We are built on a historical foundation that goes back more than 300 years. Founded in 1698 as the religious home for the “western farmers” of Watertown, Massachusetts, we were chartered by the Puritans as the parish or town church to serve all residents in the area that has become Weston. Ever since, we have been a religious beacon working for God’s love and justice in and with our community.
First Parish is a Unitarian Universalist Christian congregation – we are inspired by the life and teachings of Jesus, dedicated to the Universalist belief in God’s love and salvation for all, and informed by the radical open-mindedness of our Unitarian heritage. As a Unitarian Universalist congregation, we join together not in rigid dogma, but rather in the spirit of love and connection with our fellow congregants. As we say: “Wherever you are on your journey of faith, you are welcome here at First Parish.
Our Covenant
Our CovenantMany churches are based on a creed – an agreed-upon list of beliefs to which everyone subscribes. However, Unitarian Universalists gather around a covenant, a sacred promise we make to one another to worship what is holy and be in community and service. This way of organizing a church is similar to that of our Puritan forebears and is influenced by New England congregationalism. For more than 100 years, we have used a version of the Ames Covenant:
“In the love of truth, and in the spirit of Jesus Christ,
we join for the worship of God and service to humankind.”
Our Aspiration
First Parish also holds this shared aspiration:
“You will be cared for, and you will be asked to care for others.”
What does this mean to each of us?
It means that we join together on Sunday in both church and community, and that we live our covenant and aspiration every day and in our own way.
Our Denomination
First Parish Church in Weston is a member congregation of the Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations; each congregation commits to support one another in our shared mission of providing local communities with Beloved Community and spiritual leadership.
Unitarian Universalists do not espouse one specific belief system or philosophy, and we honor all backgrounds, experiences, and beliefs. Although First Parish identifies as a Unitarian Universalist Christian congregation, we embrace diverse teachings from many different global religions and philosophies. The Unitarian Universalist spiritual covenant is expressed through the inseparable shared values of Interdependence, Pluralism, Justice, Transformation, Generosity, and Equity – all centered around Love.
Our Welcoming
First Parish Church has been recognized as a Welcoming Congregation by the Unitarian Universalist Association! We have long welcomed people with different perspectives, backgrounds, and orientations. As a 21st-century community and church, we continue to expand our understanding of hospitality and Beloved Community. With this formal certification process, we extend a purposeful welcome to the LGBTQ+ community. Learn more about us as a Welcoming Congregation.
Our History
ur HistoryLearn more about how First Parish was founded, and the service & ministry which has continued for over three centuries.
Land Acknowledgment
The First Parish building and grounds are located on the ancestral and unceded lands of the Massachusett and Pawtucket people. We honor the history of this land and her people, and we recognize the privilege of being the present caretakers of this sacred place.
To directly support our local communities, we ask that you donate to:
- The Massachusett Tribe at Ponkapoag
- Massachusetts Center for Native American Awareness
Their mission is to preserve Native American cultural traditions, assist Native American residents, advance public knowledge, and address systemic inequities - North American Indian Center of Boston – NAICOB on Facebook
Their mission is to empower the Native American community with the goal of improving the quality of life of Indigenous peoples