Theodore Parker - Boston, MA
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NorStar
N 42° 17.172 W 071° 09.297
19T E 322330 N 4683802
The statue of Theodore Parker at the church that bears his name is of a man who was minister to this church, was a participant in the Transcendental Movement, and an ardent abolishionist.
Waymark Code: WMH421
Location: Massachusetts, United States
Date Posted: 05/18/2013
Views: 5
In Boston's West Roxbury neighborhood, is the Theodore Parker Church, which has a statue of Theodore Parker on the lawn.
The statue is located near the intersection of Centre Street and Corey Street, at Theodore Parker Unitarian-Universalist Church. The statue is on the side of the church facing Centre Street.
The sculpture is a bronze statue about six feet tall on a stone base about 9 ft tall. The figure is sitting, with a Bible in his hands. He is wearing a suite and tie. On the front of the statue is the name, Theodore Parker. On the other sides are bronze plaques with symbolized images.
Theodore Parker was a minister of this church from 1837 to 1846. However, his influence extended beyond the church in both theology and in civil rights. He was born in Lexington, MA, and graduated from Harvard Divinity School in 1836. He almost chose law as a career, but was strongly moved to follow theology. In the 1830s he participated in the Transcendal movement with Rev. Ralph Waldo Emerson, David Thoreau, and the Alcotts. He was one of the ones to insist the the Transcendental movement should be deeply rooted in Christianity instead of pantheistism. He was also critical of the accuracy of the bible and denied miracles. These thoughts had caused other religious people to deny him opportunities to preach in area churches. He took ministry at this church for several years, then later, was able to preach at the 28th Congregational Society in Boston, preaching to many of those he saw in the Transcendental movement. In addition, after the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 was passed, he was deeply opposed to the act. It called for all citizens to help in the capture and transport of an escaped slave back to the owner. Instead of helping, Parker organized a group to oppose its enforcement and also help escapees to find freedom. He was eventually brought to trial for inciting a riot. Parker died in Italy in 1860 in Florence, Italy, and is buried there.
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