**Grace Episcopal Church: A Historic Landmark and Hollywood Star in *Salem’s Lot* 2024**  
*By [Wicked617.com], April 7, 2025*

Nestled at 160 High Street in Medford, Massachusetts, Grace Episcopal Church stands as a testament to both architectural brilliance and community spirit. Designed by renowned American architect H.H. Richardson and completed in 1869, this Gothic Revival masterpiece has long been a cornerstone of Medford’s history. In 2024, it gained a new claim to fame as a filming location for the latest adaptation of Stephen King’s vampire classic, *Salem’s Lot*, bringing its storied past into the spotlight of modern cinema.

A Rich Historical Legacy

Grace Episcopal Church’s origins trace back to the mid-19th century, a time when Medford was blossoming into a bustling suburb of Boston. The church’s cornerstone was laid in 1867, making it one of Richardson’s earliest works and his second church design—now the oldest surviving example since his Unity Church in Springfield was demolished. Known for its picturesque Gothic style, the church features a striking 90-foot steeple with a square base and octagonal spire, asymmetrical massing, and rough-cut glacial boulder walls accented with granite trim. A magnificent stained-glass window by artist John LaFarge adds to its artistic allure.

The construction process wasn’t without challenges. By August 1868, costs had exceeded the initial budget, threatening to halt progress. Fortunately, the Brooks family, prominent local benefactors, stepped in to cover the shortfall. Initially designated a private chapel under Episcopal law, the church was gifted to the parish in 1873 and consecrated by the Bishop of Maine. Since then, it has served as a spiritual home for generations, earning a place on the National Register of Historic Places.

Today, Grace Episcopal Church remains a vibrant, multi-generational community, welcoming all who seek connection and service. Its Gothic sanctuary, with its soaring arches and timeless charm, continues to inspire awe, whether during worship or community events like craft fairs, film screenings, and interfaith celebrations.

A Starring Role in *Salem’s Lot* 2024

In 2021, Grace Episcopal Church caught the eye of Hollywood filmmakers when Warner Bros. selected it as a key location for *Salem’s Lot*, a supernatural horror film based on Stephen King’s 1975 novel. Directed by Gary Dauberman and released on Max on October 3, 2024, this adaptation—the first feature-length film version of the story—follows writer Ben Mears as he uncovers a vampire infestation in his fictional hometown of Jerusalem’s Lot, Maine. The church’s hauntingly beautiful architecture made it an ideal stand-in for scenes requiring a sacred yet eerie setting.

Filming took place in Massachusetts to capture an authentic New England atmosphere, with Grace Episcopal Church serving as a pivotal location. While specific details about its on-screen role remain sparse to avoid spoilers, the church likely portrayed a sanctuary or a site of confrontation between the human protagonists and the undead, given its prominence in the production. The choice aligns with King’s narrative, where a church often symbolizes both refuge and vulnerability in the face of evil.

The production process wasn’t without hurdles. Announced in 2019, the film faced delays due to the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike and shifting distribution plans. Initially slated for a theatrical release, it ultimately premiered at Beyond Fest on September 25, 2024, before streaming on Max. Stephen King himself voiced frustration over the delays, but the final product showcased Grace Episcopal Church’s cinematic debut to a global audience.

Bridging Past and Present

For Medford residents, seeing Grace Episcopal Church on screen was a moment of pride. The church has long been a cultural hub, hosting events like the Medford Film Collaborative screenings and historical talks, such as a 2013 presentation on its own legacy. Its appearance in *Salem’s Lot* adds a thrilling chapter to its story, blending its 19th-century roots with 21st-century pop culture.

As of April 7, 2025, Grace Episcopal Church continues to thrive, its steeple a familiar silhouette against the Medford skyline. Whether you’re drawn by its architectural splendor, its spiritual offerings, or its new found Hollywood fame, this historic landmark invites all to explore its past and present. From Gothic grandeur to vampire lore, Grace Episcopal Church proves that some places are destined to leave a lasting mark—on history and the silver screen alike.

---