First Church, Unitarian
From Salem Links and Lore
- 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
- Records of the First Church Salem, Massachusetts, 1629-1736 Essex Institute, 1974.
- "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
