Overview
First Church Cambridge is located on the corner of Mason and Garden Streets, just down the street from the Sheraton Commander Hotel, across the street from the historic Cambridge Common, and a short walk from the Harvard T stop on the Red Line. The building is handicap accessible with ramps, an elevator, and handicap bathrooms. The lighting in the church is often bright during the day, but can be somewhat dim in the evening. For those with sensory sensitivities, it will be fairly loud at times during the concert, and possibly before the concert starts depending on how animated the audience is.
Parking and access by MBTA
There are two accessible parking spaces on Garden Street in front of the church. Remember that use of these spaces requires a disability plate or placard.
The closest T stop is Harvard Square. For those traveling by T, if you leave the station at the main exit into the heart of Harvard Square, cross Massachusetts Avenue directly across from the station and go right, following the street until the corner with Garden Street. Go left at Garden and stay on that street until you come to the corner of Mason Street.
You can also take the Church Street exit out of the Harvard T stop, which is at the corner of Massachusetts Avenue and Church Street. You will already have crossed Massachusetts Avenue underground, so from that exit, go right and follow the same path as above, crossing Church Street and the next corner is Garden Street. Go left there and stay on Garden Street until you come to the corner of Mason Street.
Accessible entrances
The primary accessible entrance is located the north side of the church at 11 Garden Street through the gate and past the playground. There is a push-button automatic door opener at this entrance. There are also two handicap accessible parking spaces on Garden Street in front of this accessible entrance.
Entrances via steps and walking
Audience members may use either the formal doors to the sanctuary located on Garden Street, or may use the accessible entrance at 11 Garden Street further from the corner of Mason and Garden Streets. The formal doors to the sanctuary have two uneven steps to enter the sanctuary where the performance is located and tickets and merchandise will be sold.
Restrooms
Accessible restrooms and water fountains are located closer to the 11 Garden Street entrance through the church sanctuary. There are five accessible, gender-neutral restrooms located on the same floor as the sanctuary, some located up a ramp past the Hastings Room and the kitchen.
There are also men’s and women’s bathrooms located via stairs on the second floor of the church.
Sanctuary
First Church Cambridge has traditional pew seating. Wheelchair users may speak with ushers about accessible seating, especially for those audience members who purchased priority seating tickets for the first several rows of seating.
There is also a balcony that cannot be accessed except via stairs located at the back of the sanctuary. The lighting in the sanctuary balcony is low and may cause difficulty for those who have visual impairments.
Weather conditions
On the weekend of June 1 and 2, we anticipate the weather will be sunny.