Union Baptist Church (New Rochelle, New York)
History
Two different congregations compose the cultural heritage of the church. It was originally built by the predominantly white Salem Baptist Church congregation. The current congregation, Union Baptist Church, is one of New Rochelle's earliest black religious organizations.
The church was designed by architect Arthur Bates Jennings, who configured the building's interior using the Akron Plan, an open spatial arrangement that is seen in only a few Westchester churches today. His use of ceiling stenciling was also unique and this church is the only one in the county to possess such detailing.
On February 14, 2011 a 5-alarm fire ripped through the historic building, destroying much of the interior structure. The building was demolished a day after the blaze.
The congregation now worships in temporary premises a block away at 466 Main St. New Rochelle. Website: www.ubcnr.com
References
- ^ Union Baptist Church -Westchester County Inventory
- ^ "Historic Downtown New Rochelle" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2012-02-11. Retrieved 2012-04-22.
- ^ Historic Properties Listing - New Rochelle
- ^ "Multi-alarm Blaze at Union Baptist Church in New Rochelle" Caldwell, Sara. New Rochelle Patch. February 14, 2013
- ^ After the fire, the demolition Sound Shore. February 15, 2013. Accessed October 6, 2013
