The Many Lives of a Former Church
Ever been told “Head on down that way until you come to where the old (fill in the blank) used to be and turn left?” This sometimes epitomizes finding your way around Holliston. In the 1860’s, the Baptist Church was on the corner of Washington and Charles Streets. The building, a stunning example of church architecture, served its congregation well until the Great NE Hurricane of 1938. High winds toppled its huge steeple
With the Depression gripping the nation and World War II looming, the church rebuilt the chapel-sized structure that we see today. Eventually, the congregation grew, and a larger church was built on High St. in the 1960’s, where it is today.
From its religious roots, the former church building then became The Colonial Pharmacy, remaining through to the mid ’80’s. If you needed something medical, this was where to get it. The Studio D Hair Salon got its start in the basement before moving up Washington St. beside Hill’s Clocks, where Condon’s Hardware used to be.
Thayer Pharmacy next bought the building and thrived until it moved to Central St. where Russell’s Market used to be. Starting in the ’90’s, a series of banks occupied the spot where the old church (or pharmacy) used to be. Both the Bank of America and TD Bank came and went over the years.
Presently, this busy spot is about to welcome the Holliston Dental Associates. This office has outgrown its current location at 859 Washington St., where Dr. Bartlett’s dental office used to be. It plans to complete renovations and move in by late spring or early summer. The dental practice offers a full spectrum of dental care.
Holliston sends well wishes in the new location where the old Baptist church used to be.
9 Comments
Baptist church
Love the article, especially the “where—- used to be” Brings back lots of fond memories. Thank you. We missed out on the original steeple, but all the rest we remember having here in 1958. Jackie
Love this! Someone, it may have been Bobbie, said to me years and years ago: “In Holliston, your house won’t be your house until you move. That’s how it works here” Thank you for capturing that Holliston idiosyncracy in such a fun and informative article!! Nicely done, Ken!!
Terrific thumbnail Hollyrock history nugget! Thanks, Ken
So many memories wrapped up in this article. Thank you.
Great concept for an article. Enjoyed it very much..and learned something.
Nice article Ken. My friend Pete Carradona owned Colonial Pharmacy and lived on Heritage Way. Still keep in touch with him in Maine
The soda fountain at the pharmacy is where I got my first Razzberry Lime Rickey. Eventually the soda fountain moved to St. Mary’s teen center, I think when it became Thayer which must have been around 1970. Thanks Ken
Thanks to Joanne Hulbert. No cancel culture with her and her memory. Greatly appreciated Joanne.