull, Acting Keeper National Register of Historic Places Heritage, Conservation & Recreation Service 440 G Street NW Washington, D.C. 20243 Dear Ms. Schull; Enclosed you will find the following nomination forms: Attleboro- First Parsonage of the Medford- John McGill House (local) Second Church (local) Middleborough- C. P. Washburn Grain- * Bedford- David Lane House (local) mill (local) * Boston- Charles Street Jail (national) Middlefield- Stone Arch Railroad Bridge Dartmouth- Hill School (local) District (state) * East Longmeadow- Swetland-Pease Natick- Rev. Stephen Badger House (state) House (local) Newton- St.

Mary's Church & Cemetary (local Framingham- First Baptist Church (state) New Bedford- Central New Bedford Lancaster- Founders Hall (state) Historic District (local) Marlborough- Peter Rice House (local) Newton- Echo Bridge (state- resubmission) Medford- Edward Oakes House (local) Sharon- Stoneholm (local) (All of the above are enclosed) (These are enclosed under separate cover) These have been voted eligible by the State Review Board and have been signed by the State Historic Preservation Officer. Sincerely, Christine Boulding chi eo Soneden Survey Director Massachusetts Historical Commission CB/cj RECEIVED FEB 1 2 1980 NATIONAL REGISTER *These properties were notified under the new procedures. 1. CALL TO: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR HERITAGE CONSERVATION AND RECREATION SERVICE TELEPHONE REPORT FROM (Name) 2. 4/7/80 TIME OF CALL AM PM ADDRESS (Tel. No.

if needed) Cardy Jenkins 3. SUBJECT, PROJECT NO., ETC. First Baptist Chuuch in tramengham 4. DETAILS OF DISCUSSION Mass. S.H.P.O. The newest phato peovided is now Syrs. old - She has assured me that there have been ho alterations to the build inf since that time. NAME OF PERSON PLACING/RECEIVING CALL trich Andrus FHR-8-227 June 1978 TITLE OFFICE ENTRIES IN THE NATIONAL REGISTER STATE MASSACHUSETTS APR Date Entered 9 1980 Name Location Echo Bridge Swetland-Pease House Rice, Capt.

Peter, House First Baptist Church Oakes, Edward, House McG111, John H., House Dillaway School Berger Factory Town of Needham, City of Newton Norfolk and Middlesex County East Longmeadow vicinity Hampden County Marlborough Middlesex County Framingham Middlesex County Medford Middlesex County Medford Middlesex County Boston Suffolk County Boston Suffolk County Also Notified Honorable Paul Isongas Honorable Edward M. Kennedy Honorable John J. Moakley Honorabie Robert F. Drinan Honorable Edward P. Boland Honorable Joseph D. Early Honorable Edward J. Markey State Historic Preservation 0fficer Mrs. Patricia L. Weslowsk1 Executive Director, Massachusetts Historical Commission 294 Washington Street Boston, Massachusetts 02108 NR Byers/bjr 4/17/80 For further information, please call the National Register at (202)343-6401.