Nomination for First Methodist Church

From the form

The catalogue entry the section above was filed under.

OMB No. 1024-0018 1720 NPS Form 10-900 (Rev. 8-86) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Registration Form COT 0 11990 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 Nationa/ 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 First Methodist Church other names/site number 2. Location street & number city, town state 75 Walnut Street Clinton Massachusetts code MA N/A not for publlcation N/A vicinity county Worcester code 027 zip code 01510 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 3 Total Number of contributing resources greviously listed in the National Register 4.

State/Federal Agency Certification As the designated authority under the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended, 1 hereby certify that this [X nomination request for determination of eligibility meets the documentation standards for registering properties in the National Registerof HistoricPlaces and meets theprocedural and professional requirementsset forth in 36 CFR Part 60. In my opinion, the property X meets ... does not meet the National Register criteria. oroa Summ DSHPO Signature of certifying official Executive Director, Massachusetts Historical Sept. 24,1990 Date Commission; State Historic Preservation Officer State or Federal agency and bureau In my opinion, the property does not meet the National Register criteria. J See continuation sheet. Signature of commenting or other official Date State or Federal agency and bureau 5.

National Park Service Certification I, hereby, certity 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. Intered ti llif Aelnce Byar datiored Rogiater 11/2/90 removed from the National Register. other, (explain:) c Date of Action First Methodist Church, Clinton, Massachusetts 6. Function or Use Historic Functions (enter categories from instructions) Religion / Religious Structure; Church-relate residence Domestic / Secondary Structure Recreation / Gymnasium 7.

Description Architectural Classification (enter categories from instructions) Late 19th Century Revivals / Colonial Revival; Tudor Revival Current Functions (enter categories from instructions) Domestic / Multiple dwelling; Secondary Structure Materials (enter categories from instructions) foundation walls Cobblestone Cobblestone; Stucco; Half-timbering roof _ Slate other Describe present and historic physical appearance. The First Methodist Church, Clinton, Massachusetts, stands on the east side of Walnut Street, approximately 225 feet north of Church Street, in an area of residences and public buildings that border on Central Park. The building occupies a grassed lot in the middle of the block; also located on the lot are a small garage and a Colonial Revival-style rectory.

The former church is a two-story frame and masonry structure with an L-shaped floor plan and a steeply pitched, slate-covered roof. The structure rests on a cobbled first story. The upper elevations are covered with unpainted stucco and rises one and one-half stories. Windows are asymmetrically placed on most elevations and vary in size and configuration; individual window units contain paired wood-frame 6/6 sash, except as noted below. Many windows have frosted glass. The tacade (west elevation) exists 1n two planes, namely, a recessea entry facade (south end) and a projecting gabled wing (north end). The entry facade consists of a shallow entry porch (south corner) and three identical bays. The entry contains double doors of vertical boards with leaded glass lights, all framed by a pointed arch. and has cast-stone trim.

The entry porch is crenellated and buttresed, Each bay north of the entry contains one stone arch with paired windows set in a surround of cast-stone sills and arched wood lintels. At the north corner is a smaller fourth arch containing paired 1/1 sash. At the second story are three wall dormers. Dormers are gabled and have copper copings and paired sash. Over the entry is a small 6/6 window. A metal ventilator rises from the south end of the roof. The projecting gable of the facade consists of a half-timbered two-story bay window with a gable roof at the attic level, all projecting from a stucco The bay contains five 8/8 windows at both the first and second stories and paired 6/6 windows in the attic.: The main gable end has bracketed eaves The north elevation is asymmetrical, consisting of the three bay gable end of the main block (east) and the eave side of the gabled wing (west).

At the first story, the gable end contains three windows identical to those of the facade; at the second story are three pairs of windows which rest on a LX See continuation sheet (NPS Fom 1-000 a United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section number 7 Page 1 OMB Approvel No. 1024-0018 First Methodist Church, Clinton, Massachusetts continuous wood sill. Above the second story windows, the gable end is hnalf-timbered and contains a pair of windows with 1/1 sash. The westerr section of the elevation contains single windows with paired sash at both the first and second stories. A brick chimney rises from the roof of the west wing. The rear (east) elevation is asymmetrical and possesses undecorated stucco wall surfaces.

At the first story, there were originally seven paired windows, one of which was converted to an egress door as part of the recent rehabilitation (1985). This new entry contains a wood door constructed of vertical boarding (similar to that of the original doors at the facade) and contains a twelve-pane light. At the southeast corner is a raised flat-roofed basement area covered with stucco, used as a boiler room and originally intended as part of the foundation for the unbuilt worship space. second story, a shed-roofed dormer contains six paired windows, shed-roofed while a higher section (south) contains two 6/6 windows at the attic level; there was originally a third window at mid-level of this section that provided light for a stairhall.

As part of the recent rehabilitation, this window was moved to the south elevation to provide light to one of the principal interior The roof at the rear elevation is pierced by two brick chimneys, the northernmost of which was added as part of the rehabilitation. Four flush skylights were also added to the roof during the rehabilitation. The south elevation exists in two planes, namely, the gable end of the main block (east) and the eave side of the projecting facade wing (west). gable end of the main block contains a paired window with 6/6 sash that was moved here from the rear elevation. The first story of the wing contains an entry with a door of vertical boards, clear lights, and strap hinges; west of the entry is one window with paired sash set beneath a cobblestone arch. At the second story is a single window (east) and paired windows (west).

The original floor plan has remained virtually unchanged. The first floor originally had four classrooms for Sunday school use in the main block of the building with a "junior Department assembly" room at the north end to be used for prayer meetings and other small gatherings. In the northwest wing was the ladies parlor. At the second floor was a kitchen and a large community ha1l/gymnasium, where services were to be held until the church proper was constructed. Finishes throughout the building were simple, consisting of nolded wood trimmings. During the recent rehabilitation the floor plar emained intact with the addition of onlv a few partitions and the insertior Original interior finishes remain intact, alterations are reversible. New finishes, including molded baseboards, window and door surrounds, match the original profiles.

The two-story rectory (1926) stands at the northeast corner of the lot and is roughly square in plan. The building rises to a hipped roof from which (continued) NPS Form 10-900-a (8-86) OMB Approval No. 10240018 United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section number - 7 Page. 2 First Methodist Church, Clinton, Massachusetts projects a central chimney. Exterior walls are covered with stucco and fenestration is asymmetrical over most of the building. Window openings vary in size with most containing 2/1 sash. At the facade (west elevation), a single-story porch shelters the main entry and first floor windows. entry is framed by partial sidelights set on panelled bases. A large hip dormer is centered on the roof at the facade.

The south elevation is ornamented with a bay window at the first floor (westernmostbay). The garage (1926) stands at the rear of the church, near the center of the The building is rectangular in plan, covered with stucco, and is enclosed by a slate-covered gable roof. The south elevation has a wood garage door. The only other opening is a window at the north elevation that contains a 2/2 sash. [Note: In 1985 the building was rehabilitated as part of Secretary of the Interior's Historic Preservation Certification Program.] (continued) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section number _1 - Page _3 First Methodist Church, Clinton, Massachusetts Archaeological Description No prehistoric sites are recorded on the property or in the general area (within one mile).

This evidence, plus the poor locational factors of the parcel for locating prehistoric sites, particularly its long distance from the nearest wetlands, indicates a low potential for significant prehistoric archaeological remains. Teeaenssalsoe aropepote al structuresonstne fareet diseotoaraeoy ical century with prior scattered agrarian land use. It is doubtful that significant archaeological survivals exist associated with the church properties. (end) First Methodist Church, Clinton, Massachusetts 8. Statement of Significance

Statement of significance

Certifying official has considered the significance of this property in relation to other properties: _ nationally statewide [X]locally Applicable National Register Criteria LXA [XIc D Criteria Considerations (Exceptions) XA JE -G Areas of Significance (enter categories from instructions) Architecture Community Planning and Development Religion Period of Significance 1926-1940 Significant Dates 1926 Cultural Affiliation N/A Significant Person N/A Architect/Builder Woodbury, Daniel Howard; Stuart, George P. State significance of property, and justify criteria, criteria considerations, and areas and periods of significance noted above. The First Methodist Church possesses integrity of design, materials, setting, workmanship, and association with the religious community of Clinton and the development of the town.

In addition, it is an excellent example of Tudor Revival style architecture, preserving all elements of its original design, including half-timbering, cobbled stonework, crenellated entry and bay windows. Of the seven churches in the center of Clinton, the First Methodist Church is the only example of the Tudor Revival style. The building is of local significance and meets Criteria A and C and Exception A for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. , estae tone r aa ertcered Fames coads throughounth the community. though farming was the principal activity, some residents supplemented their income making combs, an industry introduced from Leominster in the late eighteenth century. In the early nineteenth century textile manufacturing commenced in the town; this industry went on to dominate the town's economy well into the twentieth century.

The population of Clinton at the time of incorporation in 1850 was 3,113, growing to 5,429 by 1870. of the growth in population toward the end of this period was the result of immigrant workers moving into town to seek employment in the factories. In 1865, 34% of Clinton's population was foreign born. Prior to incorporation of the town, three religious societies had been formally established in the area, including the Second Evangelical Congregational Church of Lancaster (1844), a Catholic mission (1845), and the First Baptist Church (1847). Shortly after Clinton was incorporated, a grid street pattern was laid out with Central Park as the civic focus. In the 1840s, the Congregational, Catholic and Baptist churches were all located on Main Street, but soon moved.

By 1850 the Congregational and Baptist churches had moved to face X See continuation sheet First Methodist Church, Clinton, Massachusetts 9.

The rest of the file

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

Major Bibliographical References Hurd, D. Hamilton. The History of Worcester County, (Philadelphia: J.W. Lewis & Co., 1889). Clinton Daily Item. February 15, 1926 Clinton Centennial Volume, 1850-1950 (Town of Clinton, 1950). Clinton Historical Volume (Town of Clinton, 1976). Previous documentation on flle (NPS): x preliminary determination of Individual listing (36 CFR 67) has been requested HPCA #10958MA previously listed in the National Register prevlously determined eligible by the National Register designated a National Historic Landmark recorded by Historic American Buildings Survey # Jrecorded by Historic American Engineering Record # 10.

Geographical Data Acreage of property less than one acre UTM References A L19 |2|7,91,4,0 Zone Easting CL 4,699320 Northing See continuation sheet Primary location of additional data: X State historic preservation office Other State agency Federal agency Local government Orher JUniversity Specify repository: Massachusetts Historical Commission B Zone Easting LLL Northing See continuation sheet Verbal Boundary Description See attached assessor's map for accurate representation of boundary. ] See continuation sheet Boundary Justification The boundaries include the lot of land historically and currently associated with the complex, as outlined on the assessor's map. See continuation sheet 11.

Form Prepared By Director name/ttle_ Christine Beard, Preservation Consultant with Betsy Friedberg, National Register organization - Massachusetts Historical Commission August, 1990 street & number - 80 Boylston Street _ telephone (617) 727-8470 _ zip code 02116 *U.S.GPO:1988-0-223-918 United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historie Places Continuation Sheet Section number 8 Page First Methodist Church, Clinton, Massachusetts Central Park, while the Catholic church relocated on Pleasant Street, closer to the Lancaster Mills. In 1853 the Unitarian Church was also constructed on Central Park (a Greek Revival structure that remains extant). The history of the First Methodist Church dates to 1830 when Rev. John H. Hall came from Albany, New York to organize a Methodist community in Clintonville.

In the earliest years, the group numbered about forty and members met periodically at the home of Henry Lewis on North Main Street. Among the earliest preachers to address the group at services were Rev. E.F. Newell, Rev. Joseph A. Merrill, and Rev. Orange Scott. In 1842, the Methodists secured the use of a brick schoolhouse on Main Street for use as a meeting place but after only two weeks discontinued use of the building as the result of opposition from townspeople. The group was forced to hold meetings in private homes until the society was formally established in 1850, shortly after the incorporation of the town. Charter members of the church were Mary A. Harris, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Lewis, Mr. and Mrs. Charles B. Sherman, and Mr. and Mrs. Leonard B. Tinkham. Rev.

Philip Togue led the newly chartered socneryof olgh and Union stretts (ote black west of Centrat Pack, at ton after the church was organized, a Sunday school was established with George E. Harrington as the first superintendent. Rev. Toque 4 re diraetr B ed in Arange en se mere adurco meet at the Concert Hall on High Street but it quickly became evident that a permanent church building was necessary for this expanding congregation. 1852 a parcel of land on High Street-was purchased for $500 and a small church was erected at a cost of $4,000. By the 1870s the intersection of High and Church Streets, just one block west of Central Park, had become the focus of commercial development, with most stores located along High Street.

During the late nineteenth century, the areas north and east of Central Park (Walnut, Prescott and Chestnut Streets) had emerged as high-income residential districts. The period between 1870 and 1900 saw tremendous growth in the town, with the population more than doubling (5,429 to 13,667). As the town's population increased and became more diversified, the number of religious denominations grew. By 1889, nine religious societies were active in Clinton. In the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, civic construction around Central Park continued to expand with the construction of the town hall (1872, rebuilt 1907), Good Shepherd Episcopal Church (1876, rebuilt 1888-1892), Clinton High School (1885), Holder Memorial Hall (1904), Bigelow Free Public Library (1912) and the First Congregational Church (1892).

The United Presbyterian Church was built less than one block from (continued) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section numbei _ 8 Page _2 First Methodist Church, Clinton, Massachusetts Central Park in 1883. At the intersection of School and Union Streets (two blocks from Central Park), St. John's Catholic Church was completed in 1886. After 1900 the population gradually began to drop off until reaching 13,192 in Subsequentiy, the town's population fluctuated, reaching a peak of 14,180 in 1925 and dropping to 12,440 in 1940. An important factor contributing to the levelling off of population was the decline of industry in Clinton. Although several of the large factories enjoyed limited prosperity following World War I, the Depression of the 1930s left most companies substantially weakened.

The Methodist Church continued to occupy their church on High Street until 1926 when the property was sold and the building razed. In order to accommodate the growing size and needs of its members, the society purchased a parcel of land on Walnut Street, adjacent to Central Park, for the purpose of erecting a larger church. To finance construction of the Church, members of the congregation undertook a campaign to raise $31,000 to help meet the projected $39,000 cost. The fund-raising campaign consisted of gathering pledges amounting to $1 per week for three years, with the total value of a "share" being $156. Payments of the pledges could be made in weekly, monthly, 332,794o Semt-annual instalnecofonanfustare week,the church raised Along with the church, a Colonial Revival style rectory was constructed, at the rear of the lot. A small single-car garage was also built at that time.

Plans for the new church were prepared by the Boston architectural firm of Woodbury and Stuart. Daniel Howard Woodbury and George P. Stuart practiced together from 1916 to 1936. Little is known of these architects except that Daniel Woodbury also designed the Fiske Memorial Library in Wrentham, BELE The existing L-shaped bullding is only part of what was originally designed for the congregation. The formal church space was to have been an additional wing on the south end of the building. Due to a lack of funds, the decision was made to construct all but the formal worship space in 1926 and complete the church proper once additional funds could be raised. The congregation was never able to achieve this and the building remained unfinished, with the community hall/gymnasium functioning as the worship space until the Methodists discontinued use of the building in the 1980s.

In 1988 the church was rehabilitated following the Secretary of the Interior's Standards under the Historic Preservation Certification process. Alterations to the building were minimal. At the rear elevation of the church, two new doors and an exterior staircase were added to comply with building codes for New doors are similar to the originals at the facade. Original sash were retained and restored. The original slate roof was restored. On the interior, the floor plan was altered very little. At the basement, one of the large rooms was divided into two and the hallway was shortened when one of the (continued) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section number _ Page First Methodist Church, Clinton, Massachusetts ajoining rooms was expanded.

In the main church space the two-story room was left to its full height in the central bays and third floor "balcony" rooms were inserted. The ceiling trusses remain exposed in all rooms. The large windows remain uninterupted their full helght. All original stalrways were restored as was all interior trim. The building is currently used as a two-family residence and a office. (end) th'verm 1584 smad abisareravemapnos -219 STrEEO OARON WALMUT S/EI/ / A PURIC MAT / TO WATER STREET - 5 25-15-00- 750.00 FRLG® LOT CORTME - 27157 -- N 64-45 -00- V - rren :N:75 M0.5 Cr8. SA ETLTUNT INTT :95 25- - 5 64'-45 -00- E TONA OF CLINTON N/1 JN K. & JUE A. FITZESHLD DEED BCCK B120 PARE 1F0 PORON UNIT NO. - THREE (30.4 = 30.4) 2STRTST PARKING AREA BIRg PYWCEL N 25°-15 -00- E-150.00* Ve AAM LEAHT DETD BOOK 4198 PAGE1 NI ERARO F.

ATTOVELL DEED BCOR SACI ANRE 134 NI HELEN MEMALLY DEED B0OK 5578 PASE 270 EXE BESISIRT LEC FRANK D. DEFALDO fulul 2/15/24 DEFALCO No. 18382 AEGISTERED FRANK D. DEFALCO SALTA Fubda FRANK DEFALCO No. 18982 PECISTEREO BSPORLL TAD SE SITE LND SE PLAN SCALE DEFALCO ENGINEERINE INCORPORATED 34 CRURTRATH PARUY (5171 799-345 er 365-5577 BAY DITLE WALNUT CLOSE CONDOMINILM MASTER PLAN LOCATED DE DE TOM GE: OINTOY MA 01510 BAS BEEPMED ESB NA-MOR INC. 617) 358-0300 DEED BOCK TIEE MAE 157 RLM BOOK 12 RMN 28 AFAO DEDEERINE DERE FRUE D. DEFALCO 23 1987 MALNUT ÖLUST MASTE4 1 . SHEET NO. 2 or 6 DEFALCT .. INCUFE CHATG ALM MI.

RA-SLIE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES EVALUATION/RETURN SHEET REQUESTED ACTION: NOMINATION PROPERTY First Methodist Church NAME : MULTIPLE NAME : STATE & COUNTY:MASSACHUSETTS, Worcester DATE RECEIVED: DATE OF 16TH DAY: DATE OF WEEKLY LIST: 10/01/90 11/02/90 DATE OF PENDING LIST: 10/17/90 DATE OF 45TH DAY: 11/15/90 REFERENCE NUMBER: 90001720 NOMINATOR: STATE REASONS FOR REVIEW: APPEAL: N DATA PROBLEM: N LANDSCAPE: PERIOD: N SLR DRAFT: LESS THAN 50 YEARS: PROGRAM UNAPPROVED: NATIONAL: COMMENT WAIVER: N LACCEPT RETURN ABSTRACT/SUMMARY COMMENTS : REDEOT 14/2/90 _DATE intered in the National Rogiste.

RECOM./CRITERIA REVIEWER_ DISCIPLINE DATE_ 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 FIRST METHODIST CHURCH spuentud 75 WALNUT STREET CLINTON, MA Photographer: Christine Beard PhotoDate: 1988 Neg.

Location: Christine S. Beard Associales 25 Cottage Streat Vaticko, MA Photo: 10f3 Vlew. Lodking northeast at facade weet elevatien EE FIRST METHODIST CHURCH mucestu e 15 WALNIT STREET CLINTON, MA PHOTOGRAPHER: CHRISTINE BEARD PHOTO DATE: 1988 NEG. LOCNTION: CHRISTINES. BEARDASSOLATES 25 COTTAGE ST. NATIK,MA PHOTO: 2063 VIEW: LOOKING NORTHWEST AT REAR(EAST) ELEVATION; ALSO SHOWING GARAGTE FIRST METHODIST CHURCH RECTORY 75 WALNUT STREET Narcsta C CLINTON,MA PHOTOGRAPHER: CHRISTINES.BEARD PHOTO DATE: 1988 NEG. LOCATION: CHRISTINE SBEARD ASSOLIATES 25 COTTAGE ST NATKK, MA PHOTO: 30f 3 VIEW: LOOKING EAST AT FACADE (WEST ELEVATION) 5q.ft 18608t05 #2216' HELEN MONALLY MARY 15965 5q.ft. 86.61 to St 75.0 #3622 1 # 2022 16,12959ft. KotMkyN. Mitchell 86.45 (5000 Salt) ¿.GEAS :5903 sq FT *#1057; C.BRACKETT 6MALLOK H. 6641S0r #1227. 51.25 CYNTHIA A.

DZIURGOT Methodist Eprotoput Sacie 8062 5q.t #3645 150.37 U # 1709 ANN C. LEAHY 1 4,840-54 H1. /86.25 79.85 65.85 S 520 Lm. MueRMAN 99615qp77. 113.3 16.5- First Unitarian Society.i 19,074. sq.ft. #3636 150 9958 Town of Clinton. TONN iTALL 32680 5q.ft. #3662 215.09 T 36.25 58° I U 0 11990 NATIONAL REGISTER * * COMMISSIOT * Comnonweath lo kr) September 24, 1990 Carol Shull National Register of Historic Places Department of the Interior National Park Service P.O. Box 37127 washington, DC 20013-7127 Dear Ms. Schull: Enclosed please find the following nomination: First Methodist Church, HPCA #10958MA, 75 Walnut Street, Clinton (Worcester County), Massachusetts 01510. There has been no owner objection for the property listed above. 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. Sincerely, Betry tredhey Betsy Friedberg 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