First Parish Church (Taunton, Massachusetts) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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First Parish Church
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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First Parish Church, on historic Church Green
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| Location | Church Green, Taunton, Massachusetts |
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| Part of | Church Green Historic District (ID77000168) |
| Added to NRHP | December 16, 1977 |
The First Parish Church is an old church in Taunton, Massachusetts. It's part of the Church Green Historic District. This church building, made of stone in a cool Gothic style, was built in 1830. It's actually the fourth church to stand on this spot since 1647!
The church has a tall steeple with four pointy tops called pinnacles. Inside the steeple is a bell from 1804, which came from the church that was here before. The main worship area, called the sanctuary, was made bigger in 1869. A small chapel was also added then. Later, in 1965, another part was built on the east side of the church.
Contents
A Look at the Church's History
The First Parish was started way back in 1637. A group of Puritans from England, led by Elizabeth Pole, first settled in Dorchester, Massachusetts. Then they moved and started this new settlement. In 1640, they named their new home after Taunton, England.
This First Parish was the very first church built in what would become Bristol County, Massachusetts. It was also only the fifth church ever started in the whole Plymouth Colony.
Early Church Buildings
The first two church buildings on Church Green were not just for worship. They were also used for important town meetings and political business until 1746. The third church building was constructed in 1794. It was designed by a famous architect named Charles Bulfinch.
Today, the First Parish Church is a Unitarian-Universalist congregation.
Special Features of the Church
The church has a beautiful stained glass window made by Tiffany.
More to Explore in Taunton
- Old Colony Historical Society
- Taunton City Hall
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Taunton, Massachusetts
