Jul. 26—WATERTOWN — As 235 N. Rutland went up in flames on Tuesday night, forcing its demolition two days later, a piece of the city’s spiritual history fell with it.
The apartment complex, at the intersection of North Rutland and Olive streets, was the original home of Emmanuel Congregational Church, now at 119 S. Hamilton St.
Nearly 150 years ago, the Rev. W.T. Stokes of Rodman Congregational Church was chosen to start the first Congregational church in the city. To help in the mission, a principal donation was received from First Presbyterian Church, with other contributions from local Episcopalians, Methodists and Baptists. The lot was purchased from Edwin Paddock.
The North Rutland Street structure was completed as a church in October of 1886 and dedicated a few months later. At the time, the population on the east/northeast side of Watertown was steadily growing. Emmanuel’s Sunday school enrolled 40 children at its opening, which increased to 150 students in six months.
According to Times files, the congregation outgrew the North Rutland Street site and ordered plans drawn for the new church at its present site. In June 1912, a contract was signed for the construction of the new building at a cost of $54,500 — about $1.9 million in today’s dollars. The structure, made of Pamelia limestone, was built at a rapid pace, and in September of 1913, the Rev. Dr. Rockwell Harmon Potter of Hartford, Connecticut, preached the dedicatory sermon. The Times called the structure, “Magnificent, built by popular subscription.”
From its inception, the church has been not only a house of worship, but a social service center as it serves people of all faiths.
On Sept. 15, 1913, the church published a classified advertisement in the Times: “For sale, cheap: Old Emmanuel church, corner of Olive and Rutland streets. Also, church pews in first-class condition. Good investment for tenement flat.”
When city fire crews arrived at the site at 9:31 p.m. Tuesday, heavy fire was seen in a rear stairwell entrance to an upstairs apartment. Fire had also spread to the attic. The fire prevented access to the attic, and as the fire progressed, firefighters were forced to go on the defensive. The structure sustained heavy damage and was deemed unsafe. City crews demolished it on Thursday and Friday.
On Friday, Watertown City Fire Department Deputy Chief Michael D. Kellogg said there was one “legally occupied” apartment in the structure, which was owned by Tyler Gray. But there was evidence of a few others staying there.
“Others weren’t there with the approval of the owner,” Kellogg said. “I don’t know what that scenario was. I just know they were there, essentially, without permission. It’s like similar structures within the city, which tries to secure them, but people break in.”
That has been an issue in Watertown and other communities.
“People seek shelter and they’re going to go where they can, legally or not,” Kellogg said. “It’s unfortunate, but it’s kind of a sign of the times right now.”
An Emmanuel church official said Friday that anyone impacted by the fire and who may need assistance because of it should contact the church at 315-782-2650. On the web: emmanuelchurchucc.org.