Park Street Church facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Park Street Church
Park Street Church, Boston, 2014
Park Street Church Location in Boston
42°21′25″N 71°03′44″W / 42.356911°N 71.062151°W / 42.356911; -71.062151
Location	Downtown Boston, Massachusetts
Country	United States
Denomination	Conservative Congregational
Membership	1200
Weekly attendance	2000
Website	ParkStreet.org
History
Founded	February 27, 1809 (1809-02-27)
Architecture
Architect(s)	Peter Banner
Completed	1809
Specifications
Height	217 feet (66 m)

The Park Street Church is a famous and active church in Downtown Boston, Massachusetts. It was founded in 1804 and is known for its strong Christian beliefs. The church is a member of the Conservative Congregational Christian Conference. It has over 1,200 members. You can find it at 1 Park Street, right on the corner of Tremont Street.

History of Park Street Church

The Park Street Church is an important stop on Boston's Freedom Trail. This trail connects many historic places in the city.

How the Church Started

The church's story began in 1804. A group called the "Religious Improvement Society" started meeting weekly. They held lectures and prayers. On February 27, 1809, this group officially formed the church. Twenty-six people, many from the nearby Old South Meeting House, wanted to create a church with traditional Christian beliefs.

Park St. Church in 1904

Building the Church Structure

The first stone of the church was placed on May 1, 1809. The building was finished by the end of that year. Peter Banner was the architect, Benajah Young was the chief mason, and Solomon Willard was the woodcarver. Banner's design was inspired by churches in London.

The church's tall steeple reaches 217 feet (66 m) high. It is still a well-known landmark in Boston. From 1810 to 1828, it was the tallest building in the United States. For many years, it was the first thing travelers saw when they came to Boston.

The church is right next to the historic Granary Burying Ground. This area was once used to store grain. The first church service was held on January 10, 1810. The church became known as "Brimstone Corner." This was partly because of its passionate sermons. It was also because gunpowder was stored there during the War of 1812.

Important Moments and People

Park Street Church has always focused on missions and sharing its Christian message. It also applies its beliefs to social issues. The church has a history of many important "firsts."

The Park Street steeple in 2017

• First Pastor: Edward Dorr Griffin was the first pastor from 1811 to 1815.
• Helping the Poor: In 1816, Park Street Church joined with Old South Church. They formed the City Mission Society. This group helped poor people in Boston.
• Abolitionist Leader: In 1826, Edward Beecher became pastor. He was the brother of Harriet Beecher Stowe, who wrote "Uncle Tom's Cabin." His father, Lyman Beecher, was a famous abolitionist (someone who worked to end slavery).
• Speaking Out Against Slavery: On July 4, 1829, William Lloyd Garrison gave a major speech at Park Street. In it, he spoke strongly against slavery.
• Music and Hymns: From 1829 to 1831, Lowell Mason, a famous Christian composer, was the church's choirmaster. The church also hosted the first public performance of "My Country, 'Tis of Thee" (also known as "America") on July 4, 1831. This famous song was written by Samuel Francis Smith.
• Founding Colleges: The church helped start the first American Mission to what is now Hawaii. It also played a role in the beginning of the Handel and Haydn Society. Benjamin E. Bates, who founded Bates College in Maine, was an active member here.
• Revival Meetings: In 1857–58, evangelist Charles Finney led a spiritual revival at Park Street. This led the pastor, Andrew Leete Stone, to have a spiritual awakening.
• Important Theologians: Gleason Archer, a well-known theologian, was an assistant pastor from 1945 to 1948. His father, Gleason Archer Sr., who founded Suffolk University, led the church's Men's Club.
• Billy Graham's Crusade: In 1949, Billy Graham's first big Christian event across the country started at Park Street.
• Influential Pastor: Harold J. Ockenga was the senior pastor from 1936 to 1969. He helped start many important Christian organizations. These include Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, Fuller Theological Seminary, and the National Association of Evangelicals. He also helped create World Relief and the Christian magazine Christianity Today.

Church Buildings and Growth

In 1974, the church built a new Church Ministries Building next to the main church. This building has a modern design with concrete, large windows, and purple-red bricks. It connects well with the historic church.

In the 1990s, the church bought the buildings at 2 and 3 Park Street. This helped them expand their space.

Park Street Church Today

Church interior, 2007

The church still follows its Statement of Faith, which was first adopted in 1877. Even after more than 200 years, the church is still involved in current social issues.

Community Outreach and Education

Park Street Church helps its community in many ways:

• Boston Trinity Academy: In 2002, the church helped start Boston Trinity Academy. This private high school in Hyde Park helps students from inner-city Boston. Most students receive scholarships, and many are from minorities.
• English Classes: The church offers many English as a Second Language (ESL) classes during the week. These classes help international students and immigrants.
• Helping the Homeless: It supports groups that help people experiencing homelessness, like the Boston Rescue Mission. Park Street also has its own HOME ministry for the homeless.
• Crisis Pregnancy Support: The church partners with crisis pregnancy centers like Daybreak Pregnancy Resource Center.
• Student Ministries: There are many groups for children, teens, young adults, and college students. They also offer classes about Christianity.

Global Community and Partnerships

Park Street Church is a diverse church with members from over 60 different countries. The church believes that faith and education go together. It is connected to Park Street Kids and Park Street School. It also partners with Campus Crusade for Christ and InterVarsity Christian Fellowship for college students. The church has a long partnership with Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary.

In honor of its 200th birthday, Boston Mayor Menino declared February 27, 2009, as Park Street Day.

Senior Ministers (1811–present)

Park Street Church, 19th century

• Edward D. Griffin 1811–1815
• Sereno E. Dwight 1817–1826
• Edward Beecher 1826–1830
• Joel H. Linsley 1832–1835
• Silas Aiken 1837–1848
• Andrew Leete Stone 1849–1866
• William H.H. Murray 1868–1874
• John L. Withrow 1876–1887; 1898–1907
• David Gregg 1887–1890
• Isaac J. Lansing 1893–1897
• Arcturus Z. Conrad 1905–1937
• Harold J. Ockenga 1936–1969
• Paul E. Toms 1969–1989
• David C. Fisher 1989–1995
• Pablo Polischuk (Interim) 1995–1997
• Gordon P. Hugenberger 1997–2017
• Phil Thorne (Interim) 2017–2019
• Mark L. Booker 2020–

Images for kids

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  Edward Griffin, minister 1811–1815

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  Overview of Common, with Park St. Church (left), across from the Masonic Temple on Tremont St., 1850

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  19th century

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  Park St. Church, 19th century

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  Hamilton Place, with Park St. Church in distance, c. 1885

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  c. 1890

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  Park Street Church, 1920

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  Subway construction, 1896

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  Arturus Conrad, minister 1903–1937

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  Deacons, 1909

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  Tremont St. and Park St. Church, 1915

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  Park Street Church lot at Mount Auburn Cemetery, 2008 photo