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COLLECTION Identifier: bMS 729

First Congregational Society (Jamaica Plain, Boston, Mass.). Records, 1770-1837.

Overview

This collection consists of the early church administrative records of the First Congregational Society (Unitarian) in Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts.

Dates

  • Creation: 1770-1837

Access

There are no restrictions on access to this collection.

Extent

1 boxes

This is a small collection of early church administrative records. They include letters from other churches which announce the appointment of their ministers; letters concerning pulpit exchanges; several letters of dismissal for families to attend other churches, and requests for contributions for families who were displaced by a town fire.

Biographical / Historical

This religious society was organized in the colonial town of Roxbury to meet the needs of the growing settlement on the “Pond Plain.” Roxbury at the time extended to the Dedham line, and this new “Third Parish in Roxbury” was carved out of the two existing parishes, Second Parish to the west and the original First Parish to the east, with its church on Fort Hill. In colonial Massachusetts (which had been founded as a Puritan theocracy), setting parish boundaries also defined the precinct that became known as the community of Jamaica Plain. This church was the first and only congregational church in Jamaica Plain until 1841. During this time, especially during the able pastorate of the Reverend Thomas Gray (who served 50 years), the congregation grew and was not disturbed by the Unitarian controversy that split so many congregations descended from the old Puritan order. By the end of his ministry, the Reverend Gray was referring to his church as “the Unitarian Church in Jamaica Plain.” In 1851, upper Roxbury seceded to form the Town of West Roxbury with its downtown in the more populous Jamaica Plain, and in 1853, the wooden church building was replaced by today’s stone church facing Town Hall (Curtis Hall).

Acquisition Information

Gift of the Unitarian Universalist Association, 1970.

Processing Information

Processed by Fran O'Donnell, 2014.

Title
First Congregational Society (Jamaica Plain, Boston, Mass.). Records, 1770-1837: A Finding Aid.
Author
Andover-Harvard Theological Library
Language of description
und
EAD ID
div00729

Repository Details

Part of the Harvard Divinity School Library, Harvard University Repository

Special Collections at Harvard Divinity School Library preserves and makes accessible primary source materials documenting the history of religion and theology, with particular historical emphasis on American liberal religious traditions. Though the historical strengths of the collections have been in the field of Christianity, other religious traditions are increasingly reflected, in step with Harvard Divinity School's evolving focus on global religious studies. Known as Andover-Harvard Theological Library since 1911, it was renamed the Harvard Divinity School Library in 2021.

Contact:
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