BlockBefore

Nomination for Roxbury Presbyterian Church

The case file that argued this property on to the National Register: 9,486 words across 40 pages, filed in 1991. Reproduced in full, word for word.

Source document Held by the National Archives in Record Group 79 as reference 89002125, where it exists only as a scan with no text layer. The words below were read off that scan by machine, so the occasional stray character is the recogniser's and the typewriter's. Nothing is summarised, corrected or written by this site. See the catalogue record, or return to the property.

From the form

The catalogue entry the section above was filed under.

NPS Fürm 10-000 (Rev. 8-86) OMB No. 1024-0018 NOV 1 6 1989 United States Department of the Interior National Park Service 2/25 National Register of Historic Places Registration Form This form is for use in nominating or requesting determinations of eligibility for individual properties or districts. See instructions in Guidelines for Completing National Register Forms (National Register Bulletin 16). Complete each item by marking "x" in the appropriate box or by entering the requested information. If an item does not apply to the property being documented, enter "N/A" for "not applicable."For functions, styles, materials, and areas of significance, enter only the categories and subcategories listed in the instructions. For additional space use continuation sheets (Form 10-900a). Type all entries. 1. Name of Property historic name Roxbury Presbyterian Church other names/site number 2.

Location street & number 328 Warren Street city, town (Roxbury Bgsgon state Massachusetts code county Suffolk code N/A not for publication N/A vicinity 025 zip code 02119 3. Classification Ownership of Property X private public-local public-State public-Federal Category of Property X building(s) district site structure object Number of Resources within Property Contributing Noncontributing buildings sites structures objects 1 Total Number of contributing resources p/aviously listed in the National Register Name of related multiple property listing: 4.

State/Federal Agency Certification As the designated authority under the NationalHistoric Preservation Act of 1966, as amended, I hereby certify that this -nomination Lrequest for determination of eligibility meets the documentation standards for registering properties in the National Register of Historic Places and meets the procedural and professional requirements set forth in 36 CFR Part 60. In my opinion, the property meets _Idoes not meet the National Register criteria. See continuation sheet. vauune A Signature of cerihing oficiaizxecutfve Director, Massachusetts Historical Conmi 8tons '117/89 State Historic Preservation Offieer State or Federal agency and bureau In my opinion, the propertymeets ]does not meet the National Register criteria. see continuation sheet. Signature of commenting or other official Date State or Federal agency and bureau 5.

National Park Service Certification I, 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:) Signature of the Keeper Date of Action 6. Function or Use Roxbury Preshyterian Church,, Roxbury, Massachusetts - Historic Functions (enter categories from instructions) Current Functions (enter categories from instructions) Religion: Religious Structure Religion: Religious Structure Social: Meeting Hall Social: Meeting Hall 7.

Description Architectural Classification (enter categories from instructions) Queen Anne High Victorian Gothic Materials (enter categories from instructions) Roxbury Puddingstone foundationRoxbury Puddingstone slate roof other granite Tintels wood window frames Describe present and historic physical appearance. 7. Description: Roxbury Presbyterian Church Roxbury Presbyterian Church is a stone Victorian Gothic Church which Streets and is in close proximity to Walnut Streets. The church faces west on a trapezoidal lot which contains 8000 square feet. The asymmetrical-sprawling structure covers the lot almost completely, thus precluding an archeological investigation. Located in the Roxbury section of Boston, the Roxbury Presbyterian church lles within a neighborhood which mistorically was part ot a icturesque area of rollina hills and fertile farm land near Roxbury's center.

To the north, east, and south of this structure are densely settled areas containing mid-19th and early 20th-century single and multi-family wood frame and masonry housing, representing a variety of Victorian styles. To the west, across Warren Street, is a modern shopping plaza with an extensive asphalt paved parking lot. The bell tower of Roxbury Presbyterian Church which rises above the immediate neighborhood is a striking landmark in that area's skyline. Built in 1891, Roxbury Presbyterian Church was built to the designs of John C. Spofford, and was constructed of rough-hewn Roxbury Puddingstone. In general massing and form the structure hugs the corner of Warren and Woodbine Streets in a low, sprawling manner. It is asymmetrical in elevation and features projecting and regressing surfaces of polygonal or curving bays.

The 1ow horizontality of the church is contrasted with the verticality of the octagonal and pointed tower which rises over the entrance. The steeply pitched rooflines of the Roxbury Presbyterian Church contribute to an overall heaviness and ruggedness of this church which, like the tower, retain a slight verticality in the pointed polygonal roof tops. In plan the variety of spaces within the church and different-polygonal bays contribute to a general asymmetry. In elevation the church rises from a full basement to a second level containing the [X See continuation sheet 2es Fom 100000 United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section number 1 Page - CeNs Aopromel Na 10060018 11/16/89 Roxbury Presbyterian Church, Roxbury, Massachusetts auditorium, reception area and ancillary rooms.

The church is primarily enclosed by a steeply pitched modified traverse gable roof on this western facade. A series of polygonal projecting bays whose roofs are conical emanate from this larger central roofline. These rounded projections include a large semi-polygonal apse at the center of the west facade whose roof rises to a steep conical se r00f rises to a st pitch. A second smaller polygonal bay is located to the right of this larger central apse. The west (main) facade features a picturesquely rendered bell tower at its northwest corner. This tower is characterized by an interesting progression of geometric forms commencing with a tall, square base which is surmounted by a circular drum. The drum supports a wooden octagonal component which is surmounted by a pyramidal roof. The tower's stone base and drum are pierced by narrow round-headed stained-glass windows.

The wooden octagonal portion of the bell tower exhibits weather related damage: several of the arched window's louvers are broken or missing and one of its colonettes has been removed. In the round base and octagonal bell tower, polygonal shapes are reflected in the other projecting bays on this western side of the church. Projecting from the main entrance of the bell tower is the main entrance to the church, which is enclosed by an open-air gable porch. This porch features highly decorative woodwork. Its gable ends are highlighted by vergeboards behind which is a slightly recessed wooden arch with a drop-moulding keystone. Beneath this arch and along the sides of the porch's gable-end roof are a series of pointed wooden arches which are supported by turned posts that rest on a base of Roxbury puddingstone.

The entrance porch's terra-cotta tiled floor exhibits a pair of glazed art tiles at its center. The original heavy oak doors to this entrance are still in-tact. To the right of the main entrance is a square single story flat roofed component whose arched entrance provides access to the basement. A third entrance on this facade is located between the two polygonal apses and consists of a pointed arch door enframed in a darker stone. The entire west facade features a fenestration of lancet windows all continued pas fom 1aacoa United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section number _ Page 2 Cavo ropronod Na. 10940010 11/16/89 Roxbury Presbyterian Church, Roxbury, Massachusetts of which are framed in wood.

To the right of the large octagonal bay 1s a gable roof section which forms the southern end of the It has two basement windows and a range of four wood-enframed windows on the second level. the north elevation of the Roxbury Presbyterian Church alon loodbine Street features a large off-center gable with four basement ETES windows. These windows, in turn, are surmounted by a large pointed-arch stained-glass window, which is flanked by tall narrow At the apex of the north gable is a louvered trefoil To the right of this large gable is the corner bell tower and between these two elements is a single-story porch, which is fully enclosed and entered by way of a short flight of stone steps. This porch features five lancet windows, which are flanked by slender colonettes.

To the left of the large gable is a semi-polygonal projecting single story bay which is pierced by a second side entrance and two windows. Its roof, like those on the Warren Street/west side is a steeply pitched and conical roof topped by a fleur de lis finial. The rear wall is dominated by a steeply pitched gable, which is constructed of stucco and half timbering and outlined with decorative wooden vergeboards. At the center of this gable end wall erleco aha bae A is a large pointed-arch stained-glass window. Beneath this window is a pair of small basement windows. continued pps Fomm 100000 United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section number - Page - 3 ORte Approvel Na.

1024-0018 1/10/89 Roxbury Presbyterian Church, Roxbury, Massachusetts Interior Description Roxbury Presbyterian Church's well-preserved interior has been renovated with appropriate paint and plaster treatments. Still church a ema t ur aole coi edeion ul siz nedeea Raona ca. well-executed designs. The large north window is dedicated to the memory of Hugh Brown and depicts Christ and the children. Flanking this scene, in narrow window segments, are the inscription "Blessed are the Pure of Heart for They Shall See God," and "Blessed are They That Mourn for They Shall be Comforted." The rear (east) gable's large window depicts Christ and His followers set within vertical tracery.

Flanking the central scene are the inscriptions "Which Hope We Have as an Anchor," and "Take Up Thy Cross and Follow Me." This window's three circular segments contain stained-glass depicting an anchor, dove, and a heart pierced by a cross. the stained-glass windows were recently restored and covered with lexan to preserve their beauty. However, the walls and ceiling of the vestibule within the bell tower exhibit water damage. Statement of Significance

Statement of significance

Certiying official has considered the signihcanc of fhis property in Clatren to otner properies: Massachusetts nationally -statewide -xlocally Applicable National Register Criteria XA Criteria Considerations (Exceptions) -c Areas of Significance (enter categories from instructions) Architecture Social History Religion D JE ]F -G Period of Significance 1891 Significant Dates 1891 Cultural Affiliation N/A Significant Person N/A Architect/Builder - Spofford, John Gr Swanson, William State significance of property, and justify criteria, criteria considerations, and areas and periods of significance noted above. 8. Significance: Roxbury Presbyterian Church The Roxbury Presbyterian Church at 328 Warren Street was built in 1891 to house a parish that was organized in 1881 and traces its beginning to the Fourth Presbyterian Church of South Boston.

that reason Roxbury Presbyterian Church is one of that area's oldest churches with a single continuous congregational history. church is also significant for its association with the Gilchrist brothers, founders of Boston's Gilchrist's Department Store who half the costs of the church's construction. The church is also known for the variety of social and humanitarian issues it has taken part in since its founding. Architecturally, Roxbury Presbyterian Church is important for its association with Boston architecture and architect John C. Spofford of the firm of Brigham and Spofford who created a late Victorian Gothic design using locally quarried Roxbury Puddingstone.

In its maintenance of integrity in design, location, materials, and workmanship, the Roxbury Presbyterian Church meets criteria A and C of the National Register of Historic Places on a local level and Exception A for previously discussed rEasons. The area surrounding the Roxbury Presbyterian Church site in the 18th century consisted mainly of rocky uplands and fertile farmland. For this reason, Roxbury supplied the City of Boston with cattle and produce in that period. For nearly half a century after the Revolutionary War, Roxbury maintained its profile as a suburban village. During the first half of the 19th century Roxbury was an important center for tanneries, rope walks and breweries, while its craftsmen were also known for the manufacture of leather shoes, hats and gloves. Beginning in the 1840's, the area south of the present Dudley Station saw increased residential uses.

The hilly terrain was incompatible with industrial uses but was highly conducive to the [X] See continuation sheet res Fom 10000a United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section number - 8 Page_ Cuso roprond Na 10040010 11/16/89 Roxbury Presbyterian Church, Roxbury, Massachusetts construction of summer houses and stately mansions. Roxbury was incorporated as its own city in 1846 but was annexed to Boston in 1868. By the late 19th century Roxbury was almost completely built up with masonry row houses and wood frame single and multifamily dwellings. The incorporation of a trolley line from Boston to this area in the late 1880's created a convenient transportation link for Roxbury residents to the downtown. Suffolk County Deeds indicate that Roxbury Presbyterian Church was built in 1891.

The parcel on which the church was constructed is shown as being divided into three lots numbered 1, 2 and 4 on a 5-lot Suffolk County Deed plan of June 1, 1870. In 1875 lots 1 and 2, containing 2703.92 and 2046.45 square feet respectively, were owned by Donald Kennedy, while lot 4 which contained 20,450 square feet was owned by Donald C. Perrin. Donald Kennedy owned a multibuilding medicine factory complex one block to the north on Warren Street between Waverly and Clifford Streets in Roxbury. Donald C. Perrin was a wealthy Roxbury real estate speculator. By the mid-1880s Kennedy owned all three lots and had erected a stable near the Woodbine and Warren Streets corner. The cornerstone of the present church was laid on July 17, 1891 and the church was opened for services on April 6, 1892. Roxbury Presbyterian Church was an off-shoot of the Fourth Presbyterian Church of South Boston.

During the early 1880's a family of Roxbury Presbyterians walked two miles from Roxbury to South Boston to attend services. As more Presbyterians joined the family on their weekly pilgrimages, it became clear that a Presbyterian Church needed to be established in Roxbury. On October 18, 1885 a group of Presbyterians met for worship in Highland Hall the corner of Warren street and Walnut Avenue in Roxbury. Services were conducted by the Rev. Joseph W. Sanderson. Among the parish's original congregation were several immigrants from the Maritime Provinces of Canada. The most prominent of the congregation, however, were Robert and John Gilchrist.

These two gentlemen were brothers and owners of Gilchrist's Department Store, an important early 20th century downtown Boston commercial emporium which evolved from the Gilchrist Brothers' late 19th-century dry-goods store at 5-7 Winter Street in Boston. Robert Gilchrist served as the moderator of Roxbury Presbyterian Church's building committee is estimated that the Gilchrist family financed half of the continued 100000 United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section number - Page 2 Ceta Approvel Ma 10210018 1/16/59 Roxbury Presbyterian Church, Roxbury, Massachusetts church's construction. The building committee also included Adam Archibald, insurance agent; Roland C. Whittelt; Charles L. William, mason; Robert Gallagher, plasterer, Vinton Passler; and Peter H.

Lawson, proprietor of a millinery store on Washington Street in Boston. It would seem likely that the church's masonry work and interior plastering may be the work of Charles L. Willlams and Robert Gallagher, respectively. The builder of this church was a William Swanson. The Church was dedicated on April 16, 1892. Roxbury Presbyterian Church was designed by John C. Spofford of the prominent Boston architectural firm of Brigham and Spofford which included Charles Brigham. Brigham, in the 1870's, had been partner in the firm of Sturgis and Brigham whose most memorable achievement was the 1909). Boston Museum at Copley Square (completed 1876; demolished John C. Spofford's partnership with Charles Brigham began in the late 1870's. Spofford was born in Maine in 1854 and trained as a mason and carpenter.

Educated in architecture at the University of Maine, Spofford trained in the office of William J. Preston before working as a draftsman for the firm of Sturgis and Brigham. The partnership of Brigham and Spofford resulted in numerous public buildings in the Boston area as well as in Maine. Brigham and Spofford are credited with Memorial Hall in Belfast, Maine; the city hall in Lewiston, Maine; the public library at Everett, Massachusetts; the public library and the town hall in Fairhaven, Massachusetts. The firm served as architects of the additions to the Maine and Massachusetts State Capitals. In addition, railroad ee geate CapaEale. stations in Roxbury and Stoughton, and several residences in Roxbury and Jamaica Plain were products of this firm's office. After 1891, Spofford practiced architecture alone, maintaining an office in Boston.

He was responsible for the designs of the Bangor (Maine) City Hall and the Masonic Hall in Augusta, Maine. Active as an architect well into the 1930's, John Spofford was last listed in the Boston City Directories in 1936 as a resident of Brookline with his practice at 114 State Street. The designs for the Roxbury Presbyterian Church date to 1891 and, chereiore, present a probiem in terms oi dates. The architect on the building permit is "John C. Spofford," alone.

While the plans for Roxbury Presbyterian Church might also have been the work of the continued Fom United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section number 8 Page OMde Aaprovel Ma 10260010 11/16/89 Roxbury Presbyterian Church, Roxbury, Massachusetts firm together, the fact that both the firm's break up and the date of the church's designs fall into the same year, creates a problem in specifying the architect in charge of the project. Roxbury puddingstone, a locally quarried building material, was employed along with granite and wood in the Church's construction. puddingstone, a butterscotch colored conglomerate stone, was first used in Boston church construction during the early 1860's and was widely employed in Boston's Back Bay ecclesiastical edifices during the late-19th century.

Scattered about the Highlands and Mission Hill sections of Roxbury are mid-19th century dwelling units constructed of puddingstone. Roxbury Presbyterian Church ranks among the more substantial Roxbury examples of puddingstone construction. Architecturally, Roxbury Presbyterian Church is representative of Victorian Gothic stylistic influences of the late-19th century. These influences can be seen in the pointedness of the various gables and asymmetry, both of which are characteristic of this structure. In addition, the entire fenestration consists of lancet or pointed-arch windows. Since this period was one of architectural eclecticism, this church also incorporates then-current Queen Anne Revival influences as represented in the octagonal tower, decorative vergeboards and turned posts.

The interior of the main hall of Roxbury Presbyterian Church conforms somewhat to the asymmetrical qualities of the structure's exterior. The center of this interior worship space features a high-conical-shaped ceiling that is outlined with dark-wooden beams. The altar area lies front and center of this configuration and is mostly constructed of dark wood. The chancel features a large pipe organ which dates to 1920, above which is one of two large stained-glass windows in the church. This window on the east wall features the resurrected Christ appearing to his disciples. The figure of Christ is in the center of this window with his hand raised. The colors of this window are vibrant and luminous. The second large stained-glass window is located on the north wall of this main hall.

It features Christ and the children, one of the most popular themes in late 19th century stained-glass iconography. Other colorful stained-glass appears in continued 200 rom 100000 United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section number _8 Page 4 CMte Aoprovel No. 1024-0018 11/10/09 Roxbury Presbyterian Church, Roxbury, Massachusetts the rear of the main hall, but is primarily decorative. Several ancillary rooms emanate from the main-worship area of the hurch, including the ministers' office, a counting room, and the ladies parlour. urrent ministers, was not built with the church but was dug later. It contains several recreational and meeting rooms one of which i ised on Sundays as a worship area by a local Hispanic group.

Othei organizations such as Alcoholics Anonymous use these meeting rooms on a regular basis. The first pastor to officiate within the newly completed church building at Warren and Woodbine Streets was Dr. Martin Kneeland. During the pastorate of the Reverend Clarence A. Young (1911-1923), the growth of the congregation necessitated the remodeling of the church auditorium. At that time, the hall in the basement was constructed and named "Gilchrist Hall" in honor of John and Robert Gilchrist. The present organ was installed at some point during the young pastorate. During the pastorate of Reverend Carlisle between 1928 and 1935, the church corporation assumed another sizeable mortgage in order to make a complete renovation and redecoration of the church. During the 1930's under the pastorate of Reverend Samuel A.

Jackson, the church distinguished itself in helping those who had fallen on hard times as the result of the the Great Depression. In addition, overseas missionary work received an increasingly greater emphasis during Rev. Jackson's pastorate. The church's benevolence budget was greatly augmented during the late 1930's until it became one of the highest per capita in the denomination. The Jacksons were the first pastorate family to live in the present parsonage house at 25 Woodbine Street. In the years following World War II, the church began receiving American Blacks into its membership. Integration began during the pastorate of Reverend Samuel Allen Jackson (1936-1955) and continued under the leadership of Reverend James Scotland (1955-1958) and Reverend Francis D. S. Miller (1959-1979). The church strongly supported Civil Rights activities during the 1960's under the leadership of Dr.

Miller. Since 1985, the co-pastors of Roxbury Presbyterian Church continued NPS Form 10-800 United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section number - Page 5 OMB Approvel Na. 10260018 11/16/89 Roxbury Presbyterian Church, Roxbury, Massachusetts have been Rick and Toby Gillespie-Mobley. The Reverends Gillespie-Mobley are the Church's first black pastors and first co-pastors; Toby Gillespie-Mobley is the church's first female pastor. Church parishoners celebrated the 100th anniversary of Roxbury Presbyterian Church in July 1986 by participating in a reenactment of the two mile walk from Roxbury to the Fourth Presbyterian Church in South Boston. 9.

Major Bibllographical References Roaxhury Preshyterian Church, Raxbury, Massachusetts Previous documentation on file (NPS): preliminary determination of individual listing (36 CFR 67) has been requested previously listed in the National Register previously determined eligible by the National Register designated a National Historic Landmark recorded by Historic American Buildings Survey # Jrecorded by Historic American Engineering Record # 10.

The rest of the file

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

Geographical Data Acreage of propertyLess than one acre UTM References A L11 9 328 41410 Zone Easting CLL [416|817|11310/ Northing X See continuation sheet Primary location of additional data: State historic preservation office Other State agency Federal agency X Local government University Other Specify repository: Massachusetts Historical Commission; Boston Landmarks Commission B D Zone 1ILiL Easting Northing See continuation sheet Verbal Boundary Description The nominated parcel conforms to the City of Boston Tax Assessor's Parcel Number 837 Ward 12. See continuation sheet Boundary Justification The present legal boundaries conform to the original/historical city boundaries of the Roxbury Presbyterian Church's property. See continuation sheet 11.

Form Prepared By name/title _Ed Gordon, Caral Huggins, BLC w/Anne Tait, MHG organization Massachusetts Historical Commission date August, 1989 street & number 80 Baylston St., Suite 310 _ telephone (617)727-8470 Boston city or town state MA _ zip code 02116 Fom 100000 United States Department of the Interior National Park Service Vational Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section number _9 Page 1 Clde Approvel Mo. 1034-0010 n/14/0 Roxbury Presbyterian Church, Roxbury, Massachusetts 9. Bilbliography City of Boston, Inspectional Services Department Permit. Architects File, Fine Arts Department, Boston Public Library. Herndon, ed., Boston of Today, 1892. Atlases: 1873-1895. Boston City Directories, 1886-1892. Withey, Henry, Dictionary of America Architects (Deceased), Los Angeles, Hennessey and Ingalls, 1970.

"Roxbury Presbyterian Church 1886-1986" (Church files) "Roxbury Celebrates 100 Years of Local Service, " Bay State Banner, July 17, 1986. Interviews: Reverend Toby Gillespie-Mobley Jeanette Boone. 18867 27\76 13/60 7477. "lusto 280 220 61.70 HV- -2 { 969 23675 4400 33 675 7700 I8N-10E) (Sheet 2963 4766 359 - 305 WA RREN EDGEWOOD 3096 RR2c EDGEW000 5286 53706 3712 53716 3097 48IN 7190. 347575975 73840 339 37 335 595 351 305 RIA 317 STREET 320 316 1713 1774 116! :62 1694 312 3873 3I0 6 505A 306 1923 2005 1823 2600 324 -338 1858 Stos 5,000 PRESBYTERIAN CH.OF ROXBURY 2556 3830 7515 5285 4400 3/32 4570 3795 1OODBINE 2882 10416 3 4976 12840 3740 499.5 5500 13206 Do68 4125 73168 13168 4125 73168 3910 6600 3780 387 Map Number 328 Warren Street Roxbury (Boston), Mass.

Boston Redevelopment Authority Scale: 1" = 100' 18N-11E Roxbury Presbyterian Church 53679 3797 6600 5720 AGES 2315 2344 2865 5r0g 5160 2400 CLIFFORD 11000 45500 5500 5500 9180 1 26/6 2439 2393 253 4/25 4127 5500 5500 5500 3520 3540 5500 2420 2420 2420 2420 2420 2420 2420 2420 2604 WAVERLY N .E .T.

8 T PERR 10723 5765 58/4 7057 4340 4890 h 23610 [3285 S 4 UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES EVALUATION/RETURN SHEET REQUESTED ACTION: NOMINATION PROPERTY Roxbury Presbyterian Church NAME: MULTIPLE NAME: STATE & COUNTY: MASSACHUSETTS, Suffolk DATE RECEIVED: DATE OF 16TH DAY: DATE OF WEEKLY LIST: 11/16/89 12/14/89 DATE OF PENDING LIST: 11/28/89 DATE OF 45TH DAY: 12/31/89 REFERENCE NUMBER: 89002125 NOMINATOR: STATE REASONS FOR REVIEW: APPEAL: N DATA PROBLEM: N LANDSCAPE: N OTHER: N PDIL: N PERIOD: N REQUEST: N SAMPLE: N SLR DRAFT: Y LESS THAN 50 YEARS: PROGRAM UNAPPROVED: NATIONAL: N N N COMMENT WAIVER: N ACCEPT RETURN ABSTRACT/SUMMARY COMMENTS: REJECT 12/28/SJOATE Dke siguificance of the church in the is tenotear in Hee etorent sesggnigicame. edditionally, pleasereevaluate the period of significance .

if either of these can be mon fiel oelnutt either sapplimle include more RECOM. /CRITERIA Returu thau piet the date REVIEWERS avrre of constrecsion, DATCTPLINE Cichitecunel 12/28/89 Westory provided i porexample #8, pg. 4,#3 DOCUMENTATION see attached comments y/() see attached SIR D descrile ii He 1930s. Pfarchitersure remams as the sole area shen 1891 mnay remain as theonly applicable dare.

CLASSIFICATION count _resource type STATE/FEDERAL AGENCY CERTIFICATION FUNCTION historic current DESCRIPTION architectural classification materials _descriptive text SIGNIFICANCE Period Areas of Significance--Check and justify below Specific dates Builder/Architect Statement of Significance (in one paragraph) summary paragraph Xcompleteness _Clarity applicable criteria Xjustification of areas checked relating significance to the resource X context relationship of integrity to significance _justification of exception other BIBLIOGRAPHY GEOGRAPHICAL DATA acreage UTMS verbal boundary description boundary justification ACCOMPANYING DOCUMENTATION/PRESENTATION sketch maps USGS maps photographs presentation OTHER COMMENTS Questions concerning this nomination may be directed to siones Bexf Seage Phone (202) 343-9540 Date 12/28/89 Deta Collector Recommendation: SLR Clarificatlon/Return lewer Action: SLR Final None Return State Name MH County Name Suffolt Reference No._ 89.2125 Section of Nomination: Classification State/Agency Certification Function See Page Paragraph Solution: - DOCUMENTATION ISSUES--DISCUSSION SHEET Resource Name Mame Roubury Predytarian Church Multiple Name Listed Date Deacription S1gnificance B1bllographical References Ceographical Deta Accompanying Documentation Other NR Staff: Date: Deta Collector'o Explanation of Problem: They claim religious an social signifcance but mate almost no attmpt to jurtity teie argament (see sect.

8 IP / and pg 9/4TP3). If theo clamn are correct howeves, wanll e sipniticance woull extand beyond th 1881 date cnistructin unte t 1930: Iienterel periet + aren of siputicnce as thuy eus enterel on the form Data Collector: Samthr Date: Resolution in Data Base: D.B. Corrected: Date: 21 9 NPS Form 10-900 (Rev. 8-86) OMB No. 1024-0018 United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Registration Form JAN 2 9 1991 NATIONAL REGISTER This form is for use in nominating or requesting determinations of eligibility for individual properties or districts. See instructions in Guidelines for Completing National Register Forms (National Register Bulletin 16). Complete each item by marking "x" in the appropriate box or by entering the requested information.

If an item does not apply to the property being documented, enter "N/A" for "not applicable." For functions, styles, materials, and areas of significance, enter only the categories and subcategories listed in the instructions. For additional space use continuation sheets (Form 10-900a). Type all entries. 1. Name of Property historic name Roxbury Presbyterian Church other names/site number 2. Location street & number city, town state MA 328 Warren Street (Roxbury)Boston code 025 county Suffolk not for publication vicinity code 025 zip code 02119 3.

Classification Ownership of Property x private public-local public-State public-Federal Category of Property x building(s) district site structure object Name of related multiple property listing: N/A Number of Resources within Property Contributing Noncontributing buildings sites structures objects Total Number of contributing resources, p/eviously listed in the National Register 4. State/Federal Agency Certification As the designated authority under the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended, I hereby certify that this X nomination request for determination of eligibility meets the documentation standards for registering properties in the NationalRegister ofHistoric Places andmeets the procedural and professional requirements set forth in 36 CFR Part 60. en my ppinion, the property meets [I does not meet the National Reister criteria. I See continuation sheet.

pidits hvanough Signature of certifying official an.23,1991 SPO:mrachses tis torical (ommnien, Ex Din. State or Federal agency and bureau In my opinion, the property meets does not meet the National Register criteria. See continuation sheet. Signature of commenting or other official Date State or Federal agency and bureau 5. National Park Service Certification 1, hereby, certify that this property is: Mentered in the National Register. See continuation sheet. determined eligible for the National Register. L See continuation sheet. determined not eligible for the National Register. BittA Sarage 3/15/01 removed from the National Register. other, (explain:) for Signature of the Keeper Date of Action 6.

Function or Use Historic Functions (enter categories from instructions) Peligion: Religious Structure Social: Meeting Hall Current Functions (enter categories from instructions) Religion: Religious Structure Social: Meeting Hall 7. Description Architectural Classification (enter categories from instructions) Queen Anee High Victorian Gothic Materials (enter categories from instructions) foundation Roxbury Puddingstone walls Roxbury Puddingstone roof other Slate granite Lintels wood frame windows Describe present and historic physical appearance. 7. Description: Roxbury Presbyterian Church Roxbury Presbyterian Church is a stone Victorian Gothic Church which is prominently situated at the intersection of Warren and Woodbine Streets and is in close proximity to Walnut Street. The church faces west on a trapezoidal lot which contains 8000 square feet.

The assymetrical-sprawling structure covers the lot almost completely, thus precluding archaeological investigation. Located in the Roxbury section of Boston, the Roxbury Presbyterian Church lies within a neighborhood which historically was part of a picturesque area of rolling hills and fertile farmland near Roxbury's center. To the north, east and south of this structure are densely settled areas containing mid-19th and early 20th century single and multi-family wood frame and masonry housing, representing a variety of Victorian styles. To the west, across Warren Street, is a modern shopping plaza with an extensive asphalt paved parking lot. The bell tower of Roxbury Presbyterian Church which rises above the immediate neighborhood is a striking landmark in that area's skyline. Built in 1891, Roxbury Presbyterian Church was built to the designs of John C.

Spofford, and was constructed of rough-hewn Roxbury Puddingstone. In general massing and form the structure hugs the corner of Warren and Woodbine Streets in a low sprawling:manner. It is asymmetrical in elevation and features projecting and regressing surfaces of polygonal or curving bays. Sa ayhretotcat t elevatt hend features horizontality of the church is contrasted with the verticality of the octagonal and pointed tower which rises above the entrance. The steeply pitched rooflines of the Roxbury Presbyterian Chruch contribute to an overall heaviness and ruggedness of this church which, like the tower, retain a slight verticality in the pointed polygonal roof tops. In plan, the variety of spaces within the church and the different'polygonal?

bays contribute to a general asymmetry.In elevation the church rises from a full basement to a second level continuing the auditorium reception area and ancillary rooms. The church is primarily enclosed by a steeply pitched modified traverse gable roof on this western facade. A series of polygonal projecting bays whose roofs are conical emanate from this larger central roofline. rounded projections include a large semi-polygonal apse at the center of the west facade whose roof rises to a steep conical pitch. A second smaller polygonal bay is located to the right of the larger central apse. * See continuation sheet NPS Form 10-900- (8-86) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet OMB Approvel No.

1024-0018 JAN 2 9 199 Section number _ Page _ The west (main) facade features a picturesquely rendered bell tower at its northwest corner. This tower is characterized by an interesting progression of geometric forms commencing with a tall, square base which is surmounted by a circular drum. The drum supports a wooden octagonal component which is surmounted by a pyramidal roof. tower's stone base and drum are pierced by narrow round headed stained glass windows. The wooden octagonal portion of the bell tower exhibits weather related damage: several of the arched window's louvers are broken or missing and one of its colonettes has been removed. In the round base and octagonal bell tower polygonal shapes are reflected in the other projecting bays on this western side of the church.

Projecting from the main entrance of the bell tower is the main entrance to the church which is enclosed by an open air gable porch. This porch features highly decorative wood work. Its gable ends are highlighted by vergeboards behind which is a slightly recessed wooden arch with a drop moulding keystone. droy noultae keysronee sene Beneath this arch and along the sides of the porch's gable end roof are a series of pointed wooden arches which are supported by turned posts that rest on a base of Roxbury puddingstone. The entrance porch's terra cotta tiled floor exhibits a pair of glazed art tiles at its center. The original heavy oak doors to this entrance are still in tact. To the right of the main entrance is a square single story flat roofed component whose arched entrance provides access to the basement.

A third entrance on this facade is located between the two polygonal apses and consists of a pointed arch door enframed in a darker stone. The entire west facade features a fenestration of lancet windows all of which are framed in wood. Io the right of the large ocatagonal bay is a gable roof section which forms the southern end of the church. It has two basement windows and a range of four wood enframed windows on the second level. The north elevation of the Roxbury Presbyterian Church along Woodbine Street features a large off center gable with four basement windows. These windows, in turn, are surmounted by a large pointed arch stained glass window which is flanked by tall narrow windows. At the apex of the north gable is a louvered trefoil window with wood enframements.

Io the right of this large gable is the corner bell tower and between these two elements is a single story porch which is fully enclosed and entered by way of a short flight of stone steps. This porch features five lancet windows which are flanked by slender colonettes. NPS Form 10-900- (8-86) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section number. 7 Page - 3 OMB Approved No. 1024-0018 JAN 29 1991 To the left of the large gable is a semi-polygonal projecting single story bay which is pierced by a second side entrance and two windows. Its roof, like those on the Warren Street/west side is a steeply pitched and conical The rear wall is dominated by a steeply pitched gable which is constructed of stucco and half timbering and outlined with decorative wooden vergeboards.

shis sablee7s apala banid bosnted arch stained glass Interior Description Roxbury Presbyterian Church's well preserved interior has been renovated with appropriate paint and plaster treatments. Still intact are late 19th century pews, multi panelled altar, organ (ca. 1920's), and encircling dado. Particularly noteworthy is this church's small but choice collection of stained glass windows. These windows are characterized by vivid, luminous color and well executed designs. The large north window is dedicated to the memory of Hugh Brown and depicts Christ and the children. Flanking this scene, in narrow window segments of Heart for They Shall See God, Shall be Comforted." The rear (east) gable's large window depicts Christ and His followers set within vertical tracery.

Flanking the central scene are the inscriptions "Which Hope We Have as an Anchor," and "Take Up Thy Cross and Follow Me." This window's three circular segments contain stained glass depicting an anchor, dove, and a heart pierced by a cross. All of the. stained glass windows were recently restored and covered with Lexan to preserve their beauty. However, the walls and ceiling of the vestibule within the bel! tower exhibit water damage. 8.

Statement of Significance Roxbury Presbyterian Church Certifying official has considered the significance of this property in relation to other properties: nationally statewide X] locally Applicable National Register Criteria Criteria Considerations (Exceptions) xA Areas of Significance (enter categories from instructions) Architecture Period of Significance 1891 Significant Dates 1891 Cultural Affiliation N/A Significant Person N/A Architect/Builder Spofford, John C. Swanson, William State significance of property, and justify criteria, criteria considerations, and areas and periods of significance noted above. The Roxbury Presbyterian Church, built in 1891, is important for its association with Boston architecture and architect John C. Spofford of the firm, Brigham and Spofford.

The late Victorian Gothic church is constructed of locally quarried Roxbury Puddingstone and is one of the most substantial puddinstone structures in the Boston area. Architecturally the Roxbury Presbyterian Church is one of the best examples of late 19th century, Victorian Gothic architecture in the Roxbury neighborhood. The church was built to house a parish that was organized in 1881 and traces its beginning to the Fourth Presbyterian Church of South Boston. Roxbury Pres- byterian is one of the area's oldest churches with a single continuóus congregational history. In its maintenance of integrity of design, location materials and workmanship, the Roxbury Presbyterian Church meets criteria C of the National Register of Historic Places on the local level and exception A for previously discussed reasons.

Fupatas the dty of Boon The area surrounding Roxbury Presbyterian Church in the 18th century con- sisted mainly of rocky upland and fertile farmland. For this reason, Roxbury supplied the city of Boston withocattle and produce in that period. For nearly half a century after the Revolutionary War, Roxbury maintained its profile as a suburban village. During the first half of the 19th century Roxbury was an important center for tanneries, rope walks and breweries, while its craftsmen were also known for the manufacture of leather shoes, hats and gloves. Beginnning in the 1840s, the area south of the present Dudley Station saw increasediresidential uses. The hilly terrain was incompatible with industrial uses but was highly conducive to the"construction of summer houses and stately mansions. Roxbury was incorporated as its own city in 1846 but was annexed to Boston in 1868.

By the late 19th century, Roxbury was almost completely built up with masonry row houses and wood frame single and multifamily dwellings. The incorporation of a trolley line from Boston to this area in the late 1880s created a convenient transportation link for --for Roxbury residents in the downtown. * See continuation sheet 9. Major Bibliographical References Previous documentation on file (NPS): preliminary determination of individual listing (36 CFR 67) has been requested previously listed in the National Register previously determined eligible by the National Register designated a National Historic Landmark recorded by Historic American Buildings Survey # recorded by Historic American Engineering Record # 10.

Geographical Data Acreage of property _ Less than 1 acre UTM References A 19 3 |2 , 3| 41 41 0 Zone Easting 4 6 81 7 130 Northing x See continuation sheet Primary location of additional data: State historic preservation office Other State agency Federal agency Local government University Other Specify repository: Boston Landmarks Commission Massachusetts Historical Commission B D See continuation sheet Verbal Boundary Description The nominated parcel conforms to the City of Boston Tax Assessor's parcel #837, ward 12. See continuation sheet Boundary Justification The present legal boundaries conform to the original/historical city boundaries of the Roxbury Presbyterian Church property See continuation sheet 11.

Form Prepared By name/title Ed Gordon, BLC consultant/Anne Tait, MHC organization Massachusetts Historical Commission street & number 80 Boylston Street, Suite 310 city or town _ Boston date telephone state _ August, 1989 (update, 12/90) (617) 727-8470 MA _ zip code 02116 NPS Form 10-000- (8-86) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet 8 2 OMB Approvel No. 1024-0018 JAN 2 9 1991 Section number. Page. Suffolk County Deeds indicate that Roxbury Presbyterian Church was built in 1891. The parcel on which the church was constructed is shown as being divided into three lots numbered 1, 2 and 4 on a 5-lot Suffolk County Deed plan of June 1, 1870. In 1875 lots square feet respectively, were owned by Donald Kennedy, while lot 4 which contained 20,450 square feet was owned by Donald C. Perrin.

Donald Kennedy owned a multi-building medicine factory complex one block to the north on Warren Street between Waverly and Clifford Streets in Roxbury. Donald C. Perrin was a wealthy Roxbury real estate speculator. By the mid-1880's Kennedy owned all three lots and had erected a stable near the Woodbine and Warren Streets corner. The cornerstone of the present church was laid on July 17, 1891 and the church was opened for services on April 6, 1892. Roxbury Presbyterian Church was an off-shoot of the Fourth Presbyterian Church of South Boston. During the early 1880's a family of Roxbury Presbyterians walked two miles from Roxbury to South Boston to attend sevices. As more Presbyterians joined the family on their weekly pilgrimages, it became clear that a Presbyterian Church needed to be established in Roxbury.

On October 18, 1885 a group of Presbyterians met for worship in Highland Hall at the corner of Warren Street and Walnut Avenue in Roxbury, and services were conducted by the Rev. Joseph W. Sanderson. Among the parish's original congregation were several immigrants from the Maritime Provinces of Canada. The most prominent of the congregation, however, were Robert and John Gilchrist. These two gentlemen were brothers and owners of Gilchrist's Department Store, an important early 20th century downtown Boston evolved from the Gilchrist Brothers' late 19th century dry goods store at 5-7 Winter Street in Boston. Robert Gilchrist served as the moderator of Roxbury Presbyterian Church's building committee and it is estimated that the Gilchrist family financed half of the church's construction.

The building committee also included Adam Archibald, insurance hingron Serece in Boston te Noond been itet masonry work and interior plastering may be the work of Charles L. Williams and Robert Gallagher, respectively. The builder of this church was a William Swanson. The Church was dedicated on April 16, 1892. Roxbury Presbyterian Church was designed by John C. Spofford of the prominent Boston architectural firm of Brigham and Spofford which included Charles Brigham. Brigham, in the 1870's, had been partner in the firm of Sturgis and Brigham whose most memorable achievement was the Boston Museum at Copley Square (completed 1876; demolished 1909). NPS Form 10-900- (8-86) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet OMB Approval No. 1024-0018 JAN 29 1991 Section number 8 Page - John C.

Spofford's partnership with Charles Brigham began in the late Spofford was born in Maine in 1854 and trained as a mason and carpenter. Educated in architecture at the University of Maine, Spofford trained in the office of William J. Preston before working as a draftsman for of sturgis and Brigham. The partnership of Brigham and Spofford resulted in numerous public buildings in the Boston area as well as in Maine. Brigham and Spofford are credited with Memorial Hall in Belfast, Maine; the city hall in Lewiston, Maine; the public library at Everett, Massachusetts; the public library and the town hall in Fairhaven, Massachusetts. The firm served as architects of the additions to the Maine and Massachusetts State Capitols. In addition, railroad stations in Roxbury and Stoughton, several residences in Roxbury and Jamaica Plain were products of this firm's office.

After 1891, Spofford practiced architecture alone, maintaining an office in Boston. He was responsible for the designs of the Bangor (Maine) City Hall and the Masonic Hall in Augusta, Maine. as an architect well into the 1930's, John Spofford was last listed in the Boston City Directories in 1936 as a resident of Brookline with his practice at 114 State Street. The designs for the Roxbury Presbyterian Church date to 1891 and, therefore, present a problem in terms of dates. The architect on the building permit is "John C. Spofford," alone. While the plans for Roxbury Presbyterian Church might also have been the work of the firm together, the fact that both the firm's break up and the date of the church's designs fall into the same year, creates a problem in specifying the architect in charge of the project.

Roxbury puddingstone, a locally quarried building material, was employed Puddingstone, a butterscotch colored conglomerate stone, was first used in Boston church construction during the early 1860's and was widely employed in Boston's Back Bay ecclesiastical edifices during the late 19th century. Scattered about the Highlands and Mission Hill sections of Roxbury are mid-19th century dwelling units constructed of puddingstone. Roxbury Presbyterian Church ranks among the more substantial Roxbury examples of puddingstone contruction. Architecturally, Roxbury Presbyterian Church is representative of Victorian Gothie stylistie influences of the late 19th century. These influences can be seen in the pointedness of the various gables and asymmetry both of which are characteristic of this structure. In addition, the entire fenestration consists of lancet or pointed arch windows.

Since this period was one of architectural eclecticism, this church also incorporates then-current Queen Anne Revival influences as represented in the octagonal tower, decorative vergeboards and turned posts. NPS Form 10-900 (8-86) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet OMB Approvel No. 1024-0018 JAN 29 1991 Section number 8 Page - The interior of the mair h of Roxbury Presbyterian Church conforms somewhat to the asymmetrica. qualities of the structure's exterior. The center of this interior worship space features a high conical shaped ceiling that is outlined with dark wooden beams. The altar area lies front and center of this configuration and is mostly constructed of dark wood. The chancel features a large pipe organ which dates to 1920, above which is one of two large stained glass windows in the church.

This window on the east wall features the resurrected Christ appearing to his disciples. The figure of Christ is in the center of this window with his had raised. The colors of this window are vibrant and luminous. The second large stained glass window is located on the north wall of this main hall. It features Christ and the children, one of the most popular themes in late 19th century stained glass iconography. Other colorful stained glass appears in the rear of the main hall, but is primarily decorative. Several ancillary rooms emanate from the main worship area of the church, including the ministers' office, a counting room, and the ladies pariour. The basement level of the church, according to the current ministers, was not built with the church but was dug later.

It contains several recreational and meeting rooms, one of which is used on Sundays as a worship area by a local Hispanic group. Other organizations such as Alcoholics Anonymous use these meeting rooms on a regular basis. The first pastor to officiate within the newly completed church building at Warren and Woodbine Streets was Dr Martin Kneeland. During the pastorate of the Reverend Clarence A. Young (1911-1923), the growth of the congregation necessitated the remodeling of the church auditorium. At that time, the hall in the basement was constructed and named "Gilchrist Hall" in honor of John and Robert Gilchrist. The present organ was installed at some point during the Young pastorate. During the pastorate of Reverend Carlisle between 1928 and 1935, the church corporation assumed another sizeable mortgage in order to make a complete renovation and redecoration of the church.

During the 1930's under the pastorate of Reverend Samuel A. Jackson, the church distinguished itself in helping those who had fallen on hard times as the result of the the Great Depression. In addition, overseas missionary work received an increasingly greater emphasis during Rev. Jackson's pastorate. The chu ch's benevolence budket was greatly augmented during the late 1930's until lo bevame one of the righes: per capita in the denomination. The vacksons were the first pastorate family to live in the present house at 25 Woodbine Street. NPS Form 10-900- (8-86) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet OMB Approval No. 1024-0018 JAN 29 1991 Section number . Page . In the years following World War II, the church began receiving American Blacks into its membership.

Integration began during the pastorate of keverend Samue. Allen Jackson (1936-1955) and continued under the leadership of Reverend James Scotland (1955-1958) and Reverend Francis D. S. Miller (1959-1979). The church strongly supported Civil Rights activities during the 1960's under the leadership of Dr. Miller. Since 1985, the co-pastors of Roxbury Presbyterian Church have been Rick and Toby Gillespie-Mobley. The Reverends Gillespie-Mobley are the Church's first black pastors and first co-pastors; Toby Gillespie-Mobley is the church's first female pastor. Church parishoners celebrated the 100th anniversary of Roxbury Presbyterian Church in July 1986 by participating in a reenactment of the two mile walk from Roxbury to the Fourth Presbyterian Church in South Boston.

Archaeological Significance The potential archaeological significance of the Roxbury Presbyterian Church is limited because the entire church structure covers almost the entire lot. NPS Form 10-900-e (8-60) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section number _ 9 9. Bilbliography Page _1 City of Boston, Inspectional Services Department Permit. Architects File, Fine Arts Department, Boston Public Library. Herndon, ed., Boston of Today, 1892. Atlases: 1873-1895. Boston City Directories, 1886-1892. Withey, Henry, Dictionary of America Architects (Deceased), Los Angeles, Hennessey and Ingalls, 1970. "Roxbury Presbyterian Church 1886-1986" (Church files) "Roxbury Celebrates 100 Years of Local Service," Bay State Banner, July 17, 1986. Interviews: Reverend Toby Gillespie-Mobley Jeanette Boone. OMB Approvel No.

1024-0018 JAN 29 199| 18867 27\76 3160 7477 (Sheet 2963 359-365 WA RR EN I8N-10E) 1766 VITG VIOC 48INL056 3710 73840 317375375 339 387 335 835 331 329 7190- 2LA 311 313 5ST 310 348-341 340-338 324 322 320 3i8 311 116 11662 L 1694 1713 4774 1858 3873 308A 506 1923 2005 1823 2600 5405 5015 5,000 PRESBYTERIAN CH.OF ROXBURY 2556 3830 EDGEWOOD 13-14 3090 DGEW000 5286 5285 4400 2041 3/32 (3755 WOODBINE 457.0 3795 2882 10416 3712 53716 499.5 5500 3206 D3168 4125 73168 73168 4/25 73168 3910 6600 3097 3780 1387 3720 Scale: 1" = 100' Map Number 328 Warren Street Roxbury (Boston), Mass.

Boston Redevelopment Authority 18N-11E Roxbury Presbyterian Church 53679 3497 6600 5720 3555 23/5 2344 2865 6100 5160 Raao CLIFFORD 4'000 5500 5500 5500 $500 14180 2180° 4137 2439 2616 2393 2535 220 61.70 HV-2 4400 4125 4125 4125 4127 5500 5500 5500 3520 3540 5500 2420 2420L 12420 (2420 2420- 2420 2420 2420 -2604 C "/16toi {969 23675 33 675 7700 WAVERL N. .E T T. PERRI.

10723 5765 5814 7057 4340 4880 23610 3285 ASKA JAN 2 9 199| UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES EVALUATION/RETURN SHEET REQUESTED ACTION: RESUBMISSION PROPERTY Roxbury Presbyterian Church NAME: MULTIPLE NAME: STATE & COUNTY: MASSACHUSETTS, Suffolk DATE RECEIVED: 1/29/91 DATE OF 16TH DAY: DATE OF PENDING LIST: DATE OF 45TH DAY: DATE OF WEEKLY LIST: REFERENCE NUMBER: 89002125 NOMINATOR: STATE DETAILED EVALUATION: Y LACCEPT _RETURN _RESECT 3/15/4 COATE ABSTRACT/SUMMARY COMMENTS : 3/15/91 White out on page 8/1.

RECOM./CRITERIA_ açcept( REVIEWER_ avae DISCIPLINE DATE arclutestmasistay 315 DOCUMENTATION see attached comments Y/N see attached SLR Y/N CLASSIFICATION _count _resource type STATE/FEDERAL AGENCY CERTIFICATION FUNCTION historic current DESCRIPTION _architectural classification materials descriptive text SIGNIFICANCE Period Areas of Significance--Check and justify below Specific dates Builder/Architect Statement of Significance (in one paragraph) _summary paragraph _completeness _clarity _applicable criteria _justification of areas checked relating significance to the resource context _relationship of integrity to significance _justification of exception _other BIBLIOGRAPHY GEOGRAPHICAL DATA _acreage _UTMs verbal boundary description boundary justification ACCOMPANYING DOCUMENTATION/PRESENTATION sketch maps USGS maps -photographs OTHER COMMENTS Questions concerning this nomination may be directed to Phone _presentation Signed Date PROBLEM DESCRIPTION SHEET State Name Massachusetts County Name Sufolk Resource Name Roxtury Rresbyterian Church Data Collector's Surname Today's Date 2/20/41 Federal Register List /.

Cert. Date Reference No. 91000219 Describe Problem: aalded to - wall materials -stucco-o reas wae oTher materials-wood on walls Team Leader Problem Team Date N R Staff Date Date Form WASO - 6 03/27/85 Kexbun Presbyterian Church 328 warrenst Roxbury (Buston), Massachusetts Rosalind Pollan 1987 Negative loeated at Boston Landmarks comission camera facing nortneast 0X328 Warren St. trebyteinan Church wxOvn Rosalind Pollan ((Boston), Massachuselts 1987 Neçative located al Buston Landmarks Commission camera facing vortheust Roxbury Presbyknicin Church 328' Warren St. Roxlary (Buston), Massachisetts Katherine L, Kottaridis April 1988 Negative located at Boston Laudmarks commission interior, camera facing east NOV 1 6 1989 November 3, 1989 COMMISSIONA SE MITPCRACUAY * Commenitaltlh (r kel) Carol Shul1 National Register of Historic Places Department of the Interior National Park Service P.O.

Box 37127 Washington, DC 20013-7127 Dear Ms. Shull: Enclosed please find the following nomination: Roxbury Presbyterian Church, 328 Warren Street, Boston (Roxbury) (Suffolk County), Massachusetts 02119 There has been no owner objection for the above mentioned property. The nomination has been voted eligible by the State Review Board and has been signed by the State Historic Preservation Officer. Owners were notified of pending State Review Board consideration 30-75 days before the meeting and were afforded the opportunity to comment. Comments received to date are attached to the nomination form. Singerely, Sat Assistant National Register Director Massachusetts Historical Commission Enclosure: Massachusetts Historical Commission, Valerie A.

Talmage, Executive Director, State Historic Preservation Officer 80 Boylston Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02116 (617) 727-8470 Office of the Secretary of State, Michael J. Connolly, Secretary RECDUB JAN 2 9 1991 NATIONAL REGISTER January 18, 1991 * COMMISSIOLTY Y A PAOM PLACIDAM Carol Shull National Register of Historic Places Department of the Interior National Park Service P.O. Box 37127 Washington, DC 20013-7127 Dear Ms. Shull: Please and enclosed the following resubmitted nomination. Roxbury Presbyterian Church, , 328 Warren Street, Roxbury, Boston (Suffolk County), Massachusetts, 02119 All corrections have been made in accordance with your comments.

Sincerely, Setsy triedker Betsy Friedbers National Register Director Massachusetts Historical Commission Enclosure cc: Carol Huggins, City of Boston The Environment Department DJK/hl Massachusetts Historical Commission, Judith B. McDonough, Executive Director, State Historic Preservation Officer 80 Boylston Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02116 (617) 727-8470 Office of the Secretary of State, Michael J. Connolly, Secretary DATE FRI, NOV 17, 1989, 3:21 PM NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES PROPERTY REPORT REFERENCE No.: 89002125 PROPERTY NAME: Roxbury Presbyterian Church OTHER NAME/ NOT APPLICABLE SITE No. : MULTIPLE NAME: NOT APPLICABLE ADDRESS/ BOUNDARY 328 Warren St.

Page: Control No.: 891117/jps 3 CITY: Boston COUNTY: Suffolk Restricted Location Information: Contributing Noncontributing STATE: MASSACHUSETTS Owner: PRIVATE Resource Type: BUILDING Buildings Sites Structures Objects 0 0 0 0 0 Nomination/Determination Type: SINGLE RESOURCE Nominator: STATE GOVERNMENT Nominator Name: NOT APPLICABLE Federal Agency: NOT APPLICABLE NPS Park Name: NOT APPLICABLE Certification: DATE RECEIVED/PENDING NOMINATION Other Certification: NOT APPLICABLE Historic Functions: RELIGION SOCIAL Historic RELIGIOUS STRUCTURE Subfunctions: MEETING HALL Current Functions: RELIGION SOCIAL Current RELIGIOUS STRUCTURE Subfunctions: MEETING HALL Level of Significance: LOCAL Significant Person's Name: NOT APPLICABLE Criteria Considerations: RELIGIOUS PROPERTY Date: 11/16/89 Applicable Criteria: EVENT ARCHITECTURE/ENGINEERING SOCIAL HISTORY RELIGION Periods of: Significance: 1875-1899 Architect/Builder/Engineer/ Designer: Spofford, John C.

Swanson, William Other Documentation: NOT APPLICABLE HABS No. N/A Architectural Styles: QUEEN ANNE GOTHIC Describe Other Style: NOT APPLICABLE Foundation Materials: STONE Wall Materials: Roof Materials: Other Materials: STONE SLATE GRANITE Acreage: 0.9 UTM Zone Easting Northing Coordinates: 19/ /3 28 440/ /46 87 130 Circa: Specific Sig. Years: 1891 Cultural Affiliation: NOT APPLICABLE HAER No. N/A Zone Easting / Northing /

What happened here

An account from the chapter on Boston city, in the words of 1894.

1894, Boston City

City Charter

IN giving some notices of manners and social life during this period, I shall speak first of usages which were characteristic of the close of the last century: most of them continued without essential modification until our city charter swept away the old landmarks, and Boston felt the im¬ pulses which mark a new epoch in her history.

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