First Church of Somerville

Witness the grandeur of the First Church of Somerville. This remarkable building stands proudly at 130 Highland Avenue. It’s a testament to the enduring spirit of faith and community. The First Church of Somerville wasn’t always here. Its story begins much earlier in 1844. That year a Unitarian congregation established itself. They built their first church in Central Hill Park. This original structure was designed by Richard Bond. Louis C Edgerly oversaw its construction. It was completed in 1845. The congregation thrived. They even called their first pastor John Turner Sargent in 1846. He was an associate and defender of the transcendentalist Theodore Parker. Sadly this first church met a tragic end. It was destroyed by fire in 1852. Undeterred the congregation rebuilt. Their second church designed by Thomas W Silloway opened in 1854. However this too suffered a similar fate. It burned down in 1867. A third church followed in 1869 still in Central Hill Park. This structure stood until 1893. The city acquired it for the new Somerville High School. The fourth and current building of the First Church of Somerville began construction in 1894. Hartwell & Richardson designed this magnificent structure. It’s a prime example of the Richardsonian Romanesque style. A Gothic Revival design was initially proposed by Cram Wentworth & Goodhue. It was however rejected. The church was completed in 1895. The older building was subsequently demolished. The First Church of Somerville continued to serve its community. In 1930 the Second Unitarian Church of Somerville merged with it. However the congregation eventually dissolved in 1975. In 1976 the Mission Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ purchased the building. This Apostolic Pentecostalist church occupies it to this day. The First Church of Somerville is more than just a building. It’s a living archive. Its stones whisper stories of resilience faith and adaptation. Take a moment to appreciate its beautiful stone facade. Notice the tall steeply pitched gable roof. Admire the square tower. The entrances are on the north-facing front. There are five rectangular stained-glass windows. Above them are three tall round-arch stained glass windows. The tower features a multi-faced clock. Its pyramidal roof adds to its imposing presence. Remember the rich history embodied within these walls. This is the First Church of Somerville a place where the past present and future intertwine.