First Church and Parish in Dedham

Introduction:

First Church in Dedham has a long history beginning in the early days of the Massachusetts Bay Colony.  The following summary is an attempt to cover some of the highlights (and low points!)

The Roots of First Church and Parish:

Shortly after the town of Dedham was first settled, a group of eight men founded the First Church in Dedham on November 8, 1638.  It was established as a completely independent church without any affiliation to a religious organization.  The congregation initially consisted of two separate bodies, the Parish and Church, a common arrangement in those days.  The Parish was composed of the entire town, and tax money was used to support the church.  All eligible (male) voters could vote on Parish matters.  The Church consisted of those who applied and were accepted as members. As time went by, the Town of Dedham came to take over many functions of the Parish.    In 1720 the division of the town into separate parishes resulted in loss of tax revenues to First Church, and eventually the Town ceased to support the Church financially.  Today  we are both the First Church and Parish in Dedham, but the distinction is less meaningful than it was in the 17th century.  An echo of this part of our history can still be seen in our organizational structure.  Until the bylaws were rewritten, during the ministry of Addison Steeves (1949- 1967) deacons served a lifetime appointment.  Even today the deacons continue to have a slightly different role and a longer tenure than other members of the Parish Committee.

Early Challenges

The Dedham Decision

More New Beginnings

An Overview of UU History