Renting Space

Photo: The large auditorium, seen from a front corner, features white neoclassical decorations on the pale yellow walls; bright red carpet on the floor, raised area in front of the pulpit, and on the steps up to the pulpit; a balcony; a grand piano.

First Parish—an historic home for worship, justice, and community—offers space for events, programs, and connection in the heart of Cambridge.

First Parish in Cambridge is not only a spiritual home for a vibrant worshiping congregation—it also serves as a vital center for the surrounding Cambridge community. Our historic building houses a youth homeless shelter, a daytime youth drop-in center, and a twice-weekly meals program supporting those experiencing food insecurity.

Our facilities offer a unique blend of historic charm and modern functionality, providing flexible spaces suitable for a wide range of gatherings—from lectures and classes to weddings, concerts, and receptions.

The Meeting House

The Meeting House combines historic character with modern amenities. It accommodates up to 600 guests—450 on the accessible main floor and an additional 150 in the balcony.

Features include recently upgraded audio-visual capabilities, a hearing loop system for clear assisted listening, and a grand piano for performances. A raised platform at the front is well-suited for lectures, musicians, or panel discussions. The Massachusetts Avenue foyer can be used for an information table or ticketing, with elevator access available at 1 Church Street. The space is intentionally without religious decoration, making it versatile for all types of events.

Photo: The large auditorium, seen from the back balcony, features seating in tall white boxed pews.

The Meeting House accommodates up to 600 guests on the accessible main floor and in the balcony.

The Chapel

The Chapel is a warm and intimate room with a carpeted floor and flexible seating. Large windows overlook the historic Old Burying Ground, and lighting can be dimmed to set the atmosphere.

The Chapel is ideal for meetings, classes, and ceremonies, including weddings, memorial services, and child blessings. It accommodates up to 90 guests in lecture-style seating.

Photo: Elegant room with pale yellow walls, white wainscotting, and neoclassical chapel elements at the far end, including a railing, a podium, and an arched backdrop. In the center of a room are several meeting tables.

The Mikelson Room

The Mikelson Room, located on the second floor, features a striking arched window overlooking the historic Old Burying Ground. With its wooden floor and painted walls, it is both distinctive and versatile.

The Mikelson Room is well-suited for lectures, meetings, classes, and receptions, and is elevator accessible via 3 Church Street. The space accommodates up to 120 guests in lecture-style seating.

Photo: Large multipurpose room with hardwood floor and barn-shaped roof, with a very large gothic window stretching floor to ceiling at one end, looking out on the Cambridge Burying Ground.

The Parlor

Located near the entry at 3 Church Street, the Parlor is a welcoming space with wooden floors, paneled walls, and a wooden divider. Front windows overlook Church Street, and the room is directly connected to the kitchen, making it especially convenient for catered events.

Equipped with a large installed projection screen and a portable lectern, the Parlor is suitable for lectures, meetings, and receptions. It seats up to 100 guests lecture-style or 75 to 80 guests for meals. The Church Street foyer provides space for information tables or ticketing.

Contact us to learn more about reserving one of our spaces for your event at info@firstparishcambridge.org.