Northfield Union Church

Northfield Union Church is a historic church on Sondogardy (also spelled "Sandogardy") Pond Road in Northfield, New Hampshire. Built in 1883, it is a fine example of modest Carpenter Gothic architecture, designed by Edward Dow, one of New Hampshire's leading late-19th century architects. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1984.[1]

Northfield Union Church
Church in 2010
Northfield Union Church is located in New Hampshire
Northfield Union Church
Northfield Union Church is located in the United States
Northfield Union Church
LocationSondogardy Pond Rd., Northfield, New Hampshire
Coordinates43°22′39″N 71°37′06″W / 43.37750°N 71.61833°W / 43.37750; -71.61833
Area2.3 acres (0.93 ha)
Built1883 (1883)
ArchitectDow & Wheeler
Architectural styleLate Gothic Revival
NRHP reference No.84003219[1]
Added to NRHPMarch 15, 1984

Description

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The Northfield Union Church is located in an isolated rural setting in southern Northfield, on the west side of Sondogardy Pond Road. It is a single-story wood-frame structure, with a gabled roof and clapboarded exterior. The main block of the structure is topped by an open belfry with trefoil arches in the openings, and a pyramidal roof that has a flared base. An enclosed vestibule projects from the front facade, with a gabled roof. A second extension projects to the rear, covered by a clipped-gable roof. The interior is simply organized, with the entry vestibule, main sanctuary, and vestry area at the back.[2]

History

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In 1882, a movement was started by O. L. Cross to build a church and hall to serve the southern portion of Northfield. To this end, an association was formed, and Charles E. Tilton, a textile mill owner, was invited to assist. Tilton drew up a document offering to pay for a substantial portion of the church if the town of Northfield would take ownership, provide money for the building's upkeep, and allow any congregations that so desired to meet there on Sundays free of charge. If more than one congregation wished to meet there, they would do so on a rotating basis. The town adopted a measure agreeing to these conditions, property was purchased near the Northfield Depot, and construction began. A dedicatory service was conducted at 2:00 pm on August 21, 1883. The building was used by Freewill Baptists, Congregationalists, Methodists, and Adventists.[3]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. March 13, 2009.
  2. ^ "NRHP nomination for Northfield Union Church". National Park Service. Retrieved 2018-02-05.
  3. ^ History of Northfield, New Hampshire 1780-1905, pp 50-54