First Church of Christ (New London, Connecticut)

Last updated
First Church of Christ
First Church of Christ Congregational Church, New London, Connecticut.jpg
The church in 2020
Religion
Affiliation Christian
Ecclesiastical or organizational status Destroyed
Location
Location New London, Connecticut
Geographic coordinates 41°21′18″N72°05′49″W / 41.3551°N 72.0969°W / 41.3551; -72.0969
Architecture
Architect(s) Leopold Eidlitz
Style Gothic Revival
GroundbreakingMay 28, 1852
Completed1853
Construction costUS$28,000
DestroyedJanuary 25, 2024
Specifications
Capacity1,100
Spire(s)1
Spire height150 ft (45.7 Meters)

The First Church of Christ, also called the First Congregational Church, was a Gothic Revival-style church located in New London, Connecticut. It was completed in 1853, designed by Prague-born architect Leopold Eidlitz. [1] This large granite edifice featured a tall central spire, rising in three stages and topped by a gold ball, typical of significant buildings in Prague. The central bell tower was flanked by two lower towers with pitched roofs. The church occupied a prominent position on Union Street, across from the City Hall, and anchoring the Downtown New London Historic District. [1] [2]

Contents

The building is no longer standing, due to a sudden loss of structural integrity. Its steeple completely and almost instantaneously collapsed at 1:30 pm on January 25, 2024. [3] Demolition of the rest of the building was completed the following week. [4]

History

The building traced its history to a congregation originally formed by early settlers to New London in the 1600s. [5] The prior meeting house was built in 1786 but was damaged by fire in February, 1848. The congregation then commissioned Eidlitz to design a new structure. [6] [7] Construction took place in 1850-1853, and the building was dedicated in July 1853. [6]

In 1876, a bell was installed in the church tower. The town of New London used the bell as a fire alarm and as a way to call people to meetings. [5] In 1975, an annex building was added to the rear of the church. [3]

By the early 2000s, the church was serving free breakfast on weekday mornings. [8] They also held remembrance services for homeless people from the area who had died. [9]

In 2011, Engaging Heaven Church began using the space for their services. In 2015, the building was sold for $250,000 to Engaging Heaven Church. The original congregation had a shrinking number of members and no longer had sufficient funds to maintain the building. The two congregations continued to share use of the building. [10] [11] A few years later, part of the building's roof was replaced. [8]

Steeple collapse

The church's steeple collapsed on itself and on the roof of the church at 1:30 pm on January 25, 2024, destroying much of the building. The only person in the building was the church office manager who was able to evacuate without sustaining injuries. [5] [12] [13]

New London's Mayor Passero told the press that the building was likely a complete loss, as the structural soundness of the remainder could not be determined. [13] According to initial reports, church and city leadership had not seen any previous structural issues with the church. [12] [13] The building's most recent fire inspection had been in 2019, during which three minor violations were found and fixed. [3]

However, as far back as 1851, the original architect had warned of a structural issue with unsatisfactory masonry work. From the 1930s until the actual collapse, the top of the steeple had moved 19 inches. [14]

In 2011, a condition report on the building was conducted but the team did not have a structural engineer involved. The photos included in that 2011 report identified areas of water infiltration through failing sections of the slate roof, and stress fractures in the exterior granite mortar. [15] That report identified cracks in the masonry and issues with roof flashing. In total, about $700,000 in repairs and upgrades were needed, some of which applied to the exterior fabric of the building but were not subsequently addressed or monitored. Prior to that date, steel tie rods had been inserted to re-enforce sections of the tower walls. [16]

Architects, engineers, and preservationists have been studying images of the church in order to speculate about the cause of the collapse and to identify risks to other similar structures. [17] The possible explanations for the collapse include masonry deterioration, rusting of the metal tie rods, and foundation failure. [17] [18]

The structure likely suffered from a long period of deferred maintenance. At the moment of the collapse, the tower tipped backwards over the roof of the church, suggesting that the weakness was at the back of the tower. [17] Signs of displacement in the NW buttress and deformation in the roof framing have been identified through close retrospective analysis of photos captured prior to the collapse. [14] At the front of the tower, there were deficiencies in water drainage from the balconies that ran on either side of the spire, next to the left and right side towers, allowing water to infiltrate. [14]

Environmental conditions that may have aggravated structural weaknesses include: high levels of ground saturation from a recent rainfall with a record-breaking four inches falling on January 9, 2024, compounding subsidence and other water infiltration and drainage problems; repeated damage from freeze-thaw cycles; and vibrations from pile driving for building the wind energy infrastructure at the nearby State Pier. [19] [20] However given the solid bedrock at the church's foundation, it is more likely that the original faulty masonry aggravated by unaddressed water infiltration was the cause.

In response to the collapse, Connecticut College evacuated their nearby dormitory Manwaring Hall. Subsequently it was found that the collapse of the church damaged the retaining wall of Manwaring Hall. [21] On the day of the collapse, the authorities in New London closed City Hall and a post office in an effort to prevent traffic near the site. [5]

It was determined that the remainder of the structure could not be saved. [22] Demolition on the church began on January 26, 2024, [23] and was completed on February 1. [3] [4] The bell and the organ were also destroyed. The 1970s annex building remains but has been condemned. The rubble from the church remained on site awaiting an environmental assessment. [8] The City of New London placed a lien on Engaging Heaven Church for the expense of securing the site after the collapse and subsequent complete demolition, which cost nearly $250,000. [24] Six months after the collapse, plans were underway to sell the site to a housing developer. [25]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Windsor Avenue Congregational Church</span> Historic church in Connecticut, United States

The Windsor Avenue Congregational Church is a historic church at 2030 Main Street in Hartford, Connecticut. The brick Romanesque Revival-style church building, completed in 1872, now houses Faith Congregational Church, whose lineage includes the city's oldest African-American congregation, established in 1819. The church is a stop on the Connecticut Freedom Trail and was listed on the United States National Register of Historic Places in 1993.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Walnut Hills United Presbyterian Church</span> Historic church tower

Walnut Hills United Presbyterian Church is a historic church tower in the Walnut Hills neighborhood of Cincinnati, Ohio, United States. The last remnant of a landmark church building, it was designed by a leading Cincinnati architect and built in the 1880s. Although named a historic site a century after its construction, the building was mostly destroyed after extensive neglect caused restoration to become prohibitively expensive.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Preston City, Connecticut</span> United States historic place

Preston City is a village and the original town center of the town of Preston, Connecticut. The core of the village around the junction of Old Northwest Road and Route 164 is designated as the Preston City Historic District, a historic district that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The district is located along Old Shetucket and Amos Roads, which, prior to the 1930s, were major thoroughfares.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">First Congregational Church of Cheshire</span> Historic church in Connecticut, United States

The First Congregational Church of Cheshire is a historic church at 111 Church Drive in Cheshire, Connecticut. Built in 1827, it was designed by David Hoadley and is a prominent local example of Federal period architecture. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. The congregation is affiliated with the United Church of Christ.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">South Congregational Church (New Britain, Connecticut)</span> Historic church in Connecticut, United States

The South Congregational - First Baptist Church or "South Church" is a historic church at 90 Main Street in New Britain, Connecticut. It is a large brownstone Gothic Revival structure, located at a central intersection in the city's heart. The building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1990. The congregation was established in 1842, and was merged with First Baptist Church of New Britain in 1974.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Avon Congregational Church</span> Historic church in Connecticut, United States

The Avon Congregational Church is a Congregational Church building at 6 West Main Street in Avon, Connecticut. Built in 1819 for a congregation founded in 1754, it is a high-quality example of Federal period architecture, and one of the finest works of architect David Hoadley. The building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972. The congregation is affiliated with the United Church of Christ.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Goffstown Congregational Church</span> Historic church in New Hampshire, United States

The Congregational Church of Goffstown is a historic Congregational church building in the center of Goffstown, New Hampshire, United States. It is a member of the Conservative Congregational Christian Conference (CCCC).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Evangelical Baptist Church (Laconia, New Hampshire)</span> Historic church building in New Hampshire, United States

The Cake Theater is a historic building on Veterans Square in Laconia, New Hampshire, United States. Built in 1836 and extensively restyled in 1871, it is a fine 19th-century building, illustrating adaptive alterations made over time to reflect changing uses and tastes. The building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1985.[1]

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Congregational Church (Berlin, New Hampshire)</span> Historic church in New Hampshire, United States

The Congregational Church is a historic church building in Berlin, New Hampshire. Built in 1882, it was the community's first church building, and is a prominent local example of Stick/Eastlake Victorian architecture. The building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. The congregation is affiliated with the United Church of Christ.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Enosburg Congregational Memorial Church</span> Historic church in Vermont, United States

The Enosburg Congregational Memorial Church is a historic church on Boston Post Road in Enosburg, Vermont. Built in 1820 and expanded fifty years later, it is a prominent example of ecclesiastical Italianate architecture. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2001.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Congregational Church-Grand Isle</span> Historic church in Vermont, United States

The Grand Isle United Methodist Church, formerly the Congregational Church—Grand Isle, is a historic church in Grand Isle, Vermont. Built in 1853–54, it is a well-preserved local example of Greek Revival architecture and the town's oldest surviving church building. Originally built for a Congregationalist group, it is now home to a United Methodist Church congregation. The church was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2001.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fourth Congregational Church</span> Historic church in Connecticut, United States

The Fourth Congregational Church, also known historically as the Horace Bushnell Congregational Church and now as the Liberty Christian Center International, is a historic church at Albany Avenue and Vine Street in Hartford, Connecticut. The church building was built in 1913-14 using parts of an older Greek Revival church, and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982 for its architecture and role in local historical preservation efforts.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Plymouth Congregational Church (New Haven, Connecticut)</span> Historic church in Connecticut, United States

Plymouth Congregational Church, also known as Plymouth Church or Temple Keser Israel, is a former late-nineteenth-century Congregational Church at 1469 Chapel Street in New Haven, Connecticut. The church, a fine example of Romanesque Revival architecture, was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1983. The church is a notable example of an adaptive reuse, having been converted into a synagogue and medical office building.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">West-Park Presbyterian Church</span> Church in New York City

West-Park Presbyterian Church is a Romanesque Revival Presbyterian church located on the corner of Amsterdam Avenue at 86th Street on the Upper West Side of Manhattan in New York City. It consists of a main sanctuary and chapel.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">St Leonards-on-Sea Congregational Church</span> Church in East Sussex, United Kingdom

St Leonards-on-Sea Congregational Church is a former Congregational church in St Leonards-on-Sea, part of the town and borough of Hastings in East Sussex, England. Considered "one of the most ambitious Nonconformist buildings in Sussex", the sandstone building of 1863 forms a significant landmark on one of the Victorian resort's main roads—despite the loss of its copper spire in the Great Storm of 1987. Unlike most churches of its denomination, it did not join the United Reformed Church when that denomination was formed in 1972. It fell out of religious use in 2008 and had stood empty and was at risk of demolition. English Heritage has listed the building at Grade II for its architectural and historical importance. Bought by a new owner in 2012 it was almost completely renovated, but was then sold again in 2019. The new owner originally planned to open the church to the public as an arts and antiques centre with a cafe in the tower. After 5 years carefully and painstakingly renovating the building to its original glory, the lower church hall was finally re-opened to the public on 6 April 2024 as an indoor Saturday Market selling vintage and collectable items. The new owner now plans to open the main 'Great Hall' upstairs as a registered wedding venue by July 2024.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">St Luke's United Reformed Church, Silverhill, Hastings</span> Church in East Sussex , United Kingdom

St Luke's Church is a United Reformed church in the Silverhill suburb of Hastings, a town and borough in East Sussex, England. The congregation was originally independent before taking up Presbyterianism, and worshipped in a private house from its founding in 1853 until a permanent church was provided in 1857; this was one of the oldest Presbyterian places of worship in southeast England. The growth of the community has resulted in several extensions since then, and severe damage caused by the Great Storm of 1987 was quickly repaired—except for the loss of the building's distinctive spire. The church, along with most other Presbyterian congregations, joined the United Reformed Church when that denomination was formed in 1972. It is one of four United Reformed Churches in the borough of Hastings.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">First Congregational Church of Litchfield</span> Church in Connecticut, US

The First Congregational Church of Litchfield is a congregation of the United Church of Christ in Litchfield, Connecticut, USA, occupying a historic building on the Litchfield green.

First Congregational Church of Guilford is a United Church of Christ congregation in Guilford, Connecticut.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">First Congregational Church (Farmington, New Hampshire)</span> Historic church in New Hampshire, United States

The First Congregational Church is a historic church at 400 Main Street in Farmington, New Hampshire. Built in 1875 for a congregation founded in 1819, it is the oldest church building in the town, and a distinctive example of Gothic Revival architecture designed by New Hampshire native Frederick N. Footman. The church was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2018, and the New Hampshire State Register of Historic Places in 2017. The congregation is affiliated with the United Church of Christ.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Congregational Church of Plainville</span> United States historic place

The Congregational Church of Plainville is a historic church building at 130 West Main Street in Plainville, Connecticut. Built in 1850, it is one Connecticut architect Henry Austin's significant church designs, exhibiting a mix of Carpenter Gothic and Romanesque features. It was built for a congregation formally organized in 1839 that is now affiliated with the United Church of Christ. The church was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2012.

References

  1. 1 2 "Downtown New London National Register District Nomination Form" (PDF). npgallery.nps.gov. 1978-10-19. Retrieved 2024-01-25.
  2. "Downtown New London Historic District, New London City, New London County, New London, CT, 06320". www.livingplaces.com. Retrieved 2024-01-26.
  3. 1 2 3 4 Gendreau, LeAnne; Fortuna, Angela (2024-01-26). "Historic New London church to be completely demolished after steeple collapse". NBC Connecticut. Retrieved 2024-01-27.
  4. 1 2 Smith, Greg (February 3, 2024). "Time Lapse: Demolition of New London's First Congregational Church". The Day. Retrieved February 3, 2024.
  5. 1 2 3 4 "Historic church collapses in downtown New London". Connecticut Public. 2024-01-25. Retrieved 2024-01-26.
  6. 1 2 Jacobs, Kenneth Franklin (2005). "Leopold Eidlitz: Becoming an American architect". University of Pennsylvania Scholarly Commons. pp. 153–155. Retrieved 2024-01-27.
  7. Ruddy, John. "Collapsed spire was an instantly recognizable part of New London". www.theday.com. Retrieved 2024-01-27.
  8. 1 2 3 Muszynski, Justin (2024-01-26). "Demolition of historic church in New London to be complete by early next week". Hartford Courant. Retrieved 2024-01-27.
  9. Goode, Christine Dempsey, Matthew P. Knox, Steven (2024-01-26). "Remainder of collapsed New London church will be demolished". New Haven Register. Retrieved 2024-01-27.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  10. Young, Colin A. (September 23, 2014). "Iconic church in New London getting a new owner". www.theday.com. Retrieved 2024-01-27.
  11. Ganley, Shaun (2024-01-26). "Stone steeple of New England church collapses". WCVB. Retrieved 2024-01-26.
  12. 1 2 "Steeple of historic Connecticut church collapses, no injuries reported". AP News. 2024-01-25. Retrieved 2024-01-26.
  13. 1 2 3 LaBella, Josh (2024-01-25). "Steeple collapses at New London's First Congregational Church". CT Insider. Retrieved 2024-01-26.
  14. 1 2 3 Bell, Mike (April 14, 2024). "A Slow Motion Topple: Steeple Collapse in New London, CT". Bell's Engineering Ideas and Commentary. Retrieved June 3, 2024.
  15. Silver Petrucelli and Associates (December 2, 2011), First Congregational Church in New London: Comprehensive Condition Analysis and Fiscal Needs Assessment (Draft Report) (PDF)
  16. City of New London (January 26, 2024). "News and Notices: 66 Union Street Church Collapse Documents". City of New London. Archived from the original on February 2, 2024. Retrieved March 10, 2024.
  17. 1 2 3 Ostroff, Jeff (February 1, 2024). "Church steeple collapse in New London, CT". Engineering Tips: Engineering Disasters and Failures Forum. Retrieved February 2, 2024.
  18. Bell, Mike (February 1, 2024). "Church Steeple Collapse: Caught on Video and Simulated in 3D". Bell's 3D Analysis. Retrieved February 27, 2024.
  19. Langeveld, Martin (January 30, 2024). "How a church collapse in New London relates to Pittsfield". Berkshire Eagle. Retrieved February 1, 2024.
  20. Leavenworth, Jesse (January 31, 2024). "New London church collapse spotlights need to preserve CT's historic houses of worship, advocates say". CT Insider. Retrieved February 2, 2024.
  21. Penney, John (April 23, 2024). "Manwaring owner threatens lawsuit related to collapsed New London church". The Day. Retrieved June 3, 2024.
  22. Dempsey, Christine (January 26, 2024). "Remainder of collapsed New London church will be demolished". CT Insider. Retrieved February 2, 2024.
  23. Sobel, Evan (January 27, 2024). "Demolition continues following church collapse in New London". WFSB Eyewitness News. Retrieved February 2, 2024.
  24. Pitts, Amanda (20 February 2024). "Costs for New London church collapse near $250K; city places lien on property". NBC Connecticut. Retrieved June 3, 2024.
  25. Hajdasz, Luke (July 11, 2024). "Apartments planned for site of collapsed New London church". WFSB Eyewitness News Channel 3. Retrieved July 20, 2024.