About First Church Unitarian

• History
• Who We Are
• About Unitarian Universalism
• We offer you...
• Is this the church for you?

A Brief History

The parish was formed in 1714 with the incorporation of the Town of Littleton. The first minister was Benjamin Shattuck, who served for a time as a lay minister and then was ordained here on Christmas Day, 1717. The church was known as the Congregational Church. In the mid- 1700's, Baptists in town decided to create their own society and build a church. At that point, Unitarianism was just beginning in this country, and our church was known formally as the First Congregation Church.

In 1841, the congregation was equally divided between "orthodox congregationalists" and those who were more influenced by the humanists, utopians, and Unitarians of the epoch. In a very amicable separation, the orthodox congregationalists left to form their own society. Also at that time, monetary support from the town ended - the separation of church and state was becoming a reality in Littleton (although the town by-laws still require that the warrant for any Town Meeting be posted at the Unitarian Church).

In the 1860's, the word "Unitarian" begins to appear in church records. By the end of that decade, the church affiliated with the American Unitarian Association. A variety of names combining both "Congregational" and "Unitarian" were used until the church finally settled on "First Church Unitarian in Littleton" as its official name.

The church has played a central role in the history of the town of Littleton. Many historical artifacts and documents from the church are on permanent loan to the Littleton Historical Society. We retain church records dating back to 1755.

Aerial photo by Andrew Bowers. First Church is to the left.

About the Church Building:

The present building was erected in 1841. Various changes in the structure have been made during the past 150 years: The floor of the sanctuary was raised (the vestibule remains at the original level), a complete interior remodeling was accomplished in the 1890's to create a sanctuary in the Greek Revival style, and the horse sheds attached to the church were torn down - they were ultimately replaced by the Sunday School Wing built in 1961. Other changes have included a recasting of the church bell, reconstruction of the steeple, installation of an 1891 Woodbury & Sons tracker organ, and modifications for accessibility.

Did You Know... The first church in Littleton was built on the eastern triangle of the Town Common in 1717? The first church building on the present site of the Unitarian Church was completed in 1742 at a cost of £900? The present church is the third such building on this site? The present church was completed in 1841, at a cost of $3,217.90? The construction was financed by auctioning the pews to church members On the church bell is inscribed: First Bell 1770 Second Bell 1808 recast and enlarged 1903 On earth peace, good will toward men. The columns in front of the church are hollow, and hold the weights that drive the clock? The clock itself was installed in 1903.

Who We Are Our church, like more than 1,000 member societies, is affiliated with the Unitarian Universalist Association of North America. The people of our congregation come from a variety of religious backgrounds, are of all ages, live in several communities, and have many interests. We share in a love of music, an appreciation of humor, and a desire to preserve our diversity by respecting each other's beliefs.

The purpose of the church is well expressed in our mission statement and covenant:

Beyond this, our reason for joining together is to seek, to find, and to give a spiritual and moral interpretation of life without doctrinal creed, but with an appreciation for the evidence of science. We seek truth and beauty and goodness wherever they may be found. We are dedicated to the continual transformation and ennoblement of individual and social life. We seek to promote among all people the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace

About Unitarian Universalism Unitarian Universalism is a purposeful, positive religious movement, dedicated to the moral progress of human life. It welcomes all who catch the vision of placing principles of freedom, responsibility, reason and tolerance above uniform, theological doctrine

The Principles and Purposes

As Unitarian Universalists, we believe that...

• every person is important and valuable.
• all people should be treated fairly.
• our churches are places where we should accept one another and learn together.
• each person should be free to search for what is true and right.
• all people have the right to speak out and vote on things that matter to them.
• we should help build a peaceful, fair, and free world.
• we need to take care of the earth, the home we share with all living things.

These ideas come from many places:

• the sense of wonder that we all share,
• women and men of long ago and today whose lives remind us to be kind, fair, and understanding,
• ethical and spiritual wisdom of the world's religions,
• Jewish and Christian teachings which tell us to love all others as we love ourselves,
• the use of reason and discoveries of science, and
• the harmony of nature and the sacred circle of life.

Thankful for all these ideas, we want to learn even more. We come to church where we freely share our thoughts and feelings and promise to trust and help one another.

Links to more about Unitarian Universalism

• The Unitarian Universalist Home Page
• The UU Resource Directory
• The All Souls UU Jumpstation
• The Continental UU Young Adult Network
• The UU Hotlist
• Yahoo's UU Section
• Einet Galaxy's UU Section
• A History of the Flaming Chalice

We offer you...

• Worship:
  • Sunday Morning Services
  • Family services on special Sundays
  • Occasional guest ministers or lay speakers
• Religious Education:
  • Classes for ages through Grade 6 (with nursery care available during the Sunday service)
  • Youth programs for Grades 7-12
  • Adult Education series and discussion groups
• Music:
  • Volunteer choir with professional director and organist
  • Guest musicians and soloists
  • Junior choir
  • Firehouse Coffeehouse folk music series with headline artists
  • Special musical programs
• Fellowship and Service:
  • Women's Alliance
  • Men's Group
  • Seasonal Socials: informal supper gatherings
  • Coffee and conversation following Sunday Service
  • Christmas Pageant
  • Passover Seder
  • Annual talent auction
  • Ongoing family events, including:
    • Annual Country Fair,
    • Recognition Sunday,
    • Summer Picnics and Camping Trips

Is this the church for you?

If you ...

• Cherish universal truths taught by the great thinkers of humanity in every age and tradition;
• Welcome the diversity of religious opinion, yet seek a strengthened spirituality for yourself;
• Seek an opportunity to consider religious questions with others who are not always certain they have the answers;
• Need a church where you and you family can be helped to build your own religious beliefs;
• Wish to join with others for celebration and worship, discussion and education, social action and service, friendship and support;

...then this may be the church you are looking for.

Membership

The Membership Book is available for signature each Sunday morning that church is in session. Please see our minister if you are interested in becoming a member.

Signing the book makes a serious commitment to the church community, to support it financially and through volunteer service as you are able. It indicates agreement with the purpose of the church as set forth in its covenant.

An Invitation

We welcome your interest in our church and the opportunity to answer your questions about us. Please call (978)486-3044 or visit the church office Monday, Tuesday or Thursday 9AM-1PM, or Sunday from 8AM-1PM or join us for Sunday Service at 9:00 or 11:00 am. We would be glad to send you our twice monthly church newsletter about upcoming services and activities.

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