Sandwich, New Hampshire

Nestled in the picturesque town of Sandwich, New Hampshire, the Community Church of Sandwich stands as a testament to the town's rich history and architecture.

Location Added By:

Tom Riley (GoXplr Account)

About This Location

Nestled in the picturesque town of Sandwich, New Hampshire, the Community Church of Sandwich stands as a testament to the town's rich history and architectural evolution. If walls could speak, this church would surely have captivating tales to narrate, dating back to the late 18th century.

Historical Evolution

The Community Church of Sandwich commenced its journey as a quintessential 18th-century meetinghouse. Completed in 1792 under the watchful eyes of Ezekiel French, it embodied the era's architectural ethos. However, as decades rolled by, the church went through transformative phases. In 1847, it was relocated southwest towards the primary crossroads, reduced in size by four feet, and metamorphosed into a Greek Revival church. Come 1862, the church was adorned with a bell and an elegant spire. This very spire underwent a revamp in 1925, with J. Randolph Coolidge overseeing its reconstruction in the Colonial Revival style. A modern touch was added with the installation of an electric clock.

Today’s Vibrant Congregation

Today, the Community Church of Sandwich breathes life into the Sandwich community as an active Christian congregation. Those seeking solace and spiritual rejuvenation can join the worship sessions held every Sunday at 10 am, starting from May and throughout the summer months.

A Journey Back in Time: The Rural Cemetery

Just a stone's throw away, behind the church on Church Street, lies the Rural Cemetery. Predating even the establishment of the Baptist Church in 1792, this ancient burying site is a poignant reminder of the town's ancestors. The oldest known burial, marked by a humble fieldstone in line with the customs of that era, belongs to Ruth Tappan Abbott, who departed in 1785. However, her resting place isn't the only one. Hundreds were buried before the church even graced the landscape, their fieldstone markers now mere whispers of their former selves, bearing silent testimony to 300 years of New England's ever-changing climes.

A Prestigious Recognition

Earning a spot on the National Register of Historic Places is no small feat. The Community Church of Sandwich proudly finds its name under the Center Sandwich Historic District, an honor conferred by the National Parks Service on December 22, 1983. This inclusion, reference number 83003997, recognizes the church's significant contribution to our nation's cultural fabric and architectural heritage.

Visiting Today

For modern-day explorers, ample parking awaits, with roughly two dozen spots right in front of the church. Additional parking is conveniently available along Main Street. If photography is your passion, then visiting during autumn is a must. The church, against the backdrop of New Hampshire's breathtaking fall foliage, promises a visual treat.

In sum, whether you're a history buff, architecture enthusiast, or simply a traveler seeking unique experiences, the Community Church of Sandwich in Sandwich, New Hampshire, beckons with its rich past and vibrant present. Don't miss the chance to immerse yourself in this cultural gem!

Location Features

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Locations

Address:
12 Church Street, Sandwich, New Hampshire

GPS Coordinates:
43.808046, -71.439065
Directions to location:
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Directions to parking area:
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Parking Notes:
There are about two dozen parking spots right in front of the church. Additional parking can be found along Main Street.

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