Didn’t prominent local residents once gather right where you’re standing, seeking a neighborhood-based place of worship? This is St. John’s.
St. John’s Episcopal Church has a rich history. It’s woven into Boston’s fabric. It’s part of Jamaica Plain and the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts.
Let’s step back to 1839. St. John’s was formed then. The church moved to this location. Construction began in 1882. The Parish Hall was added later. The congregation owned a Rectory nearby. It was located at 24 Alveston Street.
The church was created to serve the local community. Early members included some prominent figures. General William Hyslop Sumner was one. Justice John W. McKim was another. So was Samuel G. Goodrich. You might know him better as Peter Parley. He was a former Ambassador to France.
Interestingly, women played significant roles here. This was even when women had limited roles elsewhere. Caroline Ticknor was a writer and publisher. She knew Longfellow, Twain, Dickens and Whitman. Elizabeth Bethune Campbell was another notable woman. She was the first woman to argue a case before London’s Privy Council and win. Susan Revere Chapin was also a member. She was Paul Revere’s great-granddaughter. She was active in the war effort during both World Wars.
Harris M. Stephenson designed this building in 1882. He was also a parish member. He partnered with Daniel Appleton. Their firm was Appleton and Stephenson Architects. Stephenson designed many notable buildings. These included the Murdock Hospital. He also designed the Henry Nevins Home for Incurables. You might know the Sumner Hotel. He designed that too. And also the Turk’s Head Inn on Cape Ann. Stephenson even designed a twin to St. John’s. It’s in Keokuk, Iowa and on the National Register of Historic Places. Stephenson also designed houses in Jamaica Plain’s Sumner Hill. Sadly, all his files were destroyed later. But original drawings for St. John’s resurfaced recently.
St. John’s mission is clear. “Let all who enter here be received as Christ.” That reflects a commitment to diverse people. People from Jamaica Plain and Greater Boston are welcome.
Today St. John’s embraces increasing diversity. This includes race and income. It also includes sexual orientation. This diversity is seen in its members and leaders.
St. John’s welcomes everyone to its events. You can join their email list. Follow them on Facebook.
The Red Door is St. John’s Parish blog. It shares community news. You’ll also find music and prayers there.
Remember St. John’s. It is a place where all are welcome.