October 5, 2023 UPDATE

Watching the First Parish Big Reveal!

It’s been an exciting and energizing week at First Parish and in Harvard Square this week. Since late spring, we’ve all been waiting to see what’s been going on behind the scaffolding and crimson scrim on our belfry and tower. This week, restoration work was slowly revealed showing the amazing work of our dedicated construction team.  Architectural tracery on all four sides of the bell tower has been replicated, the lancet window has been repaired and our beautiful clock as been completely restored so it now tells the correct time!

Photos taken this week show what is now visible of the East façade as the upper decks of the scaffolding were removed.

Along with the scaffolding coming down from the tower restoration and repairs that are now complete, scaffolding on the South side along Church Street has been added as we are now able to proceed with the repairs and painting of that facade.

Additional slate repair has also been a priority for this additional phase of restoration activities that will be finalized over the next several weeks. Final painting of the lower level of the East side along Mass Ave will be completed during this period as well. 

August 2023

Covered with crimson construction netting soaring up to its steeple, First Parish in Cambridge, Unitarian Universalist, has boldly embarked on a multi-faceted building program to restore and preserve our 1833 meetinghouse. Our Massachusetts Avenue entrance (at the corner of Church Street in Harvard Square) and tower façade will be the focus of the initial phase revitalizing this landmark community meeting place and architectural legacy.    

Architectural details in the belfry will be repaired or replaced, new paint will protect the siding, and the tower clock with restored face and mechanism will tell the correct time once again. This first phase of exterior restoration has been funded by the First Parish congregation with a supporting grant from the Cambridge Historic Commission.  

First Parish is open for Sunday worship at 10:30 am. Our community service activities are ongoing while construction continues. Construction is scheduled for completion in Fall 2023.  Our Tuesday Meals program is in full swing providing nourishing, healthy meals each Tuesday at 3:30 pm.  Our new Director of Ministries for Families is planning the start of our fall religious education programs for children and youth on September 17. The Y2Y youth shelter is preparing for its annual fall start and Youth on Fire offers daytime counseling services.

The project team for this first phase includes Kaplan Construction, Torrey Architecture, and owner’s project manager, Jeff Lussier. Preservation plans prepared by Torrey Architecture in 2020 created a vision for both historic restoration of the distinctive architectural details of the steeple and for universal access to the meetinghouse with a newly designed ramped entry from Mass Ave.  Some of these elements would be implemented in future phases. 

Much work has already been completed! Interior restoration work was performed in Spring 2023, allowing the congregation to return to the meetinghouse for worship after water damage from a frozen pipe in 2022. Architectural details near the pulpit were restored and the minister’s office was repaired along with replacing ceilings beneath the balconies.  A cheerful new paint color for all the walls now highlights the classic details of the interior.  A rededication ceremony marked the occasion. First Parish has welcomed an increasing number of public events this spring including Cambridge Forum speakers and Harvard Book Store book signings. 

Future phases of our architectural restoration and building preservation efforts will depend on the availability of funds. First Parish has attracted visitors interested in its history and distinctive architectural style for decades.  Preserving this landmark building supports the broad array of community services provided in this prime location and the vibrant business climate that is Harvard Square. First Parish welcomes funding support from the community, business, corporate and institutional leaders! If you would like to contribute to the ongoing work to preserve First Parish you can join us in this community effort. Make an online contribution using our secure portal – please be sure to select Building Fund for your donations. Contributions may also be made by mailing a check to First Parish in Cambridge, 3 Church Street, Cambridge, MA 02138.