First Church in Weymouth

Old North Church

The history of the First Church in Weymouth

The First Church in Weymouth is the oldest Congregationalist church in the United States, meeting continuously since its gathering in 1623. Through joy and sorrow, through turbulence and calm, the church has relied consistently upon the Holy Spirit to lead us into the future, and we thank God that we can continue to be a home for spiritual pilgrims in the modern world.

The historical information provided on this website come from the following sources:

The records of the First Church and Parish in Weymouth. Records from the past 200 years remain in the church's possession, while older records have been entrusted with the Massachusetts Historical Society, and others have been given to Tufts Library in Weymouth.
Historical Sketch of the Town of Weymouth, Massachusetts, from 1622 to 1884. Compiled by Gilbert Nash. Published by the Town of Weymouth, under the auspices of the Weymouth Historical Society, 1885. Accessed online.
Charles Francis Adams, Jr. Wessagusset and Weymouth. Historical address, delivered at Weymouth, Mass., July 4, 1874. Accessed online.
Charles Francis Adams, Jr. "The Site of the Wessagusset Settlement of 1622 at Weymouth, Massachusetts." Cambridge: John Wilson & Son, University Press, 1891. Accessed online.
Williston Walker. The Creeds and Platforms of Congregationalism. New York: Charles Schriner's Sons, 1893. Accessed online.
The diary of John Quincy Adams, 1779-1848. Accessed online.
The memories and recollections of church members still present. Many thanks especially to Marcia Stoddard and her family, who adorned our halls with rich stories from our past in preparation for our church's 400th anniversary celebrations in 2023.

The 17th Century (1600s)

The settlements at Wessagusset Colony; the gathering and incorporation of the Church of Weymouth; the church's involvement in Massachusetts Bay Colony.

The 18th Century (1700s)

The creation of the second precinct in Weymouth; the ministry of Rev. William Smith; the church in the early United States.

The 19th Century (1800s)

The Unitarian and Freemason controversies; the revival under Rev. Emery; the organizations of LBS and Pilgrim Church; the beginnings of the modern church.

The 20th Century (1900s)

The tercentenary of the church; witnessing World War II; a boom of life in the church; the early ministry of Rev. Blume; becoming a teaching parish.

The 21st Century (2000s)

The contemporary church; the COVID-19 pandemic; the quatercentary of the church.

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