Springfield in Hampden County, Massachusetts — The American Northeast (New England)

French Congregational Church

— Stop 1 • Springfield Experience Walk —

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 5, 2019

1. French Congregational Church Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

The French Congregational Church was built in 1887, the first place of worship in Springfield to accommodate the City's growing French Protestant population. The building's vernacular is a Victorian Gothic style of brick and Longmeadow brownstone, and it was built to accommodate 350 people. Many Springfield philanthropists came together to fund the building, including contractor Samuel Provost, who donated most of the building materials and labor.

In 1909, the congregation dwindled to 15 members with no minister, causing it to disband. Later, the building was used as an Italian Baptist mission and an African American Protestant church. Most recently it was the home of the First Spiritualist Church.

In 2016 the building was moved by MGM from its original location at 33 Bliss Street to its new location on Union Street.

Erected 2018.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Charity & Public Work • Churches & Religion. A significant historical year for this entry is 1887.

Location. 42° 5.918′ N, 72° 35.137′

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W. Marker is in Springfield, Massachusetts, in Hampden County. Marker can be reached from Union Street south of Main Street, on the right when traveling south. Marker is located in the MGM Springfield courtyard, near the northwest corner of the subject church. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: One MGM Way, Springfield MA 01105, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. First Spiritualist Church (within shouting distance of this marker); State Armory (within shouting distance of this marker); YWCA (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Howard Street School / WCA Boarding House (about 400 feet away); Theodore Seuss Geisel Was Born Here in 1904 (about 400 feet away); Burbach, Bangs, and McKinney Blocks (about 600 feet away); Union House / Chandler Hotel / Edisonia Theater (about 600 feet away); 95 State Street (about 800 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Springfield.

Regarding French Congregational Church. National Register of Historic Places #83004288

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Springfield Experience Walk

Marker detail: Church moved to current location in 2016 image. Click for full size.

Courtesy of Mark Murray

2. Marker detail: Church moved to current location in 2016

French Congregational Church Marker<br>(<i>wide view • church in background, behind trees</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 5, 2019

3. French Congregational Church Marker
(wide view • church in background, behind trees)

French Congregational Church (<i>view from Union Street</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 5, 2019

4. French Congregational Church (view from Union Street)

Credits. This page was last revised on October 24, 2020. It was originally submitted on July 14, 2019, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 162 times since then and 41 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on July 30, 2019, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.