Sally Brickell, Author at NHCC

1905: Decision to replace first meeting house

June 14, 2022June 9, 1905 by Sally Brickell

In 1905 NHCC decided to replace its first meeting house, a wooden structure, with a larger stone building, at a cost of about $65,000. The last service in the first meeting house was held on April 30, 1905. During construction, NHCC held services at the Methodist church (now condominiums at 511 Hartford Street, Newton Highlands).

Cover of bulletin, 25th anniversary, with a drawing of the church

1872-1897: Founding, early years

July 1, 2022May 19, 1872 by Sally Brickell

In his King’s Handbook of Newton (1889), M. F. Sweetser describes the site of the Newton Highlands Congregational Church as “pleasant and commanding…at the intersection of two of the principal streets,” looking “benignantly over the drowsy hamlet.” Erected in 1876, it was important to the community as a place where “the people enjoy their harvest festivals and …