|
|
|
Explore > United First Parish Church, “Church of the Presidents” > Story Archives
|
 |
Quincy Native
Submitted by Ginny, South Shore
I was born and grew up in Quincy and later lived in Braintree for 35 yrs. I did some photography for the Quincy Historical Society and used the library for geneological research where I learned that I was related to the original Adams who came to (now) Quincy in 1638. I'm also related to Abigail Adams through another line and was active in CHrist CHurch which was also built with granite from John Adam's quarries. That briefly explains my interest.
Comments (0) | Comment on this story
|
|
|
Tradition of Freedom
Submitted by Clyde, South Shore
The Church of the Presidents is a tremendous legacy from the Adams family and their contemporaries. The church serves as a stone and marble record of the trailblazing work that both John and John Quincy Adams did for establishing freedom as the practical but fragile condition of our society. We all benefit by this living reminder that we have been given so much, and must do our part to pass what is precious to the generations to come.
Comments (0) | Comment on this story
|
|
|
Church of the Presidents
Submitted by KGupta, South Shore
I live sort of across the street from the United Parish Church - what an honor to see this magnificent place of history everyday, from my window , high up from where I live (see photo ). I have had the privilage of attend many Adams family related events at the church , including the laying of the President ial Wreath (sent by the White House) each year on the brithday of John Adams. Quincy is surely the birth place of the American Dream!
Comments (0) | Comment on this story
|
|
|
Abigal Adams ghost
Submitted by Bob G, South Shore
I was born and raised in Quincy and have taken many feild trips to see John and John Q in their final resting place. These visits were with my schools and the Cub Scouts and introduce me to the history of our area.
One of my favorite stories from the tour guides is the one about the spirit of Abigal Adams that wonders the church. As the story goes, doors open on their own, fires mysteriously go out, noises keep curious children from wondering to far from the tours, and she has been seen next to her husband in the cript where he finally rests. People that work at the church have heard noises in the meeting hall that sound like a women in a skirt walking around, when they went to investigate found no one there and knew that no one else was in the church.
Of all the sites in your contest, this church is the only place that has two presidents entombed there. These men committed their lives to founding our country and way of life and deserve to have their cript taken care of.
Thanks for having this contest
Respectfully
Bob G
Comments (0) | Comment on this story
|
|
|
Be inspired....
Submitted by Ms. J, South Shore
If you would like to be inspired by the founding fathers of our country, please visit the Stone Temple - Church of the Presidents. Visiting this special space allows you to experience a deep sense of connection and understand the real ethos of our country. John and Abigail Smith Adams represent the essence of what it means to be American. How it is important to respect and value your relationship with your partner and your country.
Open house on Saturday will feature Jim Cooke as John Quincy Adams who will speak about his parents John and Abigail. He will present at 2:00pm 2May09 Saturday.
Comments (0) | Comment on this story
|
|
|
A symbol of Quincy
Submitted by Ellen C., South Shore
I grew up in Quincy and I was involved in several class trips to the church. When my husband and I married, the church was there for us. It helped me on a religious path........
Comments (0) | Comment on this story
|
|
|
OLD and NEW
Submitted by Jim, South Shore
The Church of the Presidents vibrates with a palpable sense of history with all the strong philosophic, intellectual, and spiritual leanings that mark the earliest days of the American experiment. But, along with that, the Church houses a community of very-much-alive twenty first century journeyers, who are driven with the same intensity to make the world a better place. Let's restore our bell tower as a symbol of this historic building's call to us to attend to our past, our present and our future!
Comments (1) | Comment on this story
|
|
|
Stone Temple, 1827-8
Submitted by Ed Zimmer, West of Boston
Great buildings occur at the intersection of a talented designer, worthy project, capable client, and outstanding materials. United First Parish Church (a.k.a. Stone Temple) was blessed with all of those necessary components and a great building was the result.
Architect Alexander Parris (1780-1852) accomplished his greatest church and probably is best building in the Stone Temple, drawing on three decades of experience and a fascination with large, clear forms. He was brought to the project by Mayor Josiah Quincy of Boston, for whom Parris had just finished Faneuil Hall (or Quincy) Market in Boston. Quincy not only recruited and recommended Parris, he also paid for his services on the church project.
Simillarly, the monumental granite of the church--the stone of Stone Temple--came from quarries in Quincy donated to the church for this purpose by John Adams. Only the most recent advances in quarrying and transporting huge granite monoliths, such as the four giant columns, allowed Parris to exploit the potential of this fine material to its highest potential.
Finally, the somber and monumental exterior is beautifully balanced by the bright, airy interior, creating a great building that is both firmly earthbound and soaringly spiritual.
Comments (0) | Comment on this story
|
|
|
The Adams Legacy
Submitted by Karl, South Shore
Both Adams presidents recognized both the role a church can play in the growth of our future citizens and the need for separation of church and state. They were defenders of individual freedoms and rights against the popular tide: the elder defending British troops to ensure due process after the Boston Massacre, the son defending ex-slaves in Amistad case. But they and their church also sponsored meetings of the first Catholic masses in Quincy at a time when many people could not see beyond denominational differences.
Still today they remind us of the role of individual conscience, democratic process, and protection of the minority. Funding this project will preserve the opportunity for citizens to visit their home church and contemplate that legacy for generations to come.
Comments (2) | Comment on this story
|
|
|
First Parish Church
Submitted by Adeline Bee, West of Boston
A few years ago, I had the distinct pleasure of being part of a graduate class that toured the United First Parish Church in Qunicy. The following poem came from my notes. The church is a beautiful sanctuary, and downstairs, The Church of the Presidents is unique and rich in history -- a place every American should visit.
First Parish Church
© Adeline M. Bee
Peace immediately enfolds
Numbered pews well-worn and scratched with age-old students’ boredom
Line the carpeted floor
Hymnals – Singing the Living Traditions
Lie in wait for voices raised in song
The flaming chalice centers the congregation
Rounded, richly stained podium
Simply adorned
Pale gray walls compliment white trimmed doorways and an expansive balcony
Marble plaques line the interior
Honoring historic giants of yesteryear
John Quincy Adams and Louisa Catherine hold center stage
Imagine the church softly lit with flickering oil lamps
Windows flanking the dais
Heads bent in solemnity
Sermons listened to word for word
Carefully constructed, methodically examined
Red tufted cushions ordain revered pews
Softening time spent
Crimson velvet drapes frame the rector
Deep cherry carpeted steps ascend to the respected pulpit
Wooden chair rails on holy walls separate white picture frames
Silvered carpet softens countless footsteps, those of today and those time-honored
Echoing volumes over centuries
The passion flower surrounded by thorns and lotus on the
Ornately corniced domed ceiling fifty feet overhead
Enhances the acoustics nurturing the spirit
Worship begun in 1636
First Meeting House dedicated the following year
Second Meeting House dedication in 1666
Third in 1732
Still growing until
Final reverent home
Constructed of white Quincy granite in November 1828
The First Parish Unitarian Church
Blessed resting place of
John and Abigail Adams and John Quincy and Louisa Catherine Adams
Comments (1) | Comment on this story
|
|
|
Final Resting Place of Presidents and the Home of Lots of Good Work
Submitted by MPC, South Shore
As a member of the Prison Book Program, I just wanted to lend my support for the United First Parish Church in this contest. Almost five years ago, UFPC opened it's doors to our program. The people that run the church have always been dedicated to preserving the history of this most unique building as well as making sure that it supports the greater goal of social justice for the present. In addition to the Prison Book Program, the church also hosts a lunch program for the homeless, ESL classes and many other endeavors that serve humanity. Over the years legions of our volunteers have been blown away at the idea of doing volunteer work just a few feet from the graves of founding fathers - John Adams, John Quincy Adams and their wives.
Maintaining a building built by a president that happens to be the final resting place of two presidents and keeping it a functioning, community center is no easy (or cheap) task. We hope that you will support UFPC in this contest!
Marlene Cook
Prison Book Program
Comments (1) | Comment on this story
|
|
|
Eastertide
Submitted by Graeme, South Shore
This Easter the kids at church went on their customary Easter egg hunt on the church grounds. It was pleasant to see this joyful sign of Spring - the kids, the daffodils and the pink cherry blossom buds. This year's search had a socially responsible spin - the kids also hunted for canned goods, which will go to the local pantry.
Comments (1) | Comment on this story
|
|
|
