The Church of the Open Word: Newtonville, MA
Cram and Ferguson Architects is working with The Church of the Open Word, Newton, Massachusetts on the design of Access Improvements, new Accessible bathrooms and restoration planning. Some of this work will help the church to apply for grant funding for Historic Preservation and to adapt the church for improved handicap access and restrooms.
The Church of the Open Word is one of the oldest Cram and Ferguson designs extant, having been designed by Cram in 1893. The design is remniscent of other Cram work of the same era such as the Phillips Church in Exeter New Hampshire. Cram was especially interested in developing a design that could be useful for a small Gothic village church and the setting on Highland Avenue in Newtonville village is well suited to the design.