Old West Church boston, MA
Built in 1806 by the West Boston Society to replace an earlier structure on this site, Old West Church is an outstanding example of Federal-style building in Boston. The church was the first major commission of noted Federal architect Asher Benjamin, ranking it among his most important buildings still in existence today. That said, Old West Church was among Benjamin’s most influential works, and was widely copied throughout New England during the nineteenth century.
Old West Church is individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and is actively used for worship and community outreach programs. The firm is currently engaged in an ongoing effort to stabilize the building envelope against water infiltration. A 2019 project funded in part by the Massachusetts Preservation Projects Fund involved restoring thirty-six windows at three of the church’s elevations. Repairs to the building’s iconic cupola and restoration of upper-level woodwork and trim are also underway, and have been generously supported by the City of Boston’s Community Preservation fund.