Saints
Vartanantz Armenian Church
Reverend Father Khachatur Kesablyan, Pastor
History
History of
Saint Vartanantz Armenian Church
By l908, a courageous group of Armenian women realized the need
for an organized Armenian community and started a women's social organization.
In l9l0, the first Ladies Aid Society was established with primary hopes of
building a church. In l9l3, with the help of the Armenian men of the community,
a building committee was formed. This committee raised enough funds to purchase
a small parcel of land on Lawrence Street in Lowell. Their dream of building a
church was finally realized in l9l6 when the Saints Vartanantz Armenian Church
was consecrated, making it one of the first Armenian churches built in America.
Set high on the property , the church was a small brick building with an
Armenian architectural bell tower. For nearly 60 years, this edifice was the
center for all Armenians and served the spiritual, social, educational, and
cultural needs of the Greater Lowell Armenian community.
As the Armenian community continued to grow, parishioners
began to move to other areas of Lowell and the church began to explore the
possibilities of expansion. Under the pastorship of the Very Reverend Father
Ghevont Samoorian, the parish decided to move from the site in the city to a new
location in a nearby suburb. The new site consisted of a private school building
located on l6 acres of land in Chelmsford, Massachusetts overlooking the hills
of southern New Hampshire. In l974, the parish moved into the new building and
began their vigorous fund-raising campaign. A new building committee was
established, and architect was hired, and construction of the new sanctuary
began in l976. During construction, church services were held in many different
locations of the attached school complex, including the gymnasium and library.
Finally in June of l978, the Saints Vartanantz Armenian
Church of Chelmsford, Massachusetts was completed and the consecration
ceremonies were performed by His Eminence, Archbishop Torkom Manoogian.. The
architectural design of the church is a replica of the old "Cathedral of Ani" in
Armenia and is referred to as "Little Ani" by its parishioners. After a major
modernization and renovation in l990, the complex now consists of the church
sanctuary, the parish offices, a pastor's study, numerous classrooms, a kitchen
a library, Ghourgoian Dining Room, Kazanjian Memmorial Ballroom, and a large
outdoor area for picnics and social events.
The Saints Vartanantz Armenian Church of Chelmsford is a
tribute to the many dedicated, loyal and energetic men and women who unselfishly
devoted their time, their tireless efforts, their souls for the love of their
Armenian faith and tradition. The church is a testament to their devotion and
strong will. With their continued allegiance and service it will thrive, prosper
and flourish into the next century
®Saints
Vartanantz Armenian Church NavorianWebDesign
Saints
Vartanantz Armenian Church
By l908, a courageous group of Armenian women realized the need
for an organized Armenian community and started a women's social organization.
In l9l0, the first Ladies Aid Society was established with primary hopes of
building a church. In l9l3, with the help of the Armenian men of the community,
a building committee was formed. This committee raised enough funds to purchase
a small parcel of land on Lawrence Street in Lowell. Their dream of building a
church was finally realized in l9l6 when the Saints Vartanantz Armenian Church
was consecrated, making it one of the first Armenian churches built in America.
Set high on the property , the church was a small brick building with an
Armenian architectural bell tower. For nearly 60 years, this edifice was the
center for all Armenians and served the spiritual, social, educational, and
cultural needs of the Greater Lowell Armenian community.