First Baptist Church of Gilmanton
a.k.a. Lower Gilmanton Church
Province Rd./NH 107, .25 mi. N of Stage Rd., Gilmanton, NHThe First Baptist Church of Gilmanton is significant under Criterion C in the area of architecture as one of the finest Greek Revival-style churches in Belknap County. Built in 1842 to replace an earlier meetinghouse, the First Baptist Church was modeled on the Northwood Congregational Church, which was built just two years before. It is therefore a good example of a common design practice of the day, the copying with some modifications of an admired nearby building. The First Baptist Church has an extremely well-preserved exterior, that differs little, save for minor details, such as the belfry louvers and the front landing, from its original appearance. The interior has been more thoroughly remodeled and now represents the taste of the late 19th century and early 20th century. The building's architectural importance rests primarily on its fine exterior. The church uses a traditional form, a gable-roofed main block, with one gable end serving as the main facade, and a two-stage belfry tower astride the roof above the main facade. The symmetrical main block is ornamented by wide corner pilasters, paneled window and door frames, and a heavy box cornice with architrave and frieze. The main block has a temple-style front, with four pilasters supporting a pedimented gable. The two-stage tower, composed of cubical forms, is ornamented by pairs of pilasters flanking the belfry openings, and an interesting belfry cornice with a small pediment on each side. The symmetry and good proportions of the composition and the well-crafted ornament give the building dignity and grace that ranks it among the best churches in Belknap County. of the twelve churches still standing in Belknap County that were built or remodeled in the Greek Revival style, all in the period from 1831 to 1854, the First Baptist Church ranks among the most sophisticated and most successful examples. Only three other Greek Revival churches in the county compared to it for architectural merit. And they all represent quite different approaches to the design of a Greek Revival style church using the traditional church form. The distinctive and excellent design of the First Baptists Church makes it one of the county's best Greek Revival churches. Also on the property are the horse sheds, built in the 1880s, and now the best-preserved church horse sheds in the county. (Although owned by a religious institution and used for occasional religious services, the church is eligible under Criteria Consideration A as it is architecturally significant. The period of significance is the period of construction for the church and the horse sheds.)
Local significance of the building:
Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1989.
About National Register Listings
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
The first public library in the United States was established in Peterborough, New Hampshire, in 1833.
About Belknap County
Belknap County Timeline
Belknap County, located in the state of New Hampshire, has a rich history that dates back centuries. The area was originally inhabited by the Abenaki Native American tribe before European settlers arrived in the 17th century. It was named after Jeremy Belknap, a prominent clergyman and historian of that time.
In the early years, Belknap County was primarily a farming community with settlements spread across the region. The area experienced some level of conflict during the French and Indian War in the mid-18th century, as well as during the American Revolutionary War. However, it remained a relatively remote and undeveloped area until the arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century.
The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century transformed Belknap County, opening up new opportunities for trade and commerce. The county saw a significant increase in tourism as people from nearby cities began visiting the lakes and mountains in the region, attracted by its natural beauty. This led to the development of resorts and hotels, further boosting the local economy.
Belknap County continued to grow and evolve into the 20th century. The county became an important center for manufacturing, with industries such as textiles, paper mills, and shoe manufacturing playing a significant role in the local economy. Over time, the county also expanded its educational and cultural institutions, establishing schools, libraries, and museums to serve the growing population.
Today, Belknap County remains a thriving part of New Hampshire, known for its scenic beauty, outdoor recreation opportunities, and thriving communities. While agriculture and manufacturing have seen decline, the county has diversified its economy to include sectors such as healthcare, tourism, and service industries. Belknap County continues to honor its history while embracing modern development, ensuring a bright future for its residents and visitors.
In the early years, Belknap County was primarily a farming community with settlements spread across the region. The area experienced some level of conflict during the French and Indian War in the mid-18th century, as well as during the American Revolutionary War. However, it remained a relatively remote and undeveloped area until the arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century.
The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century transformed Belknap County, opening up new opportunities for trade and commerce. The county saw a significant increase in tourism as people from nearby cities began visiting the lakes and mountains in the region, attracted by its natural beauty. This led to the development of resorts and hotels, further boosting the local economy.
Belknap County continued to grow and evolve into the 20th century. The county became an important center for manufacturing, with industries such as textiles, paper mills, and shoe manufacturing playing a significant role in the local economy. Over time, the county also expanded its educational and cultural institutions, establishing schools, libraries, and museums to serve the growing population.
Today, Belknap County remains a thriving part of New Hampshire, known for its scenic beauty, outdoor recreation opportunities, and thriving communities. While agriculture and manufacturing have seen decline, the county has diversified its economy to include sectors such as healthcare, tourism, and service industries. Belknap County continues to honor its history while embracing modern development, ensuring a bright future for its residents and visitors.
Belknap County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Belknap County, New Hampshire.
- 1790: Belknap County was established on December 22, 1790.
- 1823: The first county courthouse was built in Meredith.
- 1840: Laconia, the largest city in the county, was incorporated on February 23, 1840.
- 1842: The Belknap County complex, including the current courthouse, was completed in 1842.
- 1855: The railroad arrived in Belknap County, contributing to its economic growth.
- 1868: The Laconia Car Company, a major employer, was founded in Laconia.
- 1973: The Gunstock Mountain Resort opened in Gilford.
- 1995: The Belknap Mill, the oldest unaltered brick textile mill in the United States, was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.