Church of the Open Word

The Church of the Open Word is a religious building combining Gothic Revival architectural features with textured stone exterior walls. The structure consists of an earlier wooden core with a later stone facade displaying pointed arches and decorative stonework.

A wooden chapel was first built in 1860 to serve the growing congregation. The current stone church with Gothic features was later constructed in 1893 as a replacement structure.

The church draws its name from a spiritual movement emphasizing personal growth through Bible study and reflection. You can sense here a focus on individual spiritual experience rather than strict doctrinal teaching.

The building is located in the Newtonville Historic District and remains accessible to visitors, though it primarily functions as a gathering place. Plan your visit for a day when community activities are scheduled to experience the interior fully.

The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1986, recognizing its importance to Newton's architectural story. This designation marks it as a significant part of the community's built heritage.