First Parish Dorchester / Meetinghouse Hill

The original meeting house in Dorchester (1631), and its successor (1646), were erected by the first Puritans who settled in the area, approximately where present-day East Cottage, Pond, and Pleasant Streets converge (a memorial stone marks the spot).

Rev. Richard Mather served the Puritan congregation from 1636 to 1669. Dorchester’s meeting house was eventually moved to Meetinghouse Hill and, says the parish’s website, “A church of this congregation has stood on Meetinghouse Hill since 1670.” This is the oldest congregation within the present-day boundaries of Boston. First Parish has long been known for its social justice mission.

10 Parish Street