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Boston, Massachusetts Trinity Church 
Trinity Church’s origins can be traced back to 1733 and the establishment of the King’s Chapel by a group of Anglicans, which resulted in the first structure being completed in 1735. This building was destroyed in the Great Boston Fire of 1872. Following its destruction a new church and parish house was constructed from 1872 to 1877 to the design of Henry Hobson Richardson. Richardson’s design for Trinity Church incorporated a diverse use of materials which included intricate carvings and contrasting layers of sandstone, which was to set a new design format that was to become popular in American architecture. This was to become known as Richardsonian Romanesque style and was to become popular in public buildings and to be synonymous with solidity, texture, and visual appeal, something that was popular in public structures, such as libraries, courthouses, and city halls. Although its distinctive architectural elements, such as Romanesque heavy arches and rough stone construction, a clay roof, polychromy, and a massive tower became influential in church design nationwide. Built on ground that was originally a mud flat, the church required a foundation of some 4,500 wooden piles, which were driven through 30 feet of gravel fill, silt, and clay, these are constantly wetted to preventing rot. Built with a plan of a modified Greek Cross (a cross with arms of equal length) the four arms extending outwards from the central tower. The tower standing 64 m (211 ft) tall, underwent a Restoration Project in 2010, in order to ensure its structural integrity and to preserve and restore it. Throughout the 20th century, the Church underwent preservation efforts to maintain its architectural integrity and included the restoration of murals and the addition of modern amenities. Today, on entry, visitors are struck by the Romanesque Revival architecture with the tall, vaulted beautiful ceilings and the grand central tower soaring above, creating a spacious interior's design.  Around the sides it contains some intricate murals, and rich woodwork adding to the overall sense of grandeur. The elaborate stained-glass windows, something the church became renowned for, is one of the finest in the country and depict various biblical scenes and saints. It was created by John La Farge and Louis Comfort Tiffany and installed between 1877 and 1930.   At the far (East end) is the chancel which is where the Altar is located. The windows in the chancel, are by Clayton & Bell of London (1877-1878), and show scenes from the life of Christ.  The altar, produced in the 1930s by the Boston firm Maginnis & Walsh, is of marble with gilded decoration and decorated with intricate carvings and religious iconography. Its panels show the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove and the winged lion, symbolising Mark the Evangelist.  Located in the chancel, near the altar is the pulpit. This was created in 1914 as a memorial to Robert Treat Paine, the chairman of the original building committee, and given to the church by his children.  Located near the entrance of the nave is the Font, which is crafted in marble,  The church has two organs. The original organ dating from 1875 was located in the chancel although this proved unsatisfactory, so it was moved to the gallery. In 1903 a new organ was built for the chancel and both organs were made playable from a single console. Both organs have undergone rebuilding and refurbishing over the years. Today the Chancel organ is situated at the front of the church and is used to accompany the choir during services. It was constructed in 1963 and underwent a maintenance programme in 2007. The Nave organ is located at the rear of the church in the west gallery. This was built in 1926 and restored in 2019. It is used to support the congregation’s singing and participation in worship.  |
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All Photographs were taken by and are copyright of Ron Gatepain
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