Emmanuel Church's Effects on The Surrounding Neighborhood
The area surrounding Emmanuel Church may seem beautiful and elegant today but back when it was built, this church was the very first building on all of Newbury Street. Since then, it has influenced and been influenced by its surrounding area. The church's most notable neighbor, Boston Public Gardens, was put together right around the same time as Emmanuel and connects the Back Bay neighborhood to the oldest park in America, Boston Commons. The church is one of the only surviving buildings on its block and stands out as a relic of Back Bay's historic past.
Few places have comparable beauty to Boston Public Gardens. It is the perfect place to walk to get one's mind in the right place for Sunday services. It has often been referred to as the bridge to Back Bay but, in the context of my project, it seemed to me as a frame to Emmanuel Church. Having been created around the same time, both landmarks stand as the most vibrant ink that has remained from the original layer of Back Bay's palimpsest.
It struck me that just down the street from Emmanuel Church was the also stunning Church of the Covenant. This church also has aspects designed by Tiffany & Co. and is also considered an important landmark in Boston. Since it was built only 5 years after Emmanuel, I was shocked to hear that the churches have never had a dispute. In fact, my tour guide told me that the organizations have their own aesthetics and are rather amicable because there is no fear of member poaching. Both places seem to have destinct roles to play in their community.