Who We Are
United Presbyterian Church of Whitinsville, established over 150 years ago, is a vibrant faith community providing inclusive worship services, Bible studies, and community outreach.
Our Church’s History
Take a look at the rich tapestry of our congregation's past.
Origins of Our Founding Members
The roots of our church trace back to a group of individuals hailing from Ireland and Scotland, many of whom were former members of Presbyterian churches in their home countries. Upon immigrating to the United States, they found themselves members of both the United Presbyterian Church of Sutton and the Congregational Church of Whitinsville.
A Desire for Organization
With a growing desire for a dedicated United Presbyterian Church in Whitinsville, the groundwork for our organization began to take shape.
First Organization: 1871
In 1871, the first formal organization of the United Presbyterian Church of Whitinsville occurred. Gathering in Smith’s Hall, located over Duggan’s Livery Stable on the corner of Park and Church Streets (now the site of Unibank), our founding members embarked on this journey of faith. The initial elders, Hugh Young, William Anderson, and William McAllister, Sr., were installed on October 3, 1871. However, this group disbanded after approximately three years.
Second Organization: 1874
Undeterred, a second organization took place on December 30, 1874, under the authority of a Commission representing the Boston Presbytery. This marked the true beginning of our enduring community. The first three elders elected were William McAllister, Sr., Richard Marshall, Sr., and Robert McNeil.
Meeting Location
From 1874 to 1882, our congregation held meetings in Chapel Hall, situated on the second floor over the Dudley Store on Douglas Road. Generously provided by C. P. Whitin & Sons free of charge, this hall served as our spiritual home during these formative years.
Incorporation and Site Selection
On December 28, 1877, three years after it was founded, our church was formally incorporated under Massachusetts law. The urgent necessity to provide our church with a physical location arose with incorporation. Our current church is proudly located on Cottage Street. We paid $500 to purchase this site from Cyrus Taft, and it had great potential for our expanding community. We began a new chapter in our history with the January 24, 1878, deed for the property.
Construction of the Edifice
Soon after, work on our first church building started, demonstrating the commitment and perseverance of our members. Constructed for roughly $6,000, the structure offered a place of religion and social interaction for the neighborhood. In 1888, the present parsonage was built at a cost of $2,700.
Growth and Expansion
Under the leadership of our first pastor, Rev. James L. Thompson of Ohio, the church was built and dedicated on February 15, 1882. This milestone marked the culmination of years of effort and faith.
Communion Practices and Community Life
In the early days of our church, communion was a sacred ritual observed with reverence. Individuals were required to attend the preparatory service during the week preceding the Communion Sabbath to participate in communion. This sacrament was celebrated with a shared cup. When kids watched the mustaches dip into the cup, they would frequently chuckle.
Financial Support and Community Engagement
In 1886, early members employed various fundraising methods to sustain and grow our church community. Weekly collections, pew rentals (All the pews were occupied by 1892), and major fundraising projects such as canvassing for pledges, sponsoring lectures, and organizing oyster suppers and entertainment events were crucial in supporting our church's mission and activities.
Expansion and Enlargement
In 1895, under the leadership of Dr. Thomas M. Huston, our church underwent its first significant renovation. The original structure was enlarged, and a tower was added, signaling our commitment to growth and progress.
Embracing Diversity and Community
Around 1896, our church opened its doors to a group of families from Holland who had recently arrived in town. These families held meetings in our church, enriching our community with their unique traditions and language. It was a special occasion for all to hear them sing Psalms in their native tongue. As their congregation grew, they eventually moved to the Great Hall on the second floor of Memorial Hall.
Musical Enhancements
In 1901, our church purchased its first organ for $700, a significant investment at the time. Boys from the congregation took on the responsibility of hand-operating the bellows to produce music for worship. Prior to the organ, Mr. David Marshall led the congregation in singing Psalms using a pitch pipe.
The Need for Expansion
By 1905, our congregation had outgrown its space, necessitating the consideration of a larger church building. Recognizing this need, a building fund was established in 1906 to support future expansion efforts.
Construction of the Present Church
On March 29, 1914, the final service was held in the church building that had served our community since 1888. Demolition followed to make way for the construction of our present church. During this transition, worship services were temporarily held in the Whitinsville Town Hall.
Cornerstone and Dedication
The cornerstone of our present house of worship was laid on June 27, 1914, marking a significant milestone in our church's history. The dedicatory service took place on March 27, 1915, as we celebrated the completion of our new home of worship.
Financial Commitment
The total cost of the new building amounted to approximately $50,000. Remarkably, sixty percent of this cost was covered by the time of dedication, and the remaining debt was quickly paid off in the subsequent years, demonstrating our congregation's steadfast dedication and generosity.
Musical Enhancements
On December 21, 1922, our church made a significant investment in our music ministry by paying $10,000 for a new Skinner organ. The installation was completed in July 1924, and chimes were added in 1938 to enhance the worship experience.
Farewell and Rededication
On October 31, 1935, our congregation bid farewell to Dr. Thomas M. Huston, who had faithfully served as pastor for over 42 years. Despite his departure, Dr. Huston's legacy continued to inspire our community, as he returned in 1940 as a guest speaker for our Rededication services.
Mission Circle Formation
Also, in 1935, the Kathryn M. Huston Mission Circle was established in honor of Dr. Huston's sister, Kathryn, who dedicated her life to serving the church and its mission.
Memorial Broadcasting System
In 1946, a broadcasting system was installed in honor of our church's 98 World War II veterans.
Rotary System of Elders
The implementation of the rotary system of elders in 1951 marked a new era in our church's governance, ensuring greater representation and participation in leadership roles.
Sanctuary Renovation
In 1955, our sanctuary underwent a comprehensive renovation, reflecting our commitment to creating a sacred space for worship and community fellowship.
Denominational Merger
Our United Presbyterian Church of Whitinsville and First Presbytery of 1706 are now a part of the same denomination as a result of national mergers. United Presbyterian Church of North America and Presbyterian Church in the USA united to form United Presbyterian Church in the USA in 1958, marking the first step in the process. Following another national-level merger in 1983 that included the Southern Denomination, which had seceded during the Civil War, the official denominational name became the current Presbyterian Church USA (PCUSA).
Another Milestone Achieved
In 1959, Dr. Henry Sullivan's Spring Street property, bought for $35,000, became "Presbyterian House," housing Sunday School classes. By November 1963, the mortgage was paid.
Women Participation
In a milestone move, women joined the Session in 1971 and the Board of Trustees in 1972.
Centennial Celebration
In September 1974, we celebrated a significant milestone in our church's history with the Centennial Celebration. Special services and a banquet were held to commemorate this momentous occasion.
Artistic Legacy
In 1988, Rudy Gniadek, a talented local artist and member of our congregation, created a drawing of our church. This drawing, featured on the cover page of our church bulletin, serves as a visual reminder of our shared heritage and faith journey.
Join Us
As we continue to embrace change and growth, we remain deeply rooted in our values and traditions, guided by the spirit of unity, faith, and service that has defined our church for generations. Join us as we grow and thrive.