The First Church of Christ, Scientist

Back Bay

Revival Styles

Boston Landmark

Completed

Actively Engaged

42.344458, -71.084986

The First Church of Christ, Scientist, is a defining landmark in Boston’s Back Bay. Since acquiring the land in 1886, the Church has expanded to create the Christian Science Plaza, a remarkable 14-acre space. This plaza is the largest privately owned, publicly accessible open area in Boston, serving as an elegant setting for the historic Mother Church. The Mother Church itself, completed in 1894, is an architectural marvel, featuring a Romanesque Revival style. This was later complemented by a Neoclassical extension finished in 1906. Recognized as a Boston Landmark, the Mother Church has undergone meticulous preservation and restoration efforts to maintain its historical and architectural integrity. The most recent of these efforts, spanning eight years, was completed in 2023.

The initial phases of the project began with making the building watertight and bringing the electrical systems up to code while not interrupting the historic interior. In the next phases, the team addressed the deterioration that categorized much of the semi-domes, roofs, facades, and the cupola. To combat ongoing water damage, a unique terra cotta rainscreen system was devised for the semi-domes, seamlessly integrating modern enclosure techniques while preserving their appearance. Utilizing advanced digital modeling techniques, the team painstakingly reconstructed and replicated the intricate details of the cupola that had suffered cracking and spalling. Great care was taken to ensure that new elements seamlessly melded with existing components, resulting in a facade that not only preserved the building’s historic character but also enhanced its structural resilience. The final phase involved restoring the interior, which included meticulous repairs to stonework, tiles, and plaster. Additionally, the installation of a new elevator improved accessibility, breathing new life into the building.

The First Church of Christ, Scientist restoration project is a testament to technical know-how and a deep respect for history and the community. Despite the scale of the project, the church remained open for worship, allowing the Christian Science congregation to continue their practices uninterrupted. Using innovative techniques, the project ensured the building’s preservation for future generations to enjoy, reaffirming its significance as a cornerstone of Boston’s architectural landscape.

“All historic places are special, but some are so unique and extravagant that their care requires an exceptional level of stewardship,” says Alison Frazee, Executive Director of the Boston Preservation Alliance. “The expertise, dedication, and resources committed to the restoration of the Mother Church are laudable, and ensure that this incredible historic resource will be treasured for decades to come.”

Owner/Developer

The First Church of Christ, Scientist

Architect

Finegold Alexander Architects

Structural Engineer

Simpson, Gumpertz, & Heger (SGH)

General Contractor
Shawmut Design and Construction

Project Team
Altieri Sebor Wieber LLC

Angelini Plastering

ARUP

Atlas Technical

Best Paint