Nomination for Allston Congregational Church

From the form

The catalogue entry the section above was filed under.

NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018 (Rev. 10-90) RECEIVED 2280 United States Department of the Interior National Park Service ACT 10 1997 1311 National Register of Historic Places Registration Form NAT. REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES PARK SERVICE This form is for use in nominating or requesting determinations for individual properties and districts. See instructions in How to Complete the National Register of Historic Places Registration Form (National Register Bulletin 16A). Complete each item by marking "x" in the appropriate box or by entering the information requested. If any item does not apply to the property being documented, enter "N/A" for "not applicable." For functions, architectural classification, materials, and areas of significance, enter only categories and subcategories from the instructions.

Place additional entries and narrative items on continuation sheets (NPS Form 10-900a). Use a typewriter, word processor, or computer, to complete all items. 1. Name of Property historic name_ALLSTON CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH other names/site number_ 2. Location street & number_31-41 Quint Avenue city or town_ state_Massachusetts Boston (Allston) code_MA countySuffolk code 025 N/A not for publication N/A vicinity zip code 02134 3. State/Federal Agency Certification As the designated authority under the National Historic Preservation Act of 1986, as amended, I hereby certify that this nomination - request for determination of eligibility meets the documentation standards for registering properties in the National Register of Historic Placesand meets the procedural and professional requirements set forth in 36 CFR Part 60.

In my opinion, the property X meets - does not meet the National Register Criteria. I recommend that this property be considered significant - nationally - statewide [Klocally. (- See continuation sheet for additional comments.) suditr B. MaDonona 9 26 97 Signature of certifying official/Title Judith B. McDonough, Executive Director Massachusetts Historical Commission, State Historic Preservation Officer State or Federal agency and bureau In my opinion, theproperty meets does not meet the National Register criteria. (OSee continuation sheet for additional Comments.) Signature of certifying official/Title Date State or Federal agency and bureau 4. National Park Service Certification 1, hereby certify that this property is: [entered in the National Register - See continuation sheet. - determined eligible for the National Register - See continuation sheet.

- determined not eligible for the National Register - removed from the National Register - other (explain): Signature of the Keepe ratlech ondlus Date of Action 11/07/97 Allston Congregational Church Name of Property 5. Classification Ownership of Property (Check as many boxes as apply) X private - public-local - public-State - public-Federal Suffolk, Massachusetts County and State (Check only one box) x building(s) _ district site - structure - - object Number of Resources within Property (Do not include previously listed resources in the count.) Contributing Noncontributing 3 buildings sites structures objects 3 Total Number of contributing resources previously listed in the National Register 0 Name of related multiple property listing (Enter "N/A" if property is not part of a multiple property listing.) N/A 6.

Function or Use Historic Functions (Enter categories from instructions) RELIGION/Church DOMESTIC/Single Dwelling EDUCATION/ School SOCIAL/Parish House Current Functions (Enter categories from instructions) RELIGION/Church EDUCATION: School SOCIAL/Parish Hall 7. Description Architectural Classification (Enter categories from instructions) RICHARDSONIAN ROMANESQUE SHINGLE STYLE Materials (Enter categories from instructions) foundation STONE walls_GRANITE, WOOD, SHINGLES roof other SLATE, ASPHALT BROWNSTONE TRIM Narrative Description (Describe the historic and current condition of the property on one or more continuation sheets.) (See continuation sheet) NPS Form 10-900-a (8-86) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Allston Congregational Church Continuation Sheet Boston (Allston) Suffolk Co., Massachusetts OMB Approval No.

1024-0018 Section number - Page - 7. DESCRIPTION The Allston Congregational Church complex includes a towered 1891Romanesque Revival church and an adjacent Shingle Style rectory of contemporaneous construction. Built in 1890-1891 by contractors Woodbury and Leighton, they were designed by Boston architect and Allston native Eugene Clark. The church's textural lithic mass is distinguished by a prominent 80-foot corner tower; shingled gables; Longmeadow sandstone trim, and rounded-arch fenestration. This impressive structure ranks among the finest examples of Richardsonian Romanesque church architecture in Boston area. . The Allston Congregational Church complex is situated in the heart of Allston, a triangular shaped neighborhood in the northwest corner of Boston, bounded by Commonwealth Avenue to the south, Allston Street to the west and the Massachusetts Turnpike to the north.

The church stands on an irregularly- shaped, 34,000 square foot lot. The east (main) elevation overlooks a narrow lawn dotted with rock outcroppings. Two short flights of concrete steps connect Quint Avenue to the upper paths leading to the church's tower and main entry. A garden and stand of trees borders the church's south wall, providing a glimpse of the area prior to extensive early 20*-century development. The shingle style parsonage stands on the adjacent parcel to the north, while an asphalt parking lot is situated to the rear of the building. The Allston Congregational Church is a two-story stone structure with a 100'x 108' footprint. (Photo #1) Locally-quarried stone forms its foundation, while the body was constructed of Milton pink granite laid in random course. The square, corner-entry tower has an open belfry and is capped with a pyramidal roof.

The multi-gabled roof form consists of a large hipped roof punctuated by broad gabled dormers: two at the front and rear elevations; and one at each end wall. These shingle clad dormers project beyond the masonry plane and are supported by bracketed eaves. A belvedere, capped by a pyramidal, finial-topped copper roof, crowns the center of the roof's ridge. It is ventilated by pairs of small, arched windows; its corners are accented by engaged collonettes. The Quint Avenue facade is asymmetrically fenestrated by a ribbon of five arched windows in the left bay, an off center arched entry in the middle bay, and a composition of three windows in the right bay. Dark Longmeadow sandstone trim is contrasted against the lighter masonry facade. The sandstone accents the building's openings, as seen by the voussoirs, sills, lintels and quoioned surrounds.

The tympanums of the off-center entry and the facade's prominent arched window were further embellished with a checkerboard pattern of contrasting stone. The off-center entry is flanked by narrow 1/1 sash windows surmounted by ocular stained glass windows. Deeply recessed Palladian windows light the wall dormers above. Additional details of note include the brass entry railings installed in 1936 in honor of the congregation's fiftieth anniversary, and the paneled double doors with original hardware. (continued) OMB Approval No. 1024-0018 NPS Form 10-900-a (8-86) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Allston Congregational Church Continuation Sheet Boston (Allston) Suffolk Co., Massachusetts Section number - Page - The church tower rises from the southeast corner of the building.

The tower entry facing Quint Avenue consists of paneled doors recessed within an arched opening. A large arched window lights the southern wall at the ground-floor level. Narrow arched openings light the stair tower while a trio of elongated arches marks each elevation of the belfry. The tower is capped by a pyramidal roof with flared eaves. The tower's arched openings are trimmed in sandstone and a thick band of brownstone segregates its first- story base from the upper levels. Both the north and south end walls are distinguished by a central floor-to-ceiling Gothic window with ornamental tracery. The window's Gothic arch is deeply recessed within the projecting gabled dormer. The outer bays contain tripartite windows with stained-glass transoms. Interior Plan The Church's interior plan, decor and finishes are remarkably well preserved.

These include the red birch wainscoting and pews; the high-relief decorative borders; the rich paint scheme; and the ornate exposed truss ceiling. Much of this church's charm is derived from features such as fireplaces, pocket doors and stenciled walls which impart a residential rather than an institutional quality to the interior spaces. The Church retains its original room configuration. Tower Vestibule The tower vestibule is a small square room at the base of the bell tower. Currently serving as a storage room, this space originally served as the formal entrance to the auditorium. The lower third of these walls are sheathed with tongue and groove wainscoting while the remaining wall surfaces are covered with plaster. A continuous painted terra cotta-colored border runs atop the wainscoting. Noteworthy finishes include the bullseye corner-blocks.

The Auditorium The floor of the auditorium measures 60 feet by 62 feet. The focus of the auditorium is the west wall's altar and great Hook and Hastings pipe organ above. In general, the walls of the auditorium exhibit wainscoting. According to a Brighton Item article dated October 24, 1891, the finish of the first floor and auditorium is identified as "highly polished Wisconsin red birch." The article also notes that "Ash is the material used for the finish in the rest of the building." Surmounting the tongue and groove wainscoting of the auditorium, as well as the edges of the altar's arch, is an unusual decorative border. One of the most significant original decorative interior features in the church, this border provides evidence of the late 19th century predilection for "artistic" wall papers and borders; papers with names such as Japanese Leather, Lincrusta and Anaglypta.

Characterized by a leather-like texture, this border exhibits stylized Romanesque Revival motifs consisting of intertwined curvilinear forms rendered in gilded, low relief plaster materials. According to church parishioner Steve Lewis, the plaster is attached to a wire mesh netting that is nailed into the wall surface. The upper walls surfaces are composed of plaster. (Photo #7) (continued) NPS Form 10-900-a (8-86) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Allston Congregational Church Continuation Sheet Boston (Allston) Suffolk Co., Massachusetts OMB Approval No. 1024-0018 Section number - Page - The floor of the auditorium has a decided pitch toward the altar. The pews of the auditorium are arranged in a curved configuration interspersed with three aisles. Polished Wisconsin red birch is used throughout for pews and woodwork.

The auditorium is open to the rafters, its ceiling supported by ornate hammered trusses. An enormous 36-light brass chandelier is suspended from the center of the ceiling. Four smaller, identically rendered 12-light chandeliers provide illumination for the corners of this space. Like the auditorium's wainscoting, door and window trim, its ceiling is composed of red birch. (Photo #2) The altar consists of a low platform which is partially enclosed by wooden railings with turned balusters. Set back approximately one foot from the edge of this platform is a second stage which is enclosed by brass as well as wooden railings. At the center of the second platform is the wooden pulpit. The choir was intended to stand in back of the pulpit and at the church's dedication this platform was "large enough to seat a good size chorus". The second platform abuts solid panels composed of ash.

Above this paneled wall is an enormous Hook and Hastings pipe organ. The north wall of the auditorium exhibits four bays containing pocket doors; these doors slide up into the wall, combining the chapel with the auditorium. Additionally sliding doors are located on the east and west walls of the chapel, facilitating the inclusion of the "Ladies Parlor" and "Infant Class Room" within one great open space, increasing the seating capacity from 500 to 1,000 people. The lower third of these sliding doors are solid and paneled while the upper two third exhibits diamond-shaped stained glass panes. The east wall is pierced by a bank of five mullioned stained glass windows. Above these windows is a gallery providing seating for 75 people. The gallery is enclosed by a solid wooden paneled railing, which in turn, is topped by a low iron railing.

The gallery is supported by a pair of cast iron Corinthian columns. Illuminated by a large clear glass Palladian window set high on the wall, the gallery is largely devoid of seating. The south wall exhibits a large pointed arch window flanked by tripartite windows. The tracery of the large center window contains stained glass rendered in hues of lavender, green and yellow. (Photo #3) The more extensive lower section of this window retains its original clear glass. The transoms of the flanking tripartite windows contain stained glass, while its lower glass is clear. Neither church records nor newspaper articles identify the manufacturers of the church's stained glass. Center Vestibule Situated at the center of the Quint Avenue elevation, the center vestibule links the auditorium with the former ladies parlor and chapel.

The walls of the center vestibule exhibit tongue and groove wainscoting and plaster walls. This space contains stairways linking the first floor with the basement and second floor. These stairways retain their original railings as well as turned balusters and square, ball-topped newel posts. The newel posts exhibit circular bosses and vertical rectangular panels containing fluted detail. (Photo #4) (continued) NPS Form 10-900-a (8-86) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Allston Congregational Church Continuation Sheet Boston (Allston) Suffolk Co., Massachusetts Section number. Page - 4 OMB Approval No. 1024-0018 Ladies Parlor The ladies parlor, currently used for worship services by the Chinese Evangelical Church of Metropolitan Boston, is a large rectangular room measuring 22 feet by 31 feet.

The walls of the ladies parlor display tongue and groove wainscoting while the upper floors exhibit a smooth plaster finish. Particularly noteworthy is the south wall's fireplace mantle. Above the opening's yellow brick work, the mantle's entablature exhibits rectangular center and flanking panels containing stylized Romanesque Revival floral and vegetal motifs. The mantle's flanking columns exhibit carved rope-like forms winding the length of the columns, culminating in capitals composed of large carved dentil-like elements. The west wall of the ladies parlor features a pair of doors that slide up into the wall and open on to the auditorium. Solid wooden panels cover the bottom third of these doors while the upper two thirds is characterized by panes of opaque glass.

The Chapel Measuring forty feet by fifty feet, the chapel is a large rectangular room with a capacity of seating 250 people, although few pews and chairs are currently in evidence. The chapel is open to the elaborate truss work of the ceiling. In general, walls exhibit Ash wainscoting and plaster upper walls. Unlike the auditorium which is oriented to the east and west, the chapel is situated on a north south axis. The chapel's south wall exhibits four bays of sliding doors. Each door slides up into the wall above, opening the chapel directly on to the auditorium. The chapel's north wall is pierced by a large pointed arch window containing stained glass in the upper tracery while the large, lower section contains clear glass. The stained glass is characterized by pastel shades of yellow, green and purple.

Beneath this window is a raised platform covered by a green carpet that appears to date to the late 19th century. The lower and upper segments of the chapel's east and west walls are pierced by pairs of segmental arched openings of unequal width. The arches of the east and west walls of the first floor contain doors that slide up into the walls. The arches of the upper floor are open and spring from fluted Doric pilasters; the arches on the east side contain modern removable partitions. On the west side, solid, paneled folding doors cover these openings and may be original to the 1890s. The arched openings of the second floor are enclosed by balconies with turned balusters. The upper plaster walls of the chapel exhibit a red and green stenciled border that appears to be an original decoration.

Infants Classroom Eugene Clark's plans for the church's first floor describes the large room on the west side of the chapel as the "infants class room". This room is identical to the ladies parlor in terms of dimensions and fireplace mantle treatments. To the right of the mantle is a built-in cupboard with solid doors composed of vertical boards; this cupboard may be original to the church's construction. This room's walls retain their original wainscoting and smooth plaster finishes. (continued) NPS Form 10-900-a (8-86) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Allston Congregational Church Continuation Sheet Boston (Allston) Suffolk Co., Massachusetts OMB Approval No. 1024-0018 Section number.

Page - Pastor's Study and Pantry Situated on the north and south sides of the auditorium are the pastor's study and a pantry, respectively. The pastor's study is a plain room with little in the way of distinctive elements. Situated between the auditorium and the west stairway, the pantry retains tongue and groove wainscoting and cabinets that appear to date to the late 19th century. Second Floor, The stair hall's original stair rails, turned balusters and square newel post are still intact. Illuminated by stained glass ocular windows, its walls exhibit tongue and groove wainscoting and smooth plaster walls above. On the east side of the second floor, a stairway links the aforementioned gallery with a large class room area originally utilized "by the older members of the church." The east wall of the adult class room is dominated by a large Palladian window set high on the wall.

This class room floor is bisected by a temporary partition. This space exhibits little that is architecturally significant aside from its window configuration and wood trim. The room above the infants class room is large, plain and apparently utilized for storage. Illuminated by a Palladian window set high on the wall, this room apparently never had a fireplace. The small office to the south of west stair hall exhibits little significant detail. Basement The basement contains the following: a dining hall with a capacity of serving 300 people; a kitchen and pantry; and a boiler room. The Allston Congregational Church Parsonage The parsonage is a handsome Shingle Style residence. (Photo #5) Possessing an L-shaped plan, it rises 2.5 stories from a high ledge stone basement to a complex roof configuration of intersecting gables.

The center-entry house is partially fronted by an open Tuscan-columned porch which rests on a stone wall. This porch may not be an original element. Map research indicates its addition occurred between 1897 and 1909. Characteristic Shingle Style elements include: polygonal bay windows; a central polygonal oriel; bracketed entablature; an a complex roofing system with hip-roofed and shed-roofed dormers. The house is asymmetrically fenestrated with 1/1 sash at the first story, and both 6/1 and 8/1 sash at the second story. City of Boston building permits indicate that the parsonage's roof was re- covered with asphalt shingles in 1920 at a cost of $250.00; the asphalt shingles probably replaced slates. According to Steve Lewis, chairman of the church's buildings committee, evidence of the original patterned shingle sheathing has been uncovered beneath the present wood shingles.

Building permits indicate the present sheathing dates to 1938. South (Main) Elevation Encircling the south east corner of the building, an open porch exhibits high ledge stone railings. The "foot print" of the parsonage on Brown's 1897 Suffolk County Atlas indicates that the parsonage was constructed without a verandah. The 1909 atlas clearly indicates that a porch was in place by that date. A short flight of concrete steps provides access to the porch at its south east corner. (continued) NPS Form 10-900-a (8-86) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Allston Congregational Church Continuation Sheet Boston (Allston) Suffolk Co., Massachusetts Section number - Page Rising from the porch's south railing to a bracketed wooden cornice are single and paired Tuscan columns.

The southern segment of the porch is enclosed by a sloping roof while the shorter, eastern segment is open to the elements. Opening on to the porch's southern segment, the front door is located at the center of the three-bay main facade. The front door is flanked by narrow sidelights. Single and tripartite windows are located to the right and left of the entrance. In general, the windows of the first floor exhibit 1/1 wood sash. At the center of the south elevation's second floor is a polygonal oriel window . To the left of the oriel is a double window while a single window is in evidence to its right. The second floor windows contain 6/1 wood sash. The south elevation's roof slope displays low, shed-roofed double and single dormers. The dormer's walls are covered with wood shingles. East Elevation The southern half of the east elevation is composed of a 2.5-story end wall gable segment.

The northern half is characterized by a 1.5 story segment exhibiting a bowed wall at its north east corner. This northern segment is enclosed by a low pitched roof slope which is perpendicular to the taller of the two segments. Situated near the east elevation's south east corner is a polygonal bay. Overlooking the porch, this bay is recessed under the over- hang of the second floor. The second floor culminates in a gable roof, exhibiting a pair of standard size windows. In general, second floor windows exhibit 6/1 and 8/1 wood sash. The northern half of the éast elevation is characterized by a ledge stone basement that is higher than the other segments of the foundation. On the first floor, the graceful curve of the north east wall is pierced by five narrow contiguous windows containing diamond -shaped panes. The half gable above exhibits an occulus window.

The complexity of the parsonage's roof configuration is particularly evident on its eastern elevation. Three gables ascend in height from the low pitched gable enclosing the bowed segment to the shorter of two full gables. Rising a few inches above the shorter gable, the taller gable encloses two thirds of the building Extending beyond the apex of the tall gable is a yellow brick chimney. The eastern half of the tall gable is pierced by four tall and narrow windows. These windows light stairs leading to the attic. The shape and diagonal, ascending placement of these windows echo the fenestration of the church tower's lower walls and strongly suggest that Eugene Clark was the architect of the parsonage as well as the church.

The North Elevation Reading from east to west, the north elevation exhibits the continuation of the bowed facade's high rubble stone foundation and bank of five windows. To the right of the bowed segment is the back door. Flanked by single and paired windows, access to the back door is reached by a short flight of front steps leading to a small, shallow and open front porch enclosed by a gable roof. The first floor windows contain 1/1 wood sash. Ranged across the second floor, four standard size windows contain 6/1 wood sash. Exhibiting a tripartite window, a shed-roofed dormer rises from the center of the north elevation's roof slope. The West Elevation Overlooking a small backyard, the west elevation rises from a low ledge stone basement, culminating in a (continued) OMB Approval No.

1024-0018 NPS Form 10-900-a (8-86) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Allston Congregational Church Continuation Sheet Boston (Allston) Suffolk Co., Massachusetts OMB Approval No. 1024-0018 Section number Page. pedimented attic. Situated near the north west corner of the foundation are double doors set on a diagonal within a framework of wood and concrete. These doors shelter a stair way which descends to the basement. A half-bay- wide, one- story ell containing a bath room and pantry projects from the northern half of this facade. The remaining southern half of this wall is pierced by a pair of standard size windows. The second floor displays three windows. A double windows appears at the center of the attic. All of the west facade's windows contain 6/1 wood sash.

The Allston Congregational Church Parsonage: The Interior Plan The first floor of the parsonage features a center hall flanked by east and west parlors. The center hall runs northward to a stairway. To the left of the stair way is a kitchen; the south wall of the kitchen is parallel with the west parlor. Contiguous with the west wall of the kitchen is a bathroom and pantry. Returning to the first floor's stair hall, a short flight of steps leads to a landing. To the right of the landing is a room which appears to have been the pastor's study. This room occupies an intermediary position between the first and second floors of the house. This room's curved wall corresponds to the bowed wall at the north east corner of the parsonage. Behind the north wall of the main stair hall is a back or servants stairway which rises from the first floor to the attic.

To the left of the stair hall's landing is a short flight of stairs leading to the L-shaped second floor hall. Opening on to the second floor hall are three bedrooms ranged along the south side while a fourth bedroom occupies the north west corner of the house. The attic stairs lead to a small hall way providing access to two large finished rooms. Situated on an east-west axis these contiguous rooms exhibit little architecturally significant detail. Allston Congregational Church Parsonage: Noteworthy Interior Features : The interior of the parsonage contains a rich inventory of architecturally significant fabric and elements. In general, original baseboards, door and window enframements, stairways, fire place mantles and stained glass windows are still extant and provide a glimpse of the genteel, well-appointed quarters offered by the church to its clergy from the 1890s to the1980s.

Typically door and entrance enframements are molded, exhibiting incised circular detail within corner blocks. The woodwork is similar in graining and coloration to the Ash woodwork of the church. The first floor's west parlor retains its handsome 1890s fireplace mantle. The fireplace opening is surrounded by yellow bricks. The wooden mantle enframements are recessed into the wall. Bold curved brackets support the mantle shelf. The wall above the mantle shelf is covered with solid rectangular panels. These panels, in turn are surmounted by cabinets which exhibit clear glass set within multi-pane sash. The west parlor retains its still-functional pocket doors. These doors are solid and paneled, sliding into the flanking walls rather than sliding up into the wall in the manner of the church auditorium's pocket doors.

Still intact are the main stairway's simple Craftsman style railing, slat- work balusters and square, fluted newel posts. The main stairway's north wall exhibits two stained glass windows containing curving floral and vegetal forms. The window set highest on the wall is square headed while the lower window culminates in an arch. (continued) NPS Form 10-900-a (8-86) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Allston Congregational Church Continuation Sheet Boston (Allston) Suffolk Co., Massachusetts Section number - 7 Page In contrast to the more "up- to -date" Craftsman features of the main stairway are the elements of the back stairs. Situated behind the north wall of the main stairway, the balusters and newel posts of the back stairs are turned in a manner common to structures built earlier in the Victorian era.

The pastor's study, to the right of the main stair's landing, retains an exceptionally handsome fireplace set on a diagonal at the south west corner of this room. The brass fireplace andirons appear to date to the late 19th century. The fireplace opening is enframed by yellow bricks. Solid wood and mirror panels appear above the mantle shelf. Flanking the mantle are tall columns exhibiting turned rope-like surface treatments. The columns' capitals are of the Corinthian order, stylized in the Richardsonian Romanesque manner. (Photo #6) Archaeological Description The Allston Congregational Church is located on a small parcel, on one of the highest points in Allston. The parcel is well-drained, flat, and contains rock outcrops. Fourteen prehistoric sites are located within a mile radius of the church lot, thirteen near the Charles River.

The other prehistoric site is located near a water source west of the church. The potential for the recovery of prehistoric remains is low, with much of the property disturbed by construction. There is moderate potential for locating historical archaeological resources on the Allston Congregational Church complex. The parcel, developed in 1890, could contain archaeological survivals related to the church as a religious, education, and social center, and the parsonage's function as a household. Documentary research has revealed information concerning the condition and appearance of the grounds. Archaeological evidence could lend further insight into the physical condition and characteristics of the property, including landscaping and gardening features, and restoration projects.

Outdoor activities might have included fund raisers such as suppers and picnics, bazaars and fairs, and other special events. Documents also reveal activities related to Boy Scout, Cub Scout, and other youth and women's groups activities. Archaeological evidence associated with the parsonage could also exist. These survival, located in the backlot of the house, might consist of trashpits, landscape or garden remains, or subterranean OMB Approval No. 1024-0018 (end) Allston Congregational Church Name of Property 8. Statement of Significance

Statement of significance

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

_ C a birthplace or grave. _D a cemetery. _E a reconstructed building, object, or structure. _F a commemorative property. _G less than 50 years of age or achieved significance within the past 50 years. Narrative Statement of Significance (Explain the significance of the property on one or more continuation sheets.) Suffolk,MA County and State Areas of Significance (Enter categories from instructions) ARCHITECTURE ART EDUCATION RELIGION SOCIAL HISTORY Period of Significance 1890-1947 Significant Dates 1890-1891 Significant Person (Complete if Criterion B is marked above) Cultural Affiliation Architect/Builder EUGENE CLARK; ARCHITECT ISAAC WOODBURY & GEORGE LEIGHTON: BUILDERS 9.

The rest of the file

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

Major Bibliographical References (Cite the books, articles, and other sources used in preparing this form on one or more continuation sheets.) Previous documentation on file (NPS): Primary location of additional data: - preliminary determination of individual listing (36 X State Historic Preservation Office CFR 67) has been requested _ Other State agency - previously listed in the National Register _ Federal agency - previously determined eligible by the National Local government Library, Town Hall Register - University _ designated a National Historic Landmark Other _recorded by Historic American Buildings Survey Name of repository: _recorded by Historic American Engineering Record # NPS Form 10-900-a (8-86) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Allston Congregational Church Continuation Sheet Boston (Allston) Suffolk Co., Massachusetts OMB Approval No.

1024-0018 Section number Page - 8. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE The Allston Congregational Church is one of Boston's finest examples of Richardsonian Romanesque ecclesiastical design. Organized in 1886, it was built between 1890 and 1891 from designs provided by Boston architect and Allston native Eugene L. Clark. A prolific architect of stylish and substantial suburban Boston residences, the Allston Congregational Church is Clark's only church project. The extraordinarily high quality of the Church's interior materials and craftsmanship is characteristic of the work of the Church's contractors, Woodbury and Leighton, builders of the Boston Public Library.

Memorably sited atop ahill within a densely built-up neighborhood of 1910s and 1920s apartment buildings, the Allston Congregational Church and its rustic grounds provides a glimpse of Allston before the introduction of the electric streetcar to nearby Commonwealth Avenue in 1909. Several of the Church's first parishioners, including municipal court judge Henry Baldwin, lived on estates bordering Brighton and Harvard Avenues. During the World War I era, mansions, stables and secondary structures were demolished to accommodate the construction of commercial blocks and the aforementioned apartments of electric streetcar commuters. Additionally, the c.1890-1897 Shingle Style parsonage on the northern side of the church's parcel is also noteworthy, exhibiting features that echo those of the Allston Congregational Church..

The Allston Congregational Church retains integrity of location, design, siting, materials, feeling, association, and workmanship and is of local significance, fulfilling criteria A and C of the National Register of Historic Places. Designed in the Richardsonian Romanesque style by Eugene L. Clark in 1890, the Allston Congregational Church's provides evidence of the profound influence the great architect Henry Hobson Richardson had on the design of Boston area public buildings during the late 19th century. Beginning in the early 1870s, the Brookline, Massachusetts-based Richardson introduced the Richardsonian Romanesque style in Boston churches such as the Brattle Square Church at Commonwealth Avenue and Clarendon Street (1869-1873) andTrinity Church at Copley Square (1872-1877).

Inspired by the Iith century Komanesque churches of the Pyranees region of France and Spain, Richardson interpreted this style in a manner uniquely his own. Marcus Whiffen observes in American Architecture Since 1780 that "Like all Romanesque, this is a round-arched style. However, most of the buildings of the Richardsonian Romanesque are immediately distinguishable from those of the earlier Romanesque Revival by being wholly or in part of rock-faced masonry, while arches, lintels, and other structural features are often emphasized by being of a different stone from the walls.

The resultant sense of weight and massiveness is reinforced by the depth of the window reveals, the breadth of the planes of the roofs, and (in the better examples) a general largeness and simplicity of form." Unquestionably, the Allston Congregational Church, by virtue of its towered form, artful massing, stone materials, quality craftsmanship and memorable siting represents one of the better examples of this style in (continued) NPS Form 10-900-a (8-86) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Allston Congregational Church Continuation Sheet Boston (Allston) Suffolk Co., Massachusetts Section number. Page. OMB Approval No. 1024-0018 the United States. Designed by Eugene Clark four years after H. H.

Richardson's untimely death at the age of forty-eight, the Allston Congregational Church is in a league with fine Boston area Richardsonian Romanesque public buildings constructed during the late 1880s and early 1890s. The Richardsonian legacy is evident in buildings such as Hartwell and Richardson's First Spiritualist Temple (1886) on Exeter Street in Boston; the Cambridge City Hall (1889), as well as Shepley, Rutan, Coolidge's Flour and Grain Exchange (1893) at 177 Milk Street, Boston, and the Allston Congregational Church. Biographical materials are sparse concerning Eugene Clark, architect of the Allston Congregational Church. Reportedly born in Allston c. 1855, Clark commenced his career in the office of the city of Boston architect George Clough in 1876. During the late 1870s he lived at East Seventh Street, South Boston and by 1885 he was boarding on Brighton Avenue in Allston.

He began his own architectural practice in 1886, commuting to his office at 50 Bromfield Street in Boston. Clark's practice focused primarily on single and two-family residential design. Clark designed residences in Dorchester, Brookline and Norwood as well as Allston-Brighton. Clark-designed houses were often built in upscale neighborhoods such as the Melville Avenue section of Dorchester, Corey's Hill in Brookline, Walpole Street in Norwood, the Aberdeen section of Brighton and the Gardner Street area of Allston. Indeed by 1890, Clark was living at 27 Ashford Street on the Gardner Road area. Undoubtedly, it was Clark's residential work in Allston that brought him to the attention of the Allston Congregational Church's building committee. Eugene Clark is last listed as an architect in Boston Directories in 1909. By that time Clark lived in rural Ashland, Massachusetts.

According to an article in the Brighton Item dated September 27, 1890, the Allston Congregational Church was Clark's "first venture into Church architecture". Insuring that such a prestigious first foray into ecclesiastical design would be a success, the building committee chose the contracting firm of Woodbury and Leighton to build the church. Charles S. Damrell notes in A Half Century of Boston Buildings (1895) that Woodbury and Leighton "are without a doubt one of the largest and most successful firms of contractors in New England". Specializing in constructing large public buildings such as schools, libraries, court houses and "the more costly private residences", this firm " had facilities for completing the work from foundation to finish, doing the masonry as well as the carpenter and other work." Organized c.

1875 to 1880, Woodbury and Leighton began as masons at 30 Hawley Street, Boston. By 1890 the firm is listed as "contractors and builders" with offices at 164 Devonshire Street and 121 Malden Street, Boston. During the late 19th century Isaac F. Woodbury and George E. Leighton served as contractors for a number of high -profile public building projects in Massachusetts, including the Mc Kim, Mead and White- designed Boston Public Library (1888-1895); the Ware and Van Brunt-designed St. Stephen's Episcopal Church (1881), in Lynn and the Boylston Market Association, now the China Trade Center, Boston (late 1880s). (continued) OMB Approval No.

1024-0018 NPS Form 10-900-a (8-86) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Allston Congregational Church Continuation Sheet Boston (Allston) Suffolk Co., Massachusetts Section number Page - 3 Woodbury and Leighton were residents of the Allston and South End neighborhoods of Boston, respectively. During the late 1880s and 1890s, Isaac F. Woodbury, resided at 92 Gardner Street, one block from Clark's Ashford Street residence. He was a founding member of the Allston Congregational Church, donating his expertise as a master builder to the church. In 1890, George E. Leighton lived at 561 Columbus Avenue. By 1909, Woodbury and Leighton are listed as owning "works" on D Street in South Boston as well as having a Devonshire Street office. Woodbury and Leighton remained in business until the World War I era.

In 1920, the company is listed as I.F. Woodbury and Sons Company, "successors to Woodbury and Leighton". In addition to the services of contractor Isaac F. Woodbury, the Allston Congregational Church's building committee benefited from the advice and/or donated services of parishioners such as Isaac Wheeler, builder; Charles Nevin, architect; and Edward P. Boone and Walter Batson, electricians. The Allston Congregational Church is located in the eastern section of Boston's Brighton neighborhood, known since the late 1860s as Allston. Like the Jamaica Plain and Roslindale neighborhoods, Allston has never existed as an independent municipality. In 1634 the General Court of the Massachusetts Bay Colony transferred ownership of Little Cambridge, as Brighton was originally known, to Cambridge for use as grazing land followed by permanent settlement c.1647-1649.

By that time, "the Reverend John Elliots's conversion of local natives to the Christian religion removed a major obstacle to the establishment of homesteads on the south side of the Charles". By 1744, the number of residents in Little Cambridge were sufficient to warrant the construction of a meeting house at Brighton Center. The Allston Congregational Church is a direct descendant of this first church. Historian William P. Marchione notes that "the Little Cambridge Meeting House, it should be emphasized, was merely an annex or chapel of the First Church of Cambridge". Independence from the Cambridge Church was finally realized in 1783, ending a double payment system to the churches that Little Cambridge residents endured for forty years. Little Cambridge became the independent Town of Brighton in 1807.

Turning to the beginnings of Allston, it should be noted that although fertile grazing land existed near the Charles River, much of eastern Brighton's land was rocky, swampy and lacked the water resources necessary to support cattle slaughtering, farming and horticulture. Over time a network of highways was developed through eastern Brighton, later Allston. Linking Cambridge with Boston, the Roxbury Highway was set out through Allston in 1638. The Roxbury Highway was used by William Dawes, the unsung midnight rider, to make his historic journey from Boston to Lexington on April 18, 1775. Additionally, Cambridge Street, Brighton Avenue and Western Avenue were laid out through Allston during the first quarter of the 19th century.

Despite the presence of these roads, Allston remained largely undeveloped until the filling of the nearby Back Bay during the 1860s triggered settlement in the eastern end of Brighton. In response to this area's increase in population a post office and Boston and Albany rail road station was established at Cambridge Street near Harvard Street in 1867. The new post office and railroad station acquired the name Allston by vote at an informal meeting held at the railroad station on February 11,1867. Named in honor of the Cambridgeport artist Washington Allston (1779-1843) who often meandered through the meadows bordering the Brighton side of the Charles River, this railroad station had (continued) OMB Approval No.

1024-0018 NPS Form 10-900-a (8-86) UnitedStates Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Allston Congregational Church Continuation Sheet Boston (Allston) Suffolk Co., Massachusetts Section number Page. been briefly called Cambridge Crossing. Convenient access to the Allston depot encouraged construction of upscale residential areas along Harvard and Gardner streets in Allston. Eugene Clark, architect of the Allston Congregational Church designed at least a half dozen homes in this area. It is against this backdrop of Allston's early development that the Allston Congregational Society was organized and its church built in 1890-1891. A meeting of ten Congregationalists at the Allston home of Charles S. Cook lead to the organization of the Allston Congregational Church in the spring of 1886.

By that time, the Allston Congregational Society's membership had grown to 69 members. Desiring to worship in a church closer to their Allston residences, all of these founding members had been parishioners of the Brighton Evangelical Congregational Church, located on Washington Street at Brighton Center. This group secured the services of Rev. Alonzo H. Quint and regular services were begun in the Union Square Hall which stood at the intersection of Cambridge and North Beacon streets in Allston. On December 18, 1886, the Allston Congregational Church was incorporated as a congregation. The founding members were primarily prominent Boston businessmen. A number of the church's first families resided in substantial Allston residences bordering Cambridge, Gardner and Ashford Streets as well as Harvard Avenue.

Early Deacons of the church included Homer Rogers, President of Rogers and Company, manufacturers of leather board at 108 Lincoln Street, Boston; Dwight C. Robbins, manager of the Robbins Company, manufacturers of baggage checks, 144 Harrison Avenue, South End; Arthur C. Farley, treasurer of Farley, Harvey and Company, dry goods, 61 Chauncy Street, Boston, and Abbot T. Maynard, Cambridge Street, Allston resident and superintendent of the A. Stowell and Co. Jewelers, 24 Winter Street, Boston. Harriet and Henry Baldwin of 82 Harvard Avenue were major benefactors of the Church. Henry Baldwin was a lawyer and Brighton Municipal Court Judge. Harriet Baldwin was the first president of the Allston Congregational Church's Women's Association. Her name lives on in the Harriet Baldwin School at Corey Road and Washington Street, Brighton.

Perhaps the most prominent of the Allston Congregational Church's founders was Samuel B. Shapleigh of Gardner Street, Allston (he moved to Gordon Street in Allston Heights c. 1902). One of Boston's leading dealers of coffee and tea, Shapleigh played a leading role in Prohibition Party politics during the 1890s. He was nominated as the Prohibition Party's candidate for Mayor of Boston in 1891, Lieutenant Governor in 1894 and Governor of Massachusetts in 1898; all of Shapleigh's bids for election ended in defeat. During the late 1880s, Shapleigh donated his company's coffee and tea to fundraising suppers for the Church. Shapleigh's "Victor" brand of coffee was later advertised "by the gilded chariot drawn by four gray horses, driven Ben Hur-style by a swarthy charioteer over Boston streets". The Allston Congregational Church's land was purchased from Emily Herrick, widow of T. W.

Herrick, for $5,500.00 on November 27, 1889. Characterized by an irregular shape, the Church's hill-top lot contains one acre. Built c.1867-1873, Emily Herrick's house was set back from the southwest corner of Brighton and Harvard Avenue's; her property is now the site of 1910s and 1920s commercial blocks. Prior to the Herrick's purchase of this lot c.1880, the Church's land was part of John W. Hollis' backyard. Hollis was a well-to-do wool dealer who owned a number of houses on the south side of Union Square. (continued) NPS Form 10-900-a (8-86) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Allston Congregational Church Continuation Sheet Boston (Allston) Suffolk Co., Massachusetts OMB Approval No. 1024-0018 Section number Page The cornerstone of the Allston Congregational Church was laid on September 25, 1890.

The 1890 Bromley Atlas of Suffolk County Boston shows the church's "foot print" and 4500 square foot lot. The Church also owned a 40 foot-wide way extending from Brighton Avenue to the southeast corner of the Church's lot. Named Quint Avenue in honor of the Church's first minister, this cul-de-sac was extended to Radcliffe Road and Glenville Avenue in 1908. Included in the church's purchase of land was a 25 -foot - wide path that ran parallel to Quint Avenue from Brighton Avenue to the church. Dedication ceremonies were held in the Church on October 21, 1891. Reports of the total cost of the church range from $30,500.00 to $60,000.00. An article in the Brighton Item sheds light on the design of the church and its grounds.

Written at the time of the church's dedication in September, 1890, the reporter notes that "the design of the structure (Allston Congregational Church) is based on Norman models, following suggestions from some of the old churches of Normandy. "Although its tower may resemble those of churches in Normandy, the main body of the church, with its rock-faced stone materials and arched lintels, is unmistakably Richardsonian Romanesque. Original elevations and floor plans of the Allston Congregational Church drawn by Eugene Clark indicate that with the exception of the tower, the church still conveys the architect's original intentions for the building. The tower was originally envisioned by Clark as considerably more elaborate than the present structure. Clark's plans show each wall of the belfry pierced by five rather than three arched openings.

The tower's pyramidal roof exhibits proportions considerably more monumental than the current roof cap. Of particular interest is the fact that this structure was intended to be a clock tower. The Clark elevation shows gable -roofed and finial-topped dormer-like projections bearing a clock face on each of the roof's slopes; each face displayed Roman numerals. Perhaps for reasons of economy and / or aesthetics, the more ambitious plan for the tower was never implemented by Eugene Clark. The church's grounds were intended to complement and heighten the picturesque qualities of the church's architecture; as much as feasible, the grounds were left in their natural state.

The aforementioned Brighton Item article noted that "the huge boulders protruding from surrounding lawns will be left in their native state to heighten the rustic effect." Sadly, Reverend Quint, the pastor who never wavered in his support of the congregation during its early years, never preached in the new church building, dying shortly before its completion. Rev. Quint's successor was Rev. Douglas Putnam Birnie, who served as the church's pastor for five years. Following the pastorates of the Revs. Birnie (1890-1895) and John Harvig (1895- 1915) commenced the thirty year ministry of Manley Fifield Allbright, which by all accounts represents the "golden age" of the Allston Congregational Church. Church historian Anna Edmundston describes Rev. Allbright as "a kind and loving man, an accomplished artist and a great leader of young people." Rev.

Allbright shepherded the Allston Congregationalists through the 1915-1930 period of great change in Allston-Brighton. He expanded adult social activities and youth programs, staving off, for a time, the rapid decline in membership that would occur after World War II. During Rev. Allbright's pastorate, the church's Women's Association raised funds "to support many foreign and home missions." Under Rev. Allbright's leadership, the church welcomed a Boy Scout Troop, the first youth organization of its kind in Allston. (continued) OMB Approval No. 1024-0018 NPS Form 10-900-a (8-86) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Allston Congregational Church Boston (Allston) Suffolk Co., Massachusetts Section number Page. Rev. Allbright began his pastorate at a turning point in the history of Allston.

By the 1910s, the church's neighborhood was transformed from an area of large estates to a densely built-up apartment house district. A bastion of Yankee Protestants during the 19th century, the church's immediate area became increasingly Jewish, Irish and Italian during the 1910s and 1920s. The Allston Congregational Church, the oldest structure in its neighborhood, provides a glimpse of Allston during the pre-apartment building era of large estates. In 1936, the twentieth anniversary of Rev. Allbright's pastorate coincided with the church's fiftieth anniversary. In honor of this milestone in the congregation's history, the church's interior was "renovated". According to a Brighton Item article dated December 5, 1936, "the church auditorium has been completely renovated and new offices provided".

The article does not state the nature of this work and, indeed, it is difficult to pinpoint specific renovations because the church interiors retain a high percentage of original, early 1890s features. In 1936, exterior renovations seem to have been limited to the installation of bronze stair railings. Dedicated to the memory of Deacon Isaac G. Wheeler, these railings are still intact at the main facade's entrances. In 1946, Rev. Allbright was succeeded by Rev. Russell E. Camp. According to church historian Anna Edmundston," it was during his pastorate that many young couples had moved into the Allston neighborhood following the Second World War. Under Rev. Camp's leadership it became a lively place here in Allston, with shows, plays, talent nights and many other activities." Rev.Camp served as pastor until September, 1953. In May, 1954, Rev. Harold R.

Bursey commenced his twenty year pastorate of the Allston Congregational Church. The early years of his service to the church were characterized by upgrading the church's facilities encompassing the "complete renovation" of the parsonage, the construction of a two-car garage (no longer extant) and the creation of an asphalt-paved parking lot on the north side of the church. Additionally, the church's wood trim was painted, the sanctuary and other rooms in the church were "redecorated" and the Alaon Coneretiont Crucis d kitchen was modernized. Despite the renovations of the 1930s and the redecorations of the 1950s, the Allston Congregational Church's interior retains a high percentage of its original, late Victorian era fabric The post-1960 era in Allston-Brighton was marked by concern about unbridled population growth.

According to historian William Marchione, "the disposition to see development in purely positive terms gave way to recognition that further growth would carry a heavy price in the form of lost open space, traffic congestion, noise pollution, and pressure on existing public services." After 1960, "family-oriented" Allston -Brighton was transformed into a community with large student populations as well as an increasing numbers of elderly residents. The Allston Congregational Church's congregation mirrored these trends with an elderly core group that was not being replaced or augmented by significant numbers of young individuals and families.

(continued) NPS Form 10-900-a (8-86) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Allston Congregational Church Continuation Sheet Boston (Allston) Suffolk Co., Massachusetts Section number - Page - OMB Approval No. 1024-0018 Following the twenty -year pastorate of Dr. Bursey, Dr. Albert W. Welch worked hard to maintain and increase membership against seemingly insurmountable trends. Young families continued to move away from Allston and infirmity and death claimed many of the remaining elderly parishioners. By the time of the Allston Congregational Society's one hundredth anniversary in 1986, a Chinese congregation and a Head Start program renting class room space enabled the Allston Congregationalists to continue to worship in their venerable building.

In recent years, the Allston neighborhood and the Allston Congregational Church show signs of a renaissance. The National Trust for Historic Preservation's Main Street Program has been utilized to improve the image of the nearby Harvard Avenue commercial corridor. The city of Boston has invested in streetscape improvements such as Brighton Avenue's vintage lighting fixtures and the removal of its electric streetcar tracks, replacing iron rails with planted median dividers. The end of rent control in 1995 resulted in greater landlord willingness to upgrade long -neglected properties. Thriving businesses, particularly restaurants owned and staffed by widely diverse ethnic groups, including Brazilians, Vietnamese, Cambodians, Irish, Chinese and Russians has provided a boost to the local economy.

The presence of these diverse ethnic groups has resulted in one of the most vibrant, cosmopolitan neighborhoods in Boston. Similarly, the prospects for the Allston Congregational Church are brighter than they were twenty years ago. The Chinese Evangelical Church of Metropolitan Boston continues to share space with the Allston Congregational Society. Additionally, the Assembla De Deus De Jesus utilizes the church for worship services. In 1996, under the leadership of the Rev. Rodney Petersen, the church sponsored a number of community outreach activities including the Thursdays at Allston Program encompassing Healing Services and Seniors Luncheon. An active building committee is " showing an increasing sense of stewardship with our valuable property." This committee is exploring ways to best manage the church and raise funds for its restoration.

To date, tangible assistance has been forthcoming from Historic Boston, Inc., a nonprofit group providing assistance with the financing and technical services necessary to implement restoration programs for historic structures. Additionally, help has come from the United Church of Christ, the domination to which the Allston Congregational Society belongs, in the form of a three-year developmental grant. This grant will enable the congregation to have some staffing assistance as it continues to build membership and programs. 1996 witnessed a rise in "giving units" within the church, increasing from thirteen to twenty. Perhaps most encouragingly, the church is once again providing Sunday School classes and exploring ways to increase membership.

(continued) NPS Form 10-900-a (8-86) United States Departmentof the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Allston Congregational Church Boston (Allston) Suffolk Co., Massachusetts OMB Approval No. 1024-0018 Section number Page - Archaeological Significance Few prehistoric sites have survived in Boston and the location of any surviving sites would be extremely important. Archaeological remains could contribute information on the coastal subsistence and settlement patterns during the prehistoric period. Due to the development of the property, it is unlikely that any prehistoric sites are located on this parcel. A moderate potential exists for the recovery of historical archaeological remains. The Allston Congregational Church played a central role in the development and cohesiveness of the immediate neighborhood and the community.

Archaeological evidence could reveal significant information regarding the social, cultural, and economic growth of the Allston community during an important developmental period. Cultural remains could provide insight into the role of the church as a vital part of community activity and growth. (end) NPS Form 10-900-a (8-86) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Allston Congregational Church Boston (Allston) Suffolk Co., Massachusetts OMB Approval No. 1024-0018 Section number. Page - 9. MAJOR BIBLIOGRAPHICAL REFERENCES Allston Congregational Church, Twenty-fifth Anniversary of the Allston Congregational Church, 1911. Allston Congregational Church Seventy-fifth Anniversary Committee, Seventy-fifth Anniversary of the Allston Congregational Church, Quint Avenue, Allston, 1961.

Allston Congregational Church, Annual Reports., 1996 Blumenson, John J. G.., Identifying American Architecture, A Pictorial Guide to Styles and Terms, 1600- 1945 , American Association for State and Local History, Nashville, Tenn., 1977 Boston Business Directory, 1889. Boston Landmarks Commission, Allston-Brighton Preservation Survey (1978 and 1996). Boston Public Library, Fine Arts Department, Boston Architects and Builders Files: Eugene Clark, architect; Woodbury & Leighton, contractors. Damrell, Charles S., A Half Century of Boston's Buildings, 1895 Edmonston, Anna C., The Allston Congregational Church, 90th Anniversary Celebration, 1976. , The Growth of A Church, History of The Allston Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, 1986 Harrell, Cyril M., editor, Historic Architecture Sourcebook, Mc Graw, Hill, N.Y., 1977 Hitchcock, Henry-Russell, The Architecture of H.H.

Richardson and His Times (Hamden, Conn.: Archon Books, 1971). Mc Donagh, Sheila, "Congregational Church: 150 Years in Brighton" Historical Brighton, 1977. Marchione, William P., The Bull in the Garden, A History of Allston-Brighton. Boston Public Library(1986). _ Allston-Brighton, Images of America series, Arcadia Press, Dover, N.H., 1996. Ochsner, Jeffrey Karl, H.H. Richardson, Complete Architectural Works, The MIT Press, Cambridge, MA, 1982. Society for the Preservation of New England Antiquities, Allston-Brighton photo files. (continued) NPS Form10-900-a (8-86) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Allston Congregational Church Continuation Sheet Boston (Allston) Suffolk Co., Massachusetts Section number. Page - - OMB Approval No. 1024-0018 Street Laying - Out Department, A Record of the Streets, Alleys, Places, etc.

in the City of Boston. Boston, 1910. Tucci, Douglass Shand, Built in Boston: City and Suburb, 1978 . Church Building in Boston, 1720-1970 Warner, Sam Bass, Streetcar Suburbs; The Process of Growth in Boston, 1870-1900 (New York: Athenaeum, 1971). Maps/Atlases 1830-J. G. Hales Map of the Counties of Middlesex and Norfolk, MA. 1859-Walling Map of the County of Middlesex, MA 1875- Atlas of Suffolk County, VII: Brighton, Massachusetts (Philadelphia: G.M. Hopkins & Co.) 1885- Atlas of the City of Boston, VI: Charlestown and Brighton (Philadelphia: G.W. Bromley & Co.) 1890- Atlas of the City of Boston, VII (Philadelphia: G.W. Bromley & Co.) 1897- Atlas of Dorchester, West Roxbury and Brighton, City of Boston (Boston: J.P. Brown & Co.) 1905- Atlas of the City of Boston: Ward 25, Brighton (Philadelphia: G.W. Bromley & Co.) 1909- Atlas of the City of Boston: Ward 25, Brighton (Philadelphia: G.W.

Bromley & Co.) 1916-Atlas of the City of Boston: Ward 25, Brighton (Philadelphia: G.W. Bromley & Co.) 1925- Atlas of the City of Boston (Philadelphia: G.W. Bromley & Co.) Newspapers and Periodicals The Allston-Brighton Item, December 12, 1936, "Allston Congregational Church Observes Fiftieth Anniversary". American Architect and Building News, vol.30, October 18,1890, p.xv. Allston Congregational Church described. (continued) NPS Form 10-900-a (8-86) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Allston Congregational Church Continuation Sheet Boston (Allston) Suffolk Co., Massachusetts 9 3 OMB Approval No. 1024-0018 Section number - Page - American Architect and Building News, vol. 3, August 6, 1892, plate no. 867.

The Boston Herald, December 5, 1936, "Allston Congregational Church Auditorium Renovated for Fiftieth Anniversary Services" The Boston Herald, December 12, 1936, "At time of Church's Fiftieth Anniversary, The Reverend M.F. Allbright Completes Twenty Years at Allston Congregational Church". The Brighton Item, September 27, 1890, "The New Church Cornerstone Laid." The Brighton Item, October 24, 1891, "Allston Congregational Church Dedicated". Suffolk County Registry of Deeds Grantees Index: Allston Congregational Church from Emily M.Herrick, November 27, 1889, vol.1910, pg. 289. Allston Congregational Church, May 23, 1891,vol. 1996, pg.272. City of Boston Building Permits (housed at 1010 Massachusetts Avenue, Boston) Note: No original Permits for either the Allston Congregational Church at 41 Quint Avenue or the church parsonage at 31 Quint Avenue.

Property jackets do contain permits and correspondence regarding later alterations for both structures. (end) Allston Congregational Church Name of Property Suffolk, Massachusetts County and State 10. Geographical Data Acreage of Property one UTM References See continuation sheet. (Place additional UTM references on a continuation sheet) 1 19. Zone 324170 Easting 4690820 Northing 3. Zone Easting Northing 2. Zone Easting Northing 4. Zone Easting Northing _See continuation sheet Verbal Boundary Description (Describe the boundaries of the property on a continuation sheet.) Boundary Justification (Explain why the boundaries were selected on a continuation sheet.) 11.

Form Prepared By name/title_Edward Gordon, Preservation Consultant, with Betsy Friedberg, MHC, National Register Director organization Massachusetts Historical Commission street & number220 Morrissey Boulevard date_September 1997 telephone 617-727-8470 city or town Boston state MA -Zip code 02125 Additional Documentation Submit the following items with the completed form: Continuation Sheets Maps A USGS map (7.5 or 15 minute series) indicating the property's location. A sketch map for historic districts and properties having large acreage or numerous resources. Photographs Representative black and white photographs of the property.

Additional items (Check with the SHPO or FPO for any additional items) Property Owner (Complete this item at the request of the SHPO or FPO.) name Allston Congregational Church street & number Boston (Allston) 31-41 Quint Avenue telephone_ city or town state_MA 617-254-2920 zip code 02134 Paperwork Reduction Act Statement: This information is being collected for applications to the National Register of Historic Places to nominate properties for listing or determine eligibility for listing, to list properties, and to amend existing listings. Response to this request is required to obtain a benefit in accordance with the National Historic Preservation Act, as amended (16 U.S.C. 470 et seq.).

Estimated Burden Statement: Public reporting burden for this form is estimated to average 18.1 hours per response including the time for reviewing instructions, gathering and maintaining data, and completing and reviewing the form. Direct comments regarding this burden estimate or any aspect of this form to the Chief, Administrative Services Division, National Park Service, P.0. Box 37127, Washington, DC 20013-7127; and the Office of Management and Budget, Paperwork Reductions Project (1024-0018), Washington, DC 20503. NPS Form10-900-a (8-86) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Allston Congregational Church Boston (Allston) Suffolk Co., Massachusetts 10 1 OMB Approval No. 1024-0018 Section number Page. 10.

GEOGRAPHICAL DATA Verbal Boundary Description The eastern boundary of the Allston Congregational Church complex runs along Quint Avenue from the boundary shared with the apartment building at 21 Quint Avenue to the side lot of 49 Quint Avenue. The southern boundary runs along the aforementioned 49 Quint Avenue's side lot line. Its western boundary follows the back lot lines of 3 - 5 and 4- 6 Hollis Place as well as 26 and 30 Allston Street. At the northwestern corner of the parsonage's yard the property line turns eastward to delineate the complex's northern property line. The northern boundary continues to Quint Avenue. Verbal Boundary Justification The boundaries as nominated are the current and historic boundaries of the Allston Congregational Church complex, since the contruction of the church and parsonage in 1889-1897.

The concrete 2-car garage on this property was constructed in 1957. (end) NPS Form 10-900-a (8-86) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet OMB Approval No. 1024-0018 Section number - Page - SUPPLEMENTARY LISTING RECORD NRIS Reference Number: Allston Congregational Church Property Name: County: 97001377 Date Listed: 11/7/97 Suffolk MA State: Multiple Name This property is listed in the National Register of Historic Places in accordance with the attached nomination documentation subject to the following exceptions, exclusions, or amendments, notwithstanding the National Park Service certification included in Ehe nomination documentation.

attick Anduus Signature of the Keeper 12/17/97 Date of Action ===================== ======= Amended Items in Nomination: This SLR makes a substantive amendment to the nomination. One of the Areas of Significance selected for the church is Education, but the Statement of Significance does not directly address why the Allston Congregational Church is considered significant in the history of education in the community. Education as an Area of Significance is deleted and will not be entered in the National Register database for this property.

DISTRIBUTION: National Register property file Nominating Authority (without nomination attachment) UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES EVALUATION/RETURN SHEET REQUESTED ACTION: NOMINATION PROPERTY Allston Congregational Church NAME: MULTIPLE NAME : STATE & COUNTY: MASSACHUSETTS, Suffolk DATE RECEIVED: DATE OF 16TH DAY: DATE OF WEEKLY LIST: 10/10/97 11/07/97 DATE OF PENDING LIST: 10/22/97 DATE OF 45TH DAY: 11/24/97 REFERENCE NUMBER: 97001377 NOMINATOR: STATE REASONS FOR REVIEW: APPEAL: N DATA PROBLEM: N LANDSCAPE: N LESS THAN 50 YEARS: OTHER: N PDIL: N PERIOD: N PROGRAM UNAPPROVED: REQUEST: N SAMPLE: N SLR DRAFT: Y NATIONAL: N N N COMMENT WAIVER: N ACCEPT RETURN REJECT DATE ABSTRACT/SUMMARY COMMENTS: Historically and architectually Dianifriant 191h Century Fonanegue Revinl sule church baildiç, RECOM.

/CRITERIA Aceft A8C REVIEWER/ atrck Anduus TELEPHONE DISCIPLINE Nistovian DATE 1/2/9) DOCUMENTATION see attached comments Y/N see attached SLR Y/N 480 ALLSTON CONGREGATONAL CHURCH QUINT AVE. BOSTON (SUFFOLI) MA PIOTO BY ED GORDON, FER 1997 EXTERIOR, LOOKING NW # | Allston Congregahianal Chunch #i QuinT Grenu Allshn, MA Lookiing Vnith eart hom protugiaaen: Edwash Snln Date : Februm, '937 ALLSTON CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH QUINT AVE, BOSTON(SUFFOLK), MA PHOTO BY ED GORDON, FER 1997 INTERIOR OF CHURCH, LOOKING SE PItOTO #2 ALLSTON CONGREGATONAL CHURCH QUINT AVE. BOSTON(SUFFOLK), MA ED GONDON Photo FEB 1997 Neg. at MASS HISTORIAL COMMISSTON S.WALL, STAINED GLASS WINDOW #3 ALLSTON CONGREGATIONAL CIMIRCH QUINT AVE, BOSTON (SUFFOLE), MA photo by ED GORDON, FEB 1997 NEg. AT MASS.

HISTORICAL COMMISSION CENTER VESTIBULE, CHURCH PItOTO # 4 ALLSTON CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH QUINT AVE, BOSTON (SUFFOLK), MA ploto byy ED GORDON, FEB 1997 neg. at MASS. HISTORICAL COMMISSION PARSONAGE, looking NW PItOTO # 5 ALLSTON CONGREGAMIONAL CHURCH 41 QUINT AVE BOSTON (SUFFOLK), MA photo by ED GORDON, FeB 1997 NEG. AT MASS HISTORICAL COMM. PARSONAOE, PASTOn's STUDy # 6 ALLSTON CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH BOSTON (SUFFOLIK CO) MA photo by ED GORDON, FEB 1997 NEOS. AT MASS HISP. COMMISSION INTERIOR BORDER, CHURCH PItOTO #7 GTERETIO AILTIAD LINERTATE The Commonwealth of Massachusetts William Francis Galvin, Secretary of the Commonwealth Massachusetts Historical Commission September 29, 1997 Ms. Carol Shull National Register of Historic Places Department of the Interior National Park Service P. O. Box 37127 Washington, D. C. 20013-7127 Dear Ms.

Shull: Enclosed please find the following nomination form: Allston Congregational Church, 31-41 Quint Avenue, Boston (Allston) (Suffolk County), Massachusetts, 02134. 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 60-120 days before the meeting and were afforded the opportunity to comment. With the understanding that a waiver of the customary 15-day Federal Register commenting period is necessary to assist in the preservation of the Dorchester Temple Baptist Church, the Massachusetts Historical Commission respectfully requests that the commenting period be waived (36 CFR 60.13(a)).

Sincerely, Betoy Friedheg Betsy Friedberg National Register Director Massachusetts Historical Commission enclosure CC: Allston Congregational Church Alan Schwartz, Chair, Boston Landmarks Commission Maura Fitzpatrick, Boston Landmarks Commission Edward Gordon, Preservation Consultant Thomas Menino, Mayor, City of Boston 220 Morrissey Boulevard, Boston, Massachusetts 02125 - (617) 727-8470 Fax: (617) 727-5128 TDD: 1-800-392-6090 Website: www.magnet.state.ma.us/sec/mhc DAIEINU, NUV 0, 122/. NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES PROPERTY REPORT REFERENCE No.: 97001377 Page: 48 Control No.: 971023/AJA PROPERTY NAME: Allston Congregational Church OTHER NAME/ SITE No. NOT APPLICABLE MULTIPLE NAME: NOT APPLICABLE ADDRESS/ BOUNDARY 31-41 Quint Ave.

CITY: Boston COUNTY: Suffolk STATE: MASSACHUSETTS Restricted Location Information: Owner: PRIVATE Resource Type: BUILDING Contributing Noncontributing Buildings Sites Structures Objects 3 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 Date: 10/10/97 Other Certification: NOT APPLICABLE Historic Functions: RELIGION DOMESTIC EDUCATION Historic Subfunctions: RELIGIOUS STRUCTURE SINGLE DWELLING SCHOOL CHURCH RELATED RESIDENCE Current Functions: RELIGION EDUCATION SOCIAL Current Subfunctions: RELIGIOUS STRUCTURE SCHOOL CLUBHOUSE Level of Significance: LOCAL Applicable Criteria: EVENT ARCHITECTURE/ENGINEERING Significant Person's Name: NOT APPLICABLE Criteria Considerationg: RELIGIOUS PROPERTY Area of significance: ANCHITECTURE ART EDUCATION RELIGION SOCIAL HISTORY 1900-1924 Periods of: 1875-1899 Significance: 1925-1949 Circa: Specific Sig.

Years: 1890 1891 Cultural Affiliation: NOT APPLICABLE Architect/Builder/Engineer/ Designer: Clark, Eugene Woodbury, Isaac, and George Leighton Other Documentation: NOT APPLICABLE HABS No. N/A Architectural ROMANESQUE Styles: Describe Other Style: NOT APPLICABLE Foundation Materials: STONE Wall Materials: Roof Materials: Other Materials: GRANITE SLATE ASPHALT WOOD SHINGLE Acreage: 1.0 UTM Zone Easting Northing Coordinates: 19/ /3 24 170/ /46 90 820 HAER No. N/A Zone Easting Northing