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First Parish in Needham Unitariant Universalist
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About First Parish

The First Parish in Needham

The First Parish in Needham was founded on the same date as the town, 1711, and a religious body of the Church has met continously since that time.

Two earlier meeting houses, built in 1712 and 1774, and the existing one, built in 1837, were located on Nehoiden Street near Cental Avenue until 1879. In that year, the present meeting house, now Needham's oldest public building, was moved to its present site. A Paul Revere bell, acquired for the second structure, has been in use since 1811.

First Parish was always gathered on the basis of covenant rather than creed. It progressed from its Puritan beginnings to greater liberality of spirit through the 19th century, when it was served by both Unitarian and Universalist ministers. In 1905 it formally affirmed its covenanted fellowship to be open to all persons, regardless of belief, who are in sympathy with the congregation’s purposes. These are stated in the present bylaws very simply: “to provide a community where religious living is fostered through worship, study, service and fellowship.”

First Parish is a member church of the Unitarian Universalist Association of Churches and Fellowships in North America.

Sunday Schedule for Sept. 2007 thru June 2008
        (September to June)

 9:00 am — Worship Service at Temple Beth Shalom
                 Free childcare available
10:00 am - Worship when we are at First Church in Dedham
9:00 am — Religious Education for Children
10:00 am - Religious Ed for Children when we are at First Church in Dedham
10:00 am — Coffee Hour and Children's Snacks
 7:00 pm — High School Youth Group

Sample Order of Service

 

BEGINNING SEPT 9TH SERVICES WILL BE HELD AT
TEMPLE BETH SHALOM, 670 Highland Ave., Needham

 

Directions to Locations During Renovation

Map of Needham showing location of alternate parish sites

 

Carter Memorial Carter Memorial United Methodist Church
800 Highland Ave. (next to the Heights Post Office)
Dedham UU

First Church and Parish
680 High Street, Dedham (near the Court House)

Rev John Buehren's house Home of Rev John Buehrens
227 Greendale Ave
Kendrick Street Kendrick Street
60 Kendrick Street, Suite 101
Temple Beth Shalom Temple Beth Shalom
697 Highland Ave (at intersection of Webster St)
YMCA YMCA
Great Plain Ave., Needham

Directions to the First Parish Church

From the North: Take Route 128 (I-95) south to exit 19B (Highland Avenue Needham). Take Highland Avenue to Great Plain Avenue in Needham Center. Cross over Great Plain Ave. onto Dedham Ave., the church will be on your right. Parking is available on Lincoln St., the first right after the church.

From the South: Take Route 128 (I-95) north to exit 17 (Route 135). Take Route 135 to Lincoln Street (see map). Parking is off Lincoln Street.

From Boston and Cambridge: Take Route 9 west to Route 128 South. Follow directions above "from the North."

View maps and directions from Google Maps!

Need additional information? Call (781) 444-0823.

map of directions to First Parish Needham