The church was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973.
It survived three major fires in 1902, 1916, and 1978, which left only the stone shell standing.
The building was intentionally spared from demolition when the Metropolitan Water Board acquired the town property to create the reservoir system.
The church was originally built to replace a wooden structure that burned down in 1890.
The reservoir provides water to the Greater Boston area, making the site part of a vital municipal water supply system.
The Old Stone Church is a Romanesque Revival landmark situated on the banks of the Wachusett Reservoir in West Boylston, Massachusetts. Built in 1892, it served as the First Baptist Church of West Boylston until it was decommissioned in 1902 to accommodate the reservoir's construction. The building is constructed of local granite with sandstone trim and features a prominent square bell tower. It remains one of the few surviving structures from the original town of West Boylston before the valley was flooded to create the reservoir. Although the interior is generally closed to the public for safety, the exterior is preserved as a site of historical significance. The surrounding park area provides scenic views of the water and the surrounding woodlands.
The shoreline directly across from the church, which captures the reflection of the tower in the reservoir.
Bring a pair of binoculars to view the wildlife on the reservoir.
Wear comfortable, sturdy shoes, as the terrain around the church is uneven and grassy.
Visit during the fall season to experience the foliage reflected in the reservoir water.
Do not attempt to climb or enter the fenced-off interior of the structure, as it is structurally unstable and trespassing is strictly prohibited.
The grounds are accessible year-round, but the interior is permanently closed to the public.
