
First Church of New Salem (Former) - New Salem, MA
Posted by:
neoc1
N 42° 29.993 W 072° 19.890
18T E 719267 N 4708731
The Federal style former First Church of New Salem is located at 26 South Main Street in New Salem, MA.
Waymark Code: WM17T6H
Location: Massachusetts, United States
Date Posted: 04/01/2023
Views: 0
The former First Church of New Salem was constructed in 1794. In 1837 the building was rotated to face east and the steeple and belfry was added. After two other Congregational churches were build in New Salem and the building was converted to venue for town events. In 1984 the 1794 Meetinghouse Preservation Committee was formed and the church was converted into the present 1747 Meetinghouse, a performing arts center. (
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The building is three bays wide with entrances with 5 by 8 pane window
above at the first and third bay with and a 5 by 8 pane window at the central bay. Pointed arch louvers have been added to all windows. On the pediment is the date 1794.
Rising from the gable roof is a three sage steeple. The bottom stage is a square tower. The middle stage is a belfry with rectangular louvered windows. The steeple is topped with an octagonal spire with a weather vane.
The sides of the building are four bays deep. The first bay of each side has siding over the windows. All remaining bays have 5 by 8 pane double hung windows. Pointed arch louvers are located at the top of each bay.