Creative Arts rents space from the First Congregational Church in Reading. The Town of Reading and its religious congregations are long established (mid 1600's) and this particular church is no exception. The current building (collegiate style architecture) was rebuilt in 1910 after an electrical fire, in 1909, destroyed the previous church (for more info, click here). Perhaps the fire must have inspired the use of stone masonry!
In 1957 the church built an expansion to create an education wing and small chapel. Our office, art and several teaching rooms are located in the expansion.
Needless to say, both buildings are pretty old. Despite leaky ceilings and windows, crumbling plaster and peeling paint, the years have left wonderful character! There are many pleasures working in a historic building:
The sound made from walking on old wood floors.
Beautiful, different woods used as functional pieces and ornamental structures.
Hand-crafted stained glass windows
The marriage of original structure with various additions.
Stained glass windows in strange places!
Discovering secret passages - you should find them!
Imagining those who walked the halls before us...and helped construct the building.
Finding quiet, serene beauty around each corner to calm us on hectic days.
It's a great place to work and, as you know, visit for classes and lessons. Next time you visit take a closer look at the building. Yes, it does need a face lift, but there is great beauty and life in character!
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