Centre Congregational Church
Province Rd., Gilmanton, NHThe Centre Congregational Church of Gilmanton is significant for its architecture, as it is a well-preserved and well-designed example of a late Federal-style church, the best of its kind in the region.
The plan and the elements of the Centre Congregational Church are not unusual for a late Federal church in New England. Indeed, the form of the church was a familiar one in the first three decades of the 19th century--a rectangular main block with a pedimented entrance pavilion centered on its gable facade, and a square belfry tower above. Usually, the pavilions were shallower than that of the Gilmanton church and the tower was set back at least partially onto the roof of the main block. But, there are a number of other churches with the same composition as that found in Gilmanton. Similarly, the elements of the building, such as the arched windows, flush boarding, the two-stage belfry, and its square convex roof, are typical of the period. Although the pairs of columns flanking the entry, and the recessed panel with carved swag above it are not as common, they were certainly not unique. The designer used the familiar forms and elements of the Federal style, but he used them with skill and confidence. The fine proportions and the judicious use of ornament make the church a distinguished building well worthy of recognition.
The church is strikingly well preserved. It may have been spared from modernization in the Victorian era by the decline in Gilmanton's population and the resulting economic limitations of the church's congregation. Whatever the cause, the church has survived virtually intact, and is now well maintained by a small but active congregation that appreciates its value. Save for the two chimnies, a pair of lamps and the railings flanking the entry, the exterior appears today as it did when completed in 1826. The interior has seen a few more changes, such as the removal of some pews and the partial remodeling of the pulpit. However, it still retains most of its original features, including the enclosed pews that have disappeared from so many early churches.
The Centre Congregational Church is easily the finest surviving Federal-style church in Belknap County and the Lakes Region. And, if one were to choose the best churches of its period in the State of New Hampshire, the Centre Congregational Church would certainly rank among them.
Local significance of the building:
The plan and the elements of the Centre Congregational Church are not unusual for a late Federal church in New England. Indeed, the form of the church was a familiar one in the first three decades of the 19th century--a rectangular main block with a pedimented entrance pavilion centered on its gable facade, and a square belfry tower above. Usually, the pavilions were shallower than that of the Gilmanton church and the tower was set back at least partially onto the roof of the main block. But, there are a number of other churches with the same composition as that found in Gilmanton. Similarly, the elements of the building, such as the arched windows, flush boarding, the two-stage belfry, and its square convex roof, are typical of the period. Although the pairs of columns flanking the entry, and the recessed panel with carved swag above it are not as common, they were certainly not unique. The designer used the familiar forms and elements of the Federal style, but he used them with skill and confidence. The fine proportions and the judicious use of ornament make the church a distinguished building well worthy of recognition.
The church is strikingly well preserved. It may have been spared from modernization in the Victorian era by the decline in Gilmanton's population and the resulting economic limitations of the church's congregation. Whatever the cause, the church has survived virtually intact, and is now well maintained by a small but active congregation that appreciates its value. Save for the two chimnies, a pair of lamps and the railings flanking the entry, the exterior appears today as it did when completed in 1826. The interior has seen a few more changes, such as the removal of some pews and the partial remodeling of the pulpit. However, it still retains most of its original features, including the enclosed pews that have disappeared from so many early churches.
The Centre Congregational Church is easily the finest surviving Federal-style church in Belknap County and the Lakes Region. And, if one were to choose the best churches of its period in the State of New Hampshire, the Centre Congregational Church would certainly rank among them.
Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1983.
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.