The church is to Gloucester what the Old North Church is to Boston. . . its stature as an irreplaceable building transcends any particular religious affiliation.
THE RESTORATION PROJECT: Preserving an Important Piece of American and Religious History
GLOUCESTER'S OLDEST CHURCH: THE BEGINNINGS OF RELIGIOUS FREEDOM.
For more than two centuries the Universalist Church has been a fixture on Gloucester's skyline and one of Cape Ann's best-loved landmarks. Its lantern steeple has guided generations of mariners into port, and famous artists have celebrated this distinguished building in paintings and photographs. Built in 1805-06, this is the oldest standing church in this historic seaport. Today it is a central element in the Gloucester Historic District, part of the National Register of Historic Places.
The meeting house also holds an important place in history. This is the "mother church" of Universalism in America, founded by Rev. John Murray in 1779. Its earliest members suffered ostracism, property seizure and even imprisonment as they battled for religious freedom. In 1786, Murray and the small band of men and women who supported him prevailed, and a ruling in their favor by the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court provided a precedent for separation of church and state. This principle was later incorporated into the Bill of Rights of the United States Constitution.
WHAT'S BEING DONE --
Exterior: Repair old, deteriorated exterior wood and entry doors and repaint in historic colors ("Palladian Buff"). Repair and restore roof, preserving original slate where possible. Stabilize and restore lantern steeple. (As of 2008, more than 90% of this has been accomplished.)
Interior: Restore spiral staircase leading to balcony. Reinforce balcony seating to increase total capacity to 525; stabilize memorial stained-glass windows.
Accessibility and Safety: A building-wide fire alarm system was installed in 2007. Install ramps and other aids for persons with disabilities; upgrade lavatories and kitchen.
Landscaping: Restore historic granite post and iron rail fencing, pave walkways, and recondition lawns.
HOW YOU CAN HELP PRESERVE THIS IMPORTANT BUILDING:
The Meeting House Restoration project is an ongoing effort to reverse years of deterioration, by preserving this historic structure and expanding its availability to Cape Ann for civic and cultural events. Urgently needed work has begun, but the total costs (in excess of $1 million) are far beyond the means of the congregation. Success will depend on the generosity of friends. The Massachusetts Historical Commission, the Gloucester Historic Commission, and the Unitarian Universalist Association have supported the project along with scores of individual donors.
Please join them by giving generously.
For more information about the history of the Meeting House and the Restoration Fund program, please call (978) 283-3410, or write to:
The Independent Christian Church Restoration Fund
10 Church Street
Gloucester MA 01930.
Checks may be made payable to the ICC Restoration Fund. Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.