“Federated United Methodist and United Church of Christ.” That’s how the United Parish of Auburndale describes itself. This historic church stands at 64 Hancock Street. It graces the Auburndale village of Newton Massachusetts.
The United Parish of Auburndale has a rich history. The Auburndale Congregational Church was established in 1850. Its main building was finished in 1857. Charles Edward Parker designed it. He was a local architect. The spire fell and was rebuilt in 1862. The nave was extended in 1878. That same year, the chapel was added. A porch appeared on the south side in 1880. The chapel grew in 1892. An office wing was added in 1950.
The United Parish of Auburndale is the oldest wooden church in Newton. It earned a spot on the National Register of Historic Places. This happened on September 4 1986. The Romanesque architecture is beautiful.
In 1980, the Auburndale Congregational Church united with the Centenary United Methodist Church. Together, they formed a federated union. Today, the United Parish of Auburndale affiliates with both the United Church of Christ and the United Methodist Church.
The church’s location is convenient. It is near Lasell University. The MBTA commuter rail and Greenline Subway are within walking distance. You’ll find the United Parish of Auburndale on the eastern corner of Hancock Street and Woodland Road. The front faces Hancock Street.
The building is a long single-story wood-frame structure. A gable roof and clapboarded exterior define it. A three-stage square tower rises from the front right corner. Round-arch Romanesque windows adorn the tower. A slate-roof steeple sits at the top. The main entrance faces Hancock Street. A large stained-glass round-arch window is above it. Pilasters articulate the window bays. Most windows have round-arch tops. Drip molding decorates the eaves and gable ends. The south side porch has elaborate Victorian details.
Inside, the sanctuary seats 400 people. The Parish Hall hosts receptions for up to 100. The education wing houses a religious education program. About 80 children attend. A welcoming nursery is also available.
The United Parish of Auburndale extends its welcome. It invites everyone to participate fully. This includes worship rituals and church work. The church embraces all sexual orientations gender expressions and identities.
Beyond services the United Parish of Auburndale engages in community work. They host fundraisers and service actions. They’ve previously hosted Alcoholics Anonymous meetings. The annual pumpkin patch fundraiser takes place in October.
The United Parish of Auburndale stands as a beacon. It welcomes all. It actively serves its community. It’s a testament to faith unity and inclusivity.