Article July 26, 1924 Issue

Among the Churches

Current Notes

Cambridge, Mass. (First Church).—The readers of the Tribune have noticed the erection of a building at the corner of Waterhouse and Follen Streets facing upon the Common, and various comments are being made. It is generally known that this is the edifice of First Church of Christ, Scientist, which now holds services in Brattle Hall. One critic expressed the view that the work was being done in too expensive a manner; but a member of the church replied that they are trying to have the work done as well as possibly can be done so as to avoid expense in the future. Another critic said that it seemed rather an ambitious project for so small a congregation. The reply to that was that the members were looking to a long period of future service and have wished to offer the best possible hospitality to those who, for example, come here seeking an education, who may likewise be interested in the answer which Christian Science offers to many human questionings.

Being situated in proximity to the buildings of Harvard University, it seemed necessary that a design for this church should be harmonious with the general design of these buildings. Consequently, brick and limestone were chosen for the materials, and the design selected was colonial. When the building is completed it will somewhat resemble the library building of the University of Virginia, with a dome of similar design.

The church is now finished externally up to the stone belt course, which is sixteen feet above the sidewalk level. The auditorium when completed will have a sloping floor; and for the present this floor will be used as a roof for the Sunday school room, which is a circular room sixty-five feet in diameter with an average height of sixteen feet. It is expected that this room will be occupied for a time for services, and that the entire sub-basement, together with the Sunday school room itself and other rooms connected therewith, will be ready for occupancy sometime in September. In this large room fourteen slender columns support the center vaulted dome whose under surface is lined with a sound-absorbing masonry material, light gray in color. The room will be well lighted by six large windows, each six feet square.

Send a comment to the editors

NEXT IN THIS ISSUE

Article

Notes from the Publishing House