Shiloh Christian Church in South Farms

Middletown is fortunate to have a wealth of distinctive architecture, much of which was constructed in the nineteenth century. One building of note, currently occupied by Shiloh Christian Church, is slated for demolition or removal. The congregation wishes to relocate to a larger lot further south along Saybrook Road. Previous stories in the Eye have focused on the deliberations in the P&Z commission and on the siting, parking lot, and drive-thru of the proposed Walgreens.

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.