Here stands First Church of the Nazarene. It is a place with a fascinating history. First Church in Boston was founded July 30 1630. John Winthrop and his party created a Covenant for the First Church in Boston. They promised to walk in mutual love and respect. The founders brought a progressive outlook. That outlook continues today.
The covenant and church were Nonconformist. They opposed the Anglican church’s control. This was a manifestation of the Protestant Reformation. The Renaissance set the Reformation in motion. Members acted without a king’s intervention. They created Congregational Polity. They established The New England Way. This was a system for governing with consent of the people.
By the mid-19th century, First Church in Boston was a Transcendentalist center. This grew from religious freedom of interpretation. Subsequently, it became a Unitarian church. In the mid-20th century, Unitarian and Universalist denominations joined. First Church in Boston became a Unitarian Universalist church.
Throughout its history, the congregation has gathered in many locations. They settled in the current location in 1868. A fire devastated the building in 1968. It burned all but the Berkeley Street façade. The current building finished in 1972. It was designed for secular and religious purposes. What stands now is a hybrid building. It incorporates surviving parts of the original.
Over 375 years, six congregations have joined First Church in Boston. They joined directly or through a merger with Second Church. Second Church rejoined First Church in 1970. Each brought its own rich history.
In March 1638, Anne Hutchinson was cast out of First Church. She was banished from Massachusetts Bay Colony. It was because of heretical views. In 1649, a group of First Church parishioners formed Second Church. In May 2005, the church voted to restore the original name. It was formerly the First and Second Church in Boston.
First Church has had many ministers. John Wilson served from 1630 to 1667. John Cotton served from 1633 to 1652. James Allen served from 1668 to 1710. Charles Chauncy served from 1727 to 1787. William Emerson served from 1799 to 1811. Nathaniel Langdon Frothingham served from 1815 to 1850. Rufus Ellis served from 1853 to 1885. Charles Edwards Park served from 1906 to 1946. Rhys Williams served from 1960 to 2000. Stephen Kendrick served from 2001 to present.
The current building incorporates the ruined street facade. It also includes the puddingstone steeple tower. These are from the previous church. Ware and van Brunt designed that church in 1868. It burned in 1968. Paul Rudolph’s design was completed in 1972. The light-flooded interior is finished with corduroy concrete. Great care preserves the interiors.
First Church in Boston is more than bricks and mortar. It is a living testament to faith. It embodies progressive thought. It reflects community. It stands as a beacon of Unitarian Universalism. It welcomes all who seek meaning and connection.