First Armenian Church

Amidst the serene landscape of Belmont, Massachusetts, stands the First Armenian Church, a testament to the resilience and faith of a community. The First Armenian Church’s story began not here, but in the bustling city of Boston. In the late 19th century, a small group of Armenian immigrants gathered for worship at Boston’s Berkeley Temple. Their devotion caught the attention of the American Congregational Association. In 1899, the growing congregation found a new home at Pilgrim Hall on Park Street. The First Armenian Church of Boston was formally organized in 1908, marking a significant step in their journey. The church thrived in its Park Street location. A Sunday School and Christian Endeavor Society blossomed, nurturing the faith of future generations. The Ladies Aid Society extended their care beyond their community, founding a kindergarten for Armenian refugee children in Beirut, Lebanon. Disaster struck in 1954 when Hurricanes Carol and Edna ravaged the church building, rendering it beyond repair. Undeterred, the congregation continued their worship in neighboring churches. A new chapter began in 1955 with the purchase of land on Concord Avenue in Belmont. The present First Armenian Church building was completed and consecrated in 1958, a symbol of their unwavering spirit. The First Armenian Church continued to grow, adding Nahigian Hall in 1962 for fellowship and education and a parsonage in 1968. The church celebrated its centennial in 1991 with a fundraising campaign and a concert by renowned organist Berj Zamkochian. A poignant reminder of their heritage stands on the front lawn: a Khatchkar, a traditional Armenian stone cross. This Khatchkar, carved from tufa stone brought from Yerevan, Armenia, was unveiled in 1992, dedicated to the martyrs of the Armenian Genocide. In the years that followed, the First Armenian Church continued its mission of service, renovating the parsonage in 2002-2003 and the sanctuary in 2012. The First Armenian Church stands as a symbol of faith, resilience, and community, a beacon of hope and a testament to the enduring spirit of the Armenian people.