First Congregational Church of Somerville

Gazing at the First Congregational Church of Somerville, can you sense the echoes of its rich history? This church, a cornerstone of Somerville’s spiritual landscape, stands as a testament to the evolving beliefs and community spirit that have shaped it over the years. First Congregational Church of Somerville wasn’t always at this location. Its journey began in 1844 in Central Hill Park. The first church building, designed by Richard Bond, was completed in 1845. Sadly, fire destroyed it in 1852. A new church arose in its place, designed by Thomas W. Silloway, only to meet the same fiery fate in 1867. A third church was built in Central Hill Park in 1869. However, this building’s life was short-lived. The city purchased it in 1893 to make way for the new Somerville High School. The congregation then moved up Highland Avenue. They commissioned Hartwell & Richardson, the architects behind the high school and the Broadway Winter Hill Congregational Church, to design their new home. The current First Congregational Church of Somerville, completed in 1895, showcases their signature Richardsonian Romanesque style, a popular architectural choice of the era. An interesting fact: a Gothic Revival design was also proposed by Cram, Wentworth & Goodhue, but it was ultimately rejected. The church’s stunning stained-glass windows add another layer of artistry and history. The central window, depicting Christ healing the sick, is a memorial to Columbus and Mary Elizabeth Tyler. Other windows honor Rufus B. Stickney and Nathan and Sally Tufts, representing the Angel of Charity and the Angel of Faith respectively. In 1930, the Second Unitarian Church of Somerville, established in 1891, merged with First Congregational Church of Somerville. The congregation dissolved in 1975. In 1976, the building found new life as the home of the Mission Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ, carrying on the tradition of faith and community within these historic walls. First Congregational Church of Somerville is more than just stones and glass. It is a living narrative of resilience, adaptation, and the enduring power of community.