Lost in time? Not quite. We’re standing before the Winchester Unitarian Society. This place is more than just a building. It is a landmark with a story etched in its stones.
The Winchester Unitarian Society’s tale began long before its formal organization in 1865. The seeds of Unitarianism were sown as early as 1636. Reverend Zechariah Symmes preached Unitarian doctrine in Winchester. He was an early arrival in Charlestown and became minister of the First Church in Boston.
After Mr. Symmes’ death, his followers kept their beliefs alive. They gathered in homes and attended services in Medford. Later, they met in the Mystic School House. Clergymen from Cambridge, Woburn, and Medford preached there.
Even before the Winchester Unitarian Society was official, a Sunday school began in 1855. Edwin A. Wadleigh organized it. For four years, they met at Mrs. Mary Sharon’s home. She lived at Main Street and Black Horse Terrace. Mrs. Sharon was matron of the Industrial School for Girls. Every Sunday, she marched her girls to her home for services.
The Civil War delayed the church’s founding. The Symmes Corner Unitarians kept the spirit alive. Luther H. Symmes kept the Sunday school books and Bible. He invited people to his home to read them. During those years, Winchester Unitarians went to services in Woburn and Medford.
After the war, Dr. Frederick Winsor arrived in Winchester. He had been a regimental surgeon. He bought Dr. William Ingalls’ house. The Winchester Unitarian Society began in Winsor’s parlor on November 19, 1865. Twenty-five people gathered to hear Reverend Samuel R. Calthrop. He was a Harvard classmate of Dr. Winsor.
Mr. Calthrop’s sermon was well received. He returned the next Sunday. The group had grown and moved to Lower Lyceum Hall. Eighty people attended. It was clear then: the time was right for a Unitarian Church in Winchester.
Four days later, on November 29, 1865, the Articles of Association were drawn up. People pledged money, from $.50 to $100. For six months, ministers preached to the growing congregation in Upper Lyceum Hall. On June 14, 1866, Reverend Richard Metcalf became the first settled minister. He served for fifteen years.
By 1869, the Winchester Unitarian Society needed a church building. They bought land on Main Street and laid the cornerstone on August 25, 1869. The church was completed in March 1870. It cost $27,000. It had seventy-two pews seating 380 people. There were also fourteen pews in the gallery.
But tragedy struck. On November 16, 1897, a fire destroyed the church. It was a gray wooden building with a spire. The cause was never recorded. Legend says boys playing in the carriage sheds were responsible.
The fire was a blow. Yet, offers of help poured in. Other Winchester churches invited the Unitarians to worship with them. The Unitarians met in the Small Town Hall until a new building could be erected.
The rebuilding showed great energy. Within five days, a committee planned a new church. Some wanted it on the west side of town. Others on the east side. They agreed to build east of the Palmer lot. The Palmer homestead was moved to 60 Lloyd Street.
The new building was made of Quincy granite. It was dedicated in 1899. It cost $40,000. Reverend William I. Lawrance was installed. He became a leader of the Unitarian denomination. Generous gifts paid off the debt quickly.
Today, the Winchester Unitarian Society stands as a testament to resilience. It represents community. It embodies faith. It mirrors the enduring spirit of Winchester. As we move on, remember the story. Remember the fire. Remember the rebirth. The Winchester Unitarian Society stands tall.