Isn’t it intriguing how a former Catholic parish transformed into the vibrant Reservoir Church? The story of this building at 15 Notre Dame Avenue is one of adaptation and community.
Originally a French-Canadian Catholic parish dating back to the mid-1920s. The Archdiocese of Boston sold the church to the Vineyard. It also included the school, convent, and rectory. The Reservoir Church then undertook renovations to create a space that suited its needs.
The Reservoir Church tried to honor what was already there during the renovations. Much of the original artwork remains. The stained glass windows still bear the names of the French-Canadians who donated to build them. Even the large organ remains. Though unused, it stands as a testament to the building’s history.
However, some significant changes occurred. The most drastic was a 180-degree shift in orientation. The dome above the altar is now a large lobby. What was once a small entrance is now an intimate stage for rock bands. Plush chairs replaced the pews. The sanctuary now seats about 500 people.
The Reservoir Church’s roots trace back to the Jesus Movement of the late 1960s. The Vineyard, an independent church association, grew out of this movement and officially incorporated in 1982. In 1998, the Cambridge/Boston Vineyard formed.
A few young people affiliated with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship noticed many of their friends weren’t churchgoers. Polling data showed only 3% of Cambridge residents attended church. Yet many were spiritually interested. The Vineyard’s creation aimed to provide a safe, non-judgmental place for worship.
The church first met in the Central Square YWCA. It then moved to school auditoriums and gyms. Within five years, the Vineyard accommodated 700 weekly worshippers in three services in a high school gym. In 2005, they moved to this more permanent location. They even opened a second branch in Boston’s South End.
The Reservoir Church is a dynamic, multi-ethnic, inclusive, Jesus-centered faith community. Around 400 to 500 people attend weekly services and programs. The church hosts 30 community groups. It is involved in many local and global partnerships.
The Reservoir Church strives to inspire people to discover God’s love. It also wants to show the joy of living and the gift of community. The Reservoir Church embraces diversity. Its congregation is inter-generational and multi-ethnic. It seeks to be inclusive of all people.
The Reservoir Church also has a cutting-edge approach. It focuses on Jesus and the Kingdom of God. It offers various programs. These include exercise and ESL classes. There is also a marriage/dating course and music lessons. Volunteers run these courses for the community.
Reservoir Church stands as a testament to the evolving nature of faith. It shows community and adaptation. From its origins as a French-Canadian parish to its current role. Reservoir Church continues to serve as a spiritual home for many in Cambridge and beyond. Its story is a reminder that buildings, like beliefs, can transform to meet the needs of a changing world.