First Church, Unitarian

• The First Church Unitarian is considered the oldest continuous Protestant congregation in America, was established in 1629.
• Between 1635-1923 the First Church congregation gathered for worship in a succession of meeting houses on or near the former Daniel Low building in Town House Square.
• The present church edifice at 316 Essex Street built in 1836, was designed by Boston architect Gridley J.F. Bryant.
• The church celebrated its 375th anniversary Aug. 7, 2004.
• Some of its famous past church members include: Rebecca Nurse and Giles Corey, Elizabeth Peabody (opened America's first Kindergarten), Leverett Saltonstall (first mayor of Salem), George Parker (Parker Brothers founder).

See Also

• "Saga a reflection of religious turmoil in pre-Revolution Salem"

Salem News, May 7, 2007, p.C7

• "Salem church, oldest in America, turns 375" Salem News, Aug. 7, 2004, p.1
• First Church Unitarian Church website
• Architecture in Salem by Bryan F. Tolles, p.178-9