First Parish, Unitarian-Universalist - Canton, MA - This Old Church on Waymarking.com

In Canton, along Washington Street, is the First Parish, Unitarian-Universalist, Church in Canton.

The church is located at an open area along the road, with the Canton Police Station. The church is an E-shaped building, with the main assembly-worship area on the right (when facing the building from the road), another building - possibly the parish hall, on left, and another building with a small bell in the middled, all tied together with a low building behind them. The worship assembly building has several windows; most of which have a peak to them. The entrance is through the bell tower, which is a square addition that has a bell tower and an eight-sided spire, topped by a weathervane. The other hall and other buildings have more traditional rectangular windows.

According to a plaque to the right side of the door and the church web site, the parish has roots to 1717. The present structure was built in 1825, and a Revere bell (a bell made in the foundry of Paul Revere - which was located in Canton) was hung in the belfry. In 1875, the Parish Hall was added, and in 1955, the Chapel and classrooms were added. After the church was built, in 1825, debates about theological issues started, which resulted in the congregation becoming Unitarian in 1828. The Unitarian Church in Canton started in 1806, and they built a church in 1847. In 1964, the Unitarian and Universalist churches started meeting together, which resulted in the union of the two congregations in 1974. The old Universalist Church has since been torn down. The present name is First Parish Church Unitarian Universalist.

The Paul Revere bell is still used to call people at 10:20 am to service at 10:30 am on Sunday. Coffee hour and fellowship is at 11:30 am.

The congregation is an active group, participating in several food programs including the Canton Food Pantry. They also participate in a program called Standing on the Side of Love to End Domestic Violence.

Date the Church was built, dedicated or cornerstone laid: 01/01/1825 Age of Church building determined by?: Church website If denomination of Church is not part of the name, please provide it here: Unitarian Universalist If Church holds a weekly worship service and "all are welcome", please give the day of the week: Sunday Indicate the time that the primary worship service is held. List only one: 10:30 AM Street address of Church: 1508 Washington Street Canton, MA United States of America 02021 Primary website for Church or Historic Church Building: [Web Link] If Church is open to the public, please indicate hours: Not listed Secondary Website for Church or Historic Church Building: Not listed

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