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Main St. 129 31B-266 First ChurchesSketch Map Draw a map showing t, Tu 0., Mao Recorded by: Helen P. Whitham Organization: First Churches Capital Campaign Committee Date (month / year) : May /2009 I f F1 he ]e r[l Won (arty. Assessor's Number USGS Quad Area(s) Form Number DOS Town: Northampton, MA Place (neighborhood or village) : Downtown Northampton Historic District Address: 129 Main Street Historic Name: First Church of Christ, Congregational Uses: Present - Church Original - Church Date of Construction: 1878 i Source: Daily Hampshire Gazette Style/Form: High Victorian Neo- Gothic Architect/Builder: Peabody and Stearns, Boston, MA Exterior Material: Longmeadow Brownstone Foundation - Granite Wa11/Trim - Brownstone rockface w /smooth trim Roof - Vermont Black Slate Outbuildings /Secondary Structures: None Major Alterations (with dates): 2048: New slate roof w /insulation under the ratters. Interior Sanctuary telling and walls replaced. Interior walls restored to original color schemes. Interior wall stenciling restored following original 19`s century design. Condition: Goad Moved gno ❑ yes Date Acreage: Less than one acre Setting: 75 foot frontage with distance of 30 feet from street W y /.� } a Follow Massachusetts Historical Commission Survey Manual instructions for completing this form. Jr 02 >,Yy -p h-Suw c �fecr�tcriJ�!/ze G�a��u>wrr�uea -ltfi April 10, 2009 Rev. Peter B. Ives Senior Minister First Churches 129 Main Street Northampton, MA 01062 Dear Rev. Ives: The Massachusetts Historical Commission is pleased to recognize the restoration of the First Churches Meetinghouse with a 2009 Massachusetts Historical Commission Preservation Award, Bruce Kriviskey, AIA, nominated this project. The Massachusetts Historical Commission sincerely appreciates all efforts to preserve the Commonwealth's valuable historic properties. The restoration of the First Churches Meetinghouse is a project that demonstrates a commitment to historic preservation that goes well beyond what is nonnally expected. It is for this significant achievement that this project was selected to be honored this year at the Massachusetts Historical Commission's 31" Annual Preservation Awards ceremony. On behalf of the Massachusetts Historical Commission, I applaud this outstanding contribution to historic preservation. Details about the ceremony at the Massachusetts Archives Building will be forthcoming. Once again, congratulations. Sincerely, WILLIAM FRANCIS ALVIN Secretary of the Commonwealth Chairman, Massachusetts Historical Commission xc: Bruce Kriviskey, AIA Barbara Blumenthal, Chair, Northampton Historical Commission BUILDING FORM ARCHITECTURAL DESCRIPTION X see continuation sheet Describe architectural features. Evaluate the characteristics of this building in terms of other buildings within the community. The Fifth Meetinghouse on the north side of Northampton's Main Street was conceived in the urban environment of the 1870's. Its simple yet dominating tower, deep brown stone, and firm clean lines reflect the Beaux Arts eclecticism of the High Victorian Era; the Peabody and Stearns building also states the American emphasis on craftsmanship and materials -- simplified yet dignified. The 19th century builders who constructed the Meetinghouse used mainly materials indigenous to Western Massachusetts, most notably the Longmeadow brownstone that gives it its distinctive color. The exterior of the building is constructed entirely of stone with a slate roof. The foundations are granite and above the water table the walls are Longmeadow brownstone. The tower and spite are built entirely of stone. A continuation of the aesthetic of the exterior, the interior reflects the Victorian demand for craftsmanship and beauty. When entering the sanctuary from Main Street, the warmth of the whole building is expressed by space and light; the many colors of light reflected in the stained glass windows and the warm beauty of the cherry pews. Ten iron columns support the roof. From the top of each column rises a wooden pillar which supports the side arches. The ceiling is finished in spandrels and arches with heavy cross beams extending from side to side. Gothic arches HISTORICAL NARRATIVE A see continuation sheet Discuss the history of the building. Explain its associations with local (or state) history. Include uses of the building, and the role(s) the owners /occupants played within the community. The history of First Churches is as old as the history of Northampton. There have been five Meetinghouses since the First Meetinghouse for The First Church of Christ in Northampton was built in 1654, the year Northampton was settled by English Puritans. Jonathan Edwards preached in the Second Meetinghouse. The Third Meetinghouse was built during the period of Edward's "Great Awakening" (in 1737) to accommodate the rapidly increasing congregation and the number of people flocking to Northampton. Responding to an ever increasing need for a larger building, the Fourth Meetinghouse was completed in 1912. Designed by Asher Benjamin, the building became one of the finest examples of church architecture in New England. After the Fourth Meetinghouse was destroyed by a severe fire in 1876, the Boston architectural firm of Peabody and Stearns was hired to design the Fifth Meetinghouse. BIBLIOGRAPHY and /or REFERENCES ❑ see continuation .sheet Keyes, Donald. The First Church of Christ in Northampton; A Centennial Celebration ofthe Fifth Meetinghouse 1878 -1978. Northampton. 1978. Peabody and Stearns Original Construction Drawings. Boston Public Library. Helen Searing, Professor Emeritus of Art and Architecture, Smith College. ❑ Recommended for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. If checked, you must attach a completed National Register Criteria Statement form. INVENTORY FORM CONTINUATION SHEET Town Property Address NORTHAMPTON 129 MAIN STREET MASSACHUSETTS HISTORICAL COMNIISSION MASSACHUSETTS ARCHIVES BUILDING 220 MORRISSEY BOULEVARD BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02125 ARCHITECTURAL DESCRIPTION (cont.) Area(s) Form No. springing from the top of the iron columns extend to the outer walls. Arches are carried from column to column the length of the building. The sanctuary floor is "bowled" rising two feet from the pulpit to the vestibule. The pews curve as they approach the pulpit. It is estimated that 1000 people can be seated in the sanctuary. The many large colored glass windows are made of leaded colored cathedral glass. All are of elaborate design. On the west wall is the window titled "The Stream of Life" (1899) signed by L.Tiffany. The organ., built by Ernest M. Skinner, is situated directly back of the pulpit and presents a full front of displayed decorated pipes. The clockworks are owned and maintained by the city of Northampton. Built by E. Howard and Co. of Boston, enameled in green and gold and weighing 1,600 pounds, they sit in a glass case below the steeple. "The church is an outstanding example of the creativity and originality connected with the Gothic Revival for it is not so much a revival as an interpretation of 13th century architecture in 19th century terms. In contrast to much 1870's architecture, the building is basically monochrome but it is polytextural, for the rockfaced texture of the brownstone walls is contrasted with the smoothly cut brownstone trim. There are some intensely glowing Tiffany windows and the interior as a whole is extremely rich. Slender iron columns support exposed timber beams and the whole is generously stenciled in the deep colors Victorians loved." Helen Searing HISTORICAL NARRATIVE (cont.) The First Churches Meetinghouse, built in 1878, appears on the National Register of Historic Places within the Downtown Northampton Historic District and sits on what has been traditionally called "Meetinghouse Hill ". An integral part of Northampton's history, the Meetinghouse is noted with a historic kiosk as a major point of interest on Historic Northampton's Walking Tour. In the spring of 1988, the First Church of Christ in Northampton and the First Baptist Church of Northampton joined to become one church family, believing that they could better serve the community by combining resources. From that time onward, they have been known as "The First Churches ". Like the original structure "built for the towne" in 1654, the current First Churches Meetinghouse has been used for worship and community gathering. These two functions remain the primary focus of First Churches and the Fifth Meetinghouse, a fully handicapped accessible building, has become a unique space used for a multi -faith worship, public forums and cultural events, and human service outreach. The Meetinghouse historically acted as a building open to use by all, and although Northampton is no longer a town with a common central religion, First Churches has endeavored to uphold the original intent of those who constructed the Meetinghouses over a period of 350 years. Preserving Ni .Meetinghouse FIRST CHURCHES' RESTORATION PROJECT The Need It happened on Tuesday, March 13, 2007. A large section of plaster came crashing down from the ceiling of the historic main hall (sanctuary) of First Churches of Northampton. The heavy debris filled two entire pews where only days earlier, parishioners had worshipped. It was our extreme good fortune that no one was injured in this unforeseen event, but.after several meetings with structural engineers and the City Building Inspector, the Board of Trustees came to the difficult decision that the sanctuary would have to be closed. This closure effects not only out own congregation of 250 local citizens; but tens of thousands of individuals to whom we open our doors, and our hearts, seven days a week, 365 days a year. Every day out sanctuary is host to educational and life - affirming programs for children and adults from all walks of life, as well as vital life - sustaining programs for the disadvantaged among us, including those challenged with addiction and illness. It is our pride and our mission that First Churches has, historically, been the place to which people from all over the Pioneer Valley turn in times of need and crisis. With the ability to hold 1,000 people (850 seated), no other facility in our community is as flexible, able, and willing to quickly respond to large groups. This has been evidenced time and again over the course of our nearly three- hundred -year history, the most recent example being September 11, 2001 when our sanctuary was filled to capacity with area residents who spontaneously gathered to mourn, protest and commune in a place that has traditionally been the heart and soul of Northampton.. We must find a way to do the repair work necessary to reopen our sanctuary. This vital Northampton resource faces a strong chal?enge; we need your help to preserve it, and help it to thrive in the service of our community. A Community Resource In early New England history, one of the purposes of the Meetinghouse was "to discern the mind of the town," and that tradition continues today at First Churches. Our sanctuary is used for community forums, public lectures and art & music events. Every year, it is the largest venue for First Night Northampton, hosting extravaganzas such as The Langston Hughes musical `Black Nativity" (which has been mounted six times.) Our sanctuary is a focal point in the campaign against domestic violence, and began playing this role long before the issue was championed by mainstream culture. For seven consecutive years, First Churches has worked together with the American Friends Service Committee to present educational programs and celebrations for the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on the day of his commemoration. We also have a " long history of hosting authors and scholars. Nationally renowned author Tracy Kidder's first public reading of his book "Home Town" took place in out sanctuary. And the annual national conference on Eighteenth Century pastor, scholar, and one of our own leaders, the Reverend Jonathan Edwards, takes place every year at First Churches, bringing together scholars from all over the world. The diversity represented in any given week at First Churches includes the full rainbow of our community. At least 35 organizations currently run programs. These include: the Homeless Resource Group; the Scottish Country Dancers; the Hampshire Choral Society; Yoga Classes; Prison Book Register of Historic Places and are an integral component of the Northampton Downtown Historic District. When entering the sanctuary from Main Street, you are greeted by the many colors of light reflected in the stained glass windows and the warm beauty of the cherry wood pews. On the left is the -- glorious Louis Tiffany stained glass window called the "Stream of Life." The organ, built by Ernest M. Skinner, one of the leading organ builders in the United States, was presented to the congregation in 1936 at the time of the l congregation's 275f Anniversary. Every Sunday our Church Choir sings and is often joined by our Bell Choir and Children's Choir. Sunday School children also attend and participate in worship services. Two other congregations use our downstairs chapel: The New Covenant Church, which serves a largely African American congregation, and the Iglesia Evangelica Bautista which provides service in two languages, Spanish and Quechua. Vision Our vision is to bolster our capacity to serve the people of the greater Northampton area by fully restoring the beautiful and historic vessel that has carried us so well, for so long. With a safe and properly restored Meetinghouse, we can resume supporting the approximately1,400 people we have currently been serving. Conversely, the consequences of no longer being able to provide these services would be devastating. First Churches believes in the principle of the Good Samaritan - -there is no other place where the doors are open to all, day in and day out. And, time and time again, Northampton chooses this building as the place to gather, often with very short notice, to hold a community vigil or memorial service. The Capital Campaign To restore the Meetinghouse, we must undertake a capital campaign. We will begin the campaign by embracing our own "family"— our congregation and those who benefit most directly from our facility. It is important that we provide these individuals within the First Churches community an opportunity to give out of love and appreciation for all the good that has and will continue to take place within our sanctuary. And it is vital that we demonstrate to the larger community our own deep and abiding commitment to the future of our Meetinghouse. Our capital campaign will be equally a community endeavor. We will seek the support of businesses, trusts, foundations, and historic commissions in the larger Pioneer Valley as well as area residents. We are reaching out to our larger community to ask for help in continuing the "Meetinghouse" tradition, which has been such a foundational component of our historic and contemporary presence here in Northampton. With broad -based support, First Churches will be able to continue the tradition of opening our entire facility, including the sanctuary, to the forums, lectures, outreach services, and public events that form the basis for true community life. And, through the process of restoring our sanctuary and Meetinghouse, we will be stronger than ever, and able to continue in what has been a proud history of worship and community service. November 20, 2007 Renovations to First Churches 129 Main Street Northampton, Massachusetts Construction Timetable: Roof Replacement: The existing slate roofs at the Sanctuary and Social Hall are 120 years old. Both roofs have multiple areas where shingles and flashings have deteriorated to the point where weather and water infiltration are causing damage to the interior building ceilings, walls and trim. A roof inspection and report was undertaken by BPD Roof Consulting, Inc. in April 2007. The conclusion of this report is to replace these roofs. Additional roof areas adjacent to the Social Hall and at the Administration Wing also need work. BPD Roof Consulting, Inc. was hired in October 2007 to provide design services, bidding and construction supervision for installation of new roofs. The construction documents necessary to receive bids for the roof work will be ready in January of 2008. The bid documents will be set up so that the primary bid (base bid) will be for the work on the Sanctuary. Other roof areas will be set up as Alternates which can be accepted by the Church as finances allow. A contract will be negotiated with a roofing contractor in late winter and roof replacement should start in April. Roof construction should be complete by July 2008. Construction Timetable: Sanctuary Ceiling Replacement: The existing plaster ceilings and several areas of wall within the Sanctuary have been damaged by water infiltration from the poor condition of the roof. It has reached a point where plaster has fallen on the pews at several locations. For this reason, the Sanctuary has been closed to the public. Architects Inc. of Northampton, Massachusetts was retained in May of 2007, and submitted a Report to the Church regarding the extent of damage and proposed options to rectify the ceiling problems. Of the options presented, the Church chose to remove all of the original plaster ceiling, insulate the rafters and install a new gypsum wallboard ceiling with veneer finish. Structural repairs and wall repairs and refinishing would be done at the same time. Architects Inc. was hired in November 2007 to provide design services, construction documents, bidding and construction supervision for the Sanctuary ceiling renovations. Bid Documents will be complete in January 2008. Bids will be received and a contract negotiated with a contractor simultaneously with the roofing work. Work will start in March 2008. Staging setup will take approximately one month. Actual ceiling demolition can begin in April and run contiguous with the roofing work in order to uncover any structural damage, which can thus be attended to from inside and out. It is expected that the ceiling replacement work will take six months from start to finish. Completion is expected in late August of 2008. FIRST CHURCHES BUILDING RESTORATION PLAN ROOF Sanctuary $487,498 Remove existing slate roof and replace with new Lyman Hall 161,600 slate in keeping with the historical integrity of Parlor 98,290 the building. Offices 21,000 $768,403 DORMER WINDOWS RESTORATION - $80,000 8 windows - stained glass and woodwork SANCTUARY CEILINGS $576,515 Remove all plaster on central and two side ceilings; insulate the attic with foam to prevent warm/cold fluctuations with ice darn buildups on edges of the roof. Put up drywall (sheetrock). Includes staging. STAINED GLASS WINDOWS $30,000 Silas Smith window and two side windows. Restoration by complete removal and releading. (Cost of staging not included.) ORGAN PIPES $51,300 Dismantling & Storage $21,300 Cleaning & Reassembling $30,000 Includes cost of staging. ARCHITECTURAL & ENGINEERING SERVICES ROOF Inspection report $7,253.06 Structural engineer report $1,000.00 Design drawings & site inspection $48,185.00 SANCTUARY CEILING Site investigations & estimating $4,050.00 Asbestos survey $575.00 Design drawings $34,594.00 PROJECT MANAGEMENT SERVICES $6,400.00 CAPITAL CAMPAIGN FUND COSTS $150,000.00 Counsel/coordinator /grant writer /feasibility study Sub Total $1,758,275.00 CONTINGENCY (20 %) 200,000.00 TOTAL COST $1,958,275.00 I I! il■ ■ f# Il■ Il! I! ■ Il! Ili I ■■ I! ■ • e I!■ Il■ � I! ■ Il■ 3 ■! [ il■ \\ I! � I!! I l! r♦ •' • 111 +rr �i ■1 � • ` \�` 1er I!■ ir! ❖; � i ■Y S � ``� Il■ ! ■ RMIS � * rr � mm ♦�f IMME ME i■■ I!. 1 LLA 11 co w Mn111F � fJJ IX Page 1 of 1 chuckipeg whitham From: "hsearingearth link. net" <hsearing @earthlink.net> To: <Pete rB lves@ao 1.com> Sent: Wednesday, November 14, 2007 2:25 PM Subject: statement on First Church Dear Peter, This is what I have come up with, at a rather far remove from your beautiful building. You may edit it and tweak it as you see fit. I hope I have done First CHurch justice. "First Church is one of the handsomest buildings in downtown Northampton. It enhances and anchors Main Street with its soaring spire. Its rugged walls of quarry-faced brownstone speak of integrity and strength. Inside, its presence is gentler; the colorful sanctuary, its curves a surprise within the rectilinear envelope, welcomes the visitor with warmth and grace. In my opinion, the interior of First Church constitutes the most breathtaking space in [the Pioneer Valley] [western Massachusetts] [the neighborhood] and merits strenuous efforts at restoration and preservation. [Pls choose one of the phrases enclosed in brackets] The architects, Robert Swain Peabody (1845 - 1917) and John Goddard Stearns (1843 -1917) [Peabody & Stearns] were, according to Karl Putnam, who in the 1940s taught architecture at Smith College and designed many houses in Northampton, "the most important arbiters of building taste after [Henry Hobson] Richardson" [the acknowledged dean of late nineteenth century American architecture, who died in 1886]. They created for Smith College its first ensemble of buildings, including the charming College Hall, demonstrating as at First Church their knowing admiration of Gothic architecture and transforming it for new purposes in the New World." I can work on this some more; I just wanted to get something off to you as soon as possible. I wish you every success in your heroic endeavor to save the building. Fond regards, Helen 112310$