Christ Church, Episcopal church in Cambridge, Massachusetts
Christ Church is an Episcopal church in Cambridge built in Georgian style, featuring a wooden frame structure supported by granite foundations made from ballast stones at Zero Garden Street. The building preserves its original colonial-era architectural details, with carefully maintained woodwork and stonework that reflect the craftsmanship of the 1760s.
The congregation formed in 1759 from members of King's Chapel and built this structure between 1760 and 1761 to serve Harvard College students. During the American Revolution, the original organ was melted down for bullets, marking a pivotal moment when the building's contents were repurposed for the war effort.
The church served as a gathering place for Harvard's community during the colonial era, reflecting the close ties between the university and religious life. Visitors can observe how this space shaped the social connections of the early college years.
The church holds regular services and welcomes visitors to walk through and view its preserved interior spaces and architectural features. Plan your visit during posted hours, as access may vary depending on services and special events.
The building experienced temporary closure during the Revolutionary War period after its organ was melted for bullets. This event demonstrates how the church's resources became directly tied to the military struggle of that era.
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