Our current meetinghouse is the second home of the congregation, and was constructed by Colonel Jacob Smith in 1805-1806.  It is the oldest church building in Gloucester.  Our lantern steeple towers 155 feet above sea level, and was intended to serve as a navigational aid for mariners.  It is visible more than three miles out to sea, and since 1806 has defined the Gloucester skyline.

Renovation

The church building has undergone major renovations twice in its history.  It was raised nine feet in 1868 to permit the construction of a lower level for church functions (known today as the Vestry).  The original box pews were removed and replaced by Victorian era pews.

Memorial stained glass windows were installed during the time of World War I.

In 1946 an addition was constructed to house a kitchen, classroom and office space.

Treasures

We are proud of our Paul Revere bell, our Simon Willard clock, still keeping time and wound carefully every week, and our 1824 blown glass chandelier, originally lighted with whale oil, now outfitted with energy-saving LED bulbs.

Our Hutchings-Fisk organ was originally built in 1893 by George Hutchings, who later built the organ in Boston’s Symphony Hall.  It was refurbished in 1962 by Charles Fisk, renowned as the most innovative organ builder of the period.  The refurbishing was undertaken right here in Gloucester at Fisk’s firm, then located on Maplewood Avenue.

We Welcome Visitors!

Tours can be arranged by contacting the church office at (978) 283-3410.  We request a few days advance notice to arrange for a tour guide.