Holy Trinity German “Church” Boston, MA
Parapets, tracery windows, arched apertures, and a pitched roof – Holy Trinity German Church was built in 1877, a mere 5 years after Trinity Church broke ground. Gothic Revival style and Carpenter Gothic style were popular in the mid-19th century. Replacing classical forms, medieval-like elements were incorporated in New England Cathedrals; they brought a European feel to American cities.
It’s an awe-inspiring experience: walking alongside one of these castles, allowing its massive stone doorway to completely engulf you and welcome you to an arcade of colored light, framed by 300 ft. tall, curved columns.
This experience is far from accidental; it is a moment that was intentionally designed to take our breath away – a moment created to make us feel small.
Its architectural elements, mixed with its use of grand materials and grand height, were chosen to give hierarchy to the city and chosen to house a being greater than ourselves.
Holy Trinity German Church permanently closed its doors in 2008 and the property was on the market for roughly 2.5 million dollars.
In an attempt to maintain respect for the Church, a great deal of restrictions were placed on the new property owners. These conditions disallowed certain, unorthodox activities from occurring on this lot. A number of programs were prohibited as well.
New luxury apartment units will be open in South End Boston Fall of 2016 in its place.
Is this structure still beautiful when it no longer represents an inconceivable reality? Is it a fraud? Have we not dismantled significance and power from this historical, architectural image? Is this the most appropriate response we can think of to comply to our needs in today’s society?