Some of the stories in the Eye have made mention of the aesthetic appeal of the church building. What follows elaborates on this, and also includes a note about the historic significance of the building. Middletown looks to be on the verge of losing this structure, as it has lost many others. It seems appropriate, at the very least, to reflect on what it is we are losing.
From A Survey of Historical and Architectural Resources conducted by the Greater Middletown Preservation Trust (Middletown: GMPT, 1979):
Section 18. Historical or Architectural Importance: This building, consecrated in 1869, is the oldest church in the South Farms district of Middletown. It originally was Christ Episcopal Church, a branch of the Church of the Holy Trinity located on Main Street. The Heritage Congregational Church, the present owner [remember, this was written in 1979], obtained the property in 1965.
The structure is a good example of "carpenter Gothic." Steep roof lines and a distinctive bell tower characterize the building. The roof also displays gabled dormers, and a small chimney pot stands in front of the belfry. Beneath the tower, a small ell provides entrance to the nave. Like the small stained glass windows that illuminate the nave, the portal is Gothic-arched. It encloses the entranceway which includes tracery above the door. The church is decorated by stick-work, characteristic of this style.
Heritage Congregational Church, an important South Farms landmark, is reminiscent of an era when modest wooden churches were erected in the outlying city districts. Its distinctive, well-preserved appearance and conspicuous placement make it a visual asset to the neighborhood which has undergone significant transformation in recent years.
Also worth quoting is section 17, "other notable features". These are:
Stick-style belfry crowned by ornamental lightning rods
Severely pitched roof is supported by unusual wood braces
Finally, it should be noted that this description predates the modest wing that was added to the church in the 1990s.
The website for the current church congregation has a nice photograph of the building.
Who driving economic development at this corner? I have to ask? I ‘m try to look at the big picture of this 5 street intersection and what my opinion would benefit the area.Why not leave the church and develop the lot to the south. Design one parking lot that shares the parking in turn reducing the parking need for that corner. Would that be a better use of space? Why not put Walgreen on the opposite corner where there is blight vacant property. Combined the development with better housing for those how may be displaced, again developing a parking lot that shares space with the shop and shop plaza and small retail building. Let be real crazy and redesign the intersection with the cooperation a major developer. Make the intersection more user friendly for pedestrians. Add trees and street-scapes to soften the harsh commercial look and feel of the area. Doesn’t Walgreen’s want the potential foot traffic from the North. I think P&Z missed the big picture on this development. Just one man’s opinion, agree to disagree!
ReplyDeleteJohn Phillips
John, you really understand the importance of this church as a landmark. It not only signals the entry to downtown Middletown, it marks an important historic neighborhood center, once on the streetcar line. If that church is erased, that corner will be indistinguishable from any other corner at the edge of any downtown CT city. It won't be anything special at all. I consider this a great mistake and am hopeful another strategy can be developed.
ReplyDeleteI agree that we need to study that intersection and make more of its special qualities. We need to ask for better accommodations for those traveling without a vehicles through that corner. We have capable and enlightened city engineers, but we really need to express the need for equal treatment as bicyclists, pedestrians, and those traveling by other means.
I hope you'll come to the April 16 Plan Input Session to share more of your ideas for Middletown (6:30 pm Russell Library), hosted by the P&Z Commission.
Catherine, I will try my best to attend and offer what input I can.
ReplyDeleteJohn