January 7, 2025

Small World(s): Emmanuel and the Church of the Holy Spirit, Mattapan

Last Juneteenth some Emmanuelites attended the celebration at the Church of the Holy Spirit (CHS), Mattapan. Since that time, we discovered an essential connection between our church and CHS. In 1886, a generous gift of Annie Lawrence Lamb (1857-1950) enabled the founding of CHS which was dedicated to her father, Benjamin Smith Rotch (1817-1882). Benjamin Rotch was co-founder of the New Bedford Cordage Company and one of our church’s founding proprietors. He was a member of Emmanuel’s first vestry, one of the first convention delegates, and warden from 1880-1882. Appointed to the committee to obtain subscriptions for the building of the church in the 1860s, Rotch also served on the committee considering the enlargement of the church during the same period. Our Emmanuel website has wonderful descriptions of the family’s gifts, in particular, The Rotch reredos and communion table.

The Church of the Holy Spirit was completed in 1886 on land acquired by the Rotches who lived across the river in Milton. Annie Lamb led the construction efforts and her brother, architect Arthur Rotch (1850-1894), designed the building. The apse window stained glass was the work of Frederic Crowninshield, creator of our Emmanuel’s Land Window.

This description by the Society of Architectural Historians presents a few more details about the design.

We are gradually getting to know parishioners at the Church of the Holy Spirit and how they contribute to their communities. It has been a pleasure to attend their services and to learn more about their mission and ministries.