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About First Parish
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. 2008 through June 2009
10:30 am — Worship Service in the Meeting House
Free childcare available
10:30 am — Religious Education for Children
7:00 pm — High School Youth Group
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.
