History Meets Community
Roxbury Presbyterian Church, a stunning Victorian Gothic church designed by John C. Spofford in 1891, has been a landmark in Roxbury for over a century and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Built from rough-hewn Roxbury puddingstone and pink granite, the church’s asymmetrical shape and soaring bell tower make it a standout in Roxbury’s skyline. We were honored to take on the challenge of designing much-needed updates to the church while preserving its historic character.
Location
Roxbury, MA
Client
Roxbury Presbyterian Church
Size / Area
13,500 SF
Awards
Massachusetts Historic Commission Rehabilitation & Restoration Award
Preserving a National Treasure
The exterior preservation efforts, funded by the Massachusetts Historical Commission, included:
- a new slate roof
- repointing of stone masonry
- repair and replacement of historic doors
- stained glass restoration
- conservation of architectural woodwork
In addition, accessibility was improved by regrading the sidewalk, redesigning the stairwell, and adding a new wheelchair lift for easy access to all floors.
– Reverend Hurmon Hamilton, Former Pastor of Roxbury Presbyterian Church
“God blessed you to design what existed in all of our hearts… we worship together inside a design that has become a reality. For all you have given, sacrificed and offered over the years to make this miracle a reality—I say from the bottom of my heart… thank you! I pray that all this together will make it possible for some church, somewhere, to be blessed with the gift of your presence.”
A Refreshed Interior
Inside, we gave the high-vaulted sanctuary a beautiful refresh, complete with new hardwood floors, restored pews, a renovated altar, and new lighting in the upper level. We also added an administration suite, thoughtfully designed with a glass wall for visual continuity.
A Space for Connection and Service
The lower level of the church was reimagined to house community activities. At its heart is a large multi-purpose space with roll-up doors and movable partitions, perfect for after-school programs, nursery and Sunday school classes, teen ministry and church meetings, and social gatherings. A lift was added to the existing stage for universal accessibility.
The central space is lined with a computer center and program offices, and a new commercial kitchen serves the church and its social programs.
The renovation also tackled structural upgrades, replaced all systems, and fixed a water penetration issue.
