The History of The First Parish in Waltham

The First Parish in Waltham was gathered in 1696, marking the establishment of one of the oldest religious charters in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The parish’s first physical structure was erected that same year in the vicinity of what is now John Brewer’s Tavern on Main Street, near or beyond the current Watertown line. This initial location proved to be unsuitable, prompting the purchase and relocation of a disused building from Newton in 1722. The building was dismantled, moved, and reassembled near the present Lyman Estate, becoming the first church in Waltham. The Rev. Warham Williams served as its first preacher, followed by the Rev. Jacob Cushing.

By 1767, the congregation had outgrown its building, leading to the construction of a larger church across the street on the triangle formed by Lyman Street and the two branches of Beaver Street, known as “The Church on the Triangle.”

Unitarian and Universalist Beginnings

The parish’s Unitarian future began in 1809 with the calling of the Rev. Samuel Ripley, who was a significant figure in the early Unitarian movement. His nephew, Ralph Waldo Emerson, preached his first sermon from the parish’s pulpit. The congregation added a stage to its Parish Hall in 1826, which became a center for community events, including the famous Choristers who began in 1929 and continued for 40 years.

The Waltham Universalist Society first gathered in 1836, with significant figures like the Rev. Thomas Whittemore and the Rev. Hosea Ballou playing crucial roles. In 1869, the Rev. Phebe A. Hanaford became the first woman minister in Waltham, serving the Universalist congregation and advocating for women’s rights.

Growth and Challenges

In 1839, two Unitarian Societies merged and selected a new location for their church, previously known as “Col. Townsend’s potato field.” The first church on this new site was a simple structure, which was later enlarged and improved in 1867. However, a devastating fire in 1932 destroyed the sanctuary and steeple and damaged the Parish Hall. The church was rebuilt in 1933 on the same foundation.

In 1958, the First Parish in Waltham and the First Universalist Society of Waltham consolidated, forming the present First Parish Church in Waltham, Universalist-Unitarian. This merger allowed for the building of today’s Chapel, which has since served as a hub for community concerns, film and musical events, and benefited from significant audio and video facilities improvements.

Consolidation and Continuing Legacy

The post-World War II era saw a boom in Unitarian congregations. The merger of the Waltham Unitarian and Universalist churches in 1958 predated the national consolidation of the American Unitarian Association and the Universalist Church of America by three years. The proceeds from the sale of the Universalist meetinghouse and the Beacon Street business block owned by the Waltham Universalists became known as the Beacon Fund.

Modern Era and Social Impact

The First Parish in Waltham celebrated its 325th anniversary in 2022, underscoring its status as an institution older than the City of Waltham itself. As the oldest institution of its kind in Waltham, the church has been central to numerous community concerns over the years. From resisting authoritarian rule in colonial Massachusetts to supporting equal marriage rights and the Black Lives Matter movement, the parish has continually responded to the challenges of its times. Currently, its outward-reaching ministries actively address the crisis affecting the unhoused in Waltham, partnering with local activists and hosting the Chaplains on the Way breakfast program. The Clothing Exchange provides affordable home goods and clothing, and the Day Care Center offers essential services to working families. The Jones Partnership Fund supports nearly a dozen Waltham non-profits.

Ongoing Projects and Community Engagement

Many ongoing projects have been vital to the church and the Waltham community: The Waltham Clothing Exchange, established in 1957, has been a steady financial contributor and community resource. The Waltham Day Care Center, initiated by the Jones Committee, opened in 1973, providing affordable childcare. The Welcoming Congregation initiative began in 1993, leading to the church becoming recognized for its inclusivity of LGBTQ individuals. The Jones Partnership Fund, established in 2009, supports various community projects. The Annual Retreat began in 1981, fostering community building, and the Daniel B. Hinckley Award, established in 1990, honors outstanding service to the church.

Conclusion

The First Parish in Waltham has a rich history spanning over 325 years, marked by resilience, growth, and a steadfast commitment to community service and social justice. Its legacy continues to inspire and guide its congregation in addressing contemporary challenges and fostering a vibrant, inclusive community.

Want to learn more?

The history of First Parish was documented at length in the book authored by Betty Castner titled “Tercentennial History of the First Parish in Waltham, 1696-1996”. An updated edition was written for our Tercentenary in 2022. You can order a copy here.