First Church of Christ
Driving to explore Lancaster, it was easy to see where the center of town has been for generations. Anchoring the broad common is the stately First Church of Christ, whose graceful dome rises above the surrounding landscape and serves as one of the town’s most recognizable landmarks. Built in 1816 and designed by renowned architect Charles Bulfinch, the church reflects the Federal style and the importance of the meetinghouse in early New England life.
The congregation itself dates to the earliest years of Lancaster’s settlement, and earlier meetinghouses stood on or near this site. For centuries, the church and the common formed the heart of the community, where residents gathered not only for worship but also for civic affairs and important events. In many ways, the arrangement embodies the classic New England village pattern, with church, common, and public buildings creating a shared center for community life.
Some towns reveal their history immediately. In Lancaster, the church and common make it clear that this has long been the center of town, preserving much of the character and appearance that have defined the community for more than two hundred years. Today, the First Church of Christ remains one of Lancaster’s architectural treasures and a visible link to the town’s colonial and early American past.
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Lafayette’s Visit
One of the most unexpected stories we uncovered during our visit to Lancaster centered on one of the most beloved figures of the American Revolution. Inside the Historical Museum at the Thayer Memorial Library hangs a large banner proclaiming: “Welcome La Fayette. The American Eagle in triumph shall wave its pinions of glory to welcome […]
Prescott Building
Exploring Lancaster, I came upon the Prescott Building, one of the town’s most important civic landmarks. Standing prominently near the town center, the stately brick structure reflects the pride and sense of community that characterized early twentieth-century New England. With its classical proportions, white pilasters, and formal entrance, the building conveys a sense of permanence […]
Thayer Library
Another impressive building in the center of Lancaster is the Thayer Memorial Library. During our tour, we learned that the institution’s roots extend far beyond the beautiful structure that stands today. The town’s first library organization, known as the Lancaster Library and later the Lancaster Social Library, was established in 1790. In 1862, residents voted […]
