Mission Chapel
205 Summer Street
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The Mission Chapel is one of the oldest church buildings in Worcester and boasts a variety of historical associations. At the time it was built, pew rents were common and the Mission Chapel gave those that could otherwise not afford it a place to worship. It was erected in l854 by Ichabod Washburn, who designed and built the church for $14,000. It served German, Swedish, Armenian and French congregations.
In l966 it was returned to use by the Baptist Church. The Chapel has many interesting architectural features including the rectangular windows with lunettes to give the appearance of arched windows. It recalls many features of the Romanesque style of the eleventh and twelfth centuries.
Mission Chapel is the only historic structure to be spared during the construction of the Worcester Medical Center. It was purchased by a private individual who planned to convert it into a restaurant, but presently has it for sale. The owner owes significant monies in back taxes.