Architectural History
The first recorded worship gathering of Episcopal Christians in Hopkinton was in 1803. They began in folks homes, and then in the old court house, as “Christ’s Church”. In 1926, the present worship building was built, and the name “St. Andrew’s Church” was taken by the community. With many adaptations across two centuries, this space still serves us well for our central act of worship.
For a more expansive journey through these adaptations, have a look at this Visual History of St. Andrew’s Worship Space, a slideshow in PDF format for easy viewing.
Below are photos of two of our most recent physical arrangements for worship.
No known depictions exist of the original configuration of our altar space, which we understand from church records to have had at a minimum an altar and reading desk. Pictured above is at least our second configuration, which was constructed between 1865-68. Anchor points for the counter-weighted oil chandeliers (lowered for lighting & re-filling) are still visible in the attic.
This arrangement of the nave (our third at the least) was completed in 1919. In addition to a wholly reconceived aesthetic of color and shape behind the altar and including the ceiling itself, this adaptation also created a “chancel” space three steps up from the main floor, and within that a “sanctuary” space enclosed by an altar rail. This configuration additionally introduced the pulpit and more formalized seating for liturgical leaders.
