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 a really old and important church in Taunton, Massachusetts. It's part of the Church Green Historic District, which is a special area with many historic buildings. This church building, built in 1830, is the fourth one to stand on this spot since 1647! It's made of field stone and has a cool style called Gothic Revival.
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First Parish Church: A Historic Building
The church's tall steeple has four pointy decorations called pinnacles. Inside the steeple is a bell from 1804, which came from the church's third building. In 1869, the main worship area (called the sanctuary) was made bigger, and a small chapel was added. Later, in 1965, another part was added to the east side of the church.
The Church's Long History
The First Parish was started way back in 1637 by a group of Puritans. Puritans were people from Devonshire, England, who wanted to practice their religion in a certain way. They were led by Elizabeth Pole. In 1640, they renamed their new settlement after Taunton, England.
The First Parish was the very first church in what would become Bristol County, Massachusetts. It was also only the fifth church to be started in the entire Plymouth Colony. The first two church buildings on Church Green were also used for town meetings and political business until 1746. The third church building was built in 1794. It was designed by a famous architect named Charles Bulfinch.
Today, the church is a Unitarian-Universalist congregation. This means it's a religion that believes in freedom of thought and encourages people to find their own spiritual path.
Images for kids
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On Taunton Massachusetts Church Green
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Taunton Mass First Parish Church
See also
- Old Colony Historical Society
- Taunton City Hall
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Taunton, Massachusetts
