Every church has a story, and ours is one that reflects the enduring faithfulness of God and the courage and commitment of those who came before us. From humble beginnings in a Boston barn to our vibrant 1881 steepled building at 75 Vernon Street with its beautiful stained glass windows, Newton Presbyterian Church’s history is a testament to the power of perseverance, community, and the ever-renewing call to serve.
This journey isn’t just about the past—it’s a foundation for the future. Our story reminds us that faith is a living, evolving journey, shaped by the people who respond to God’s call in their time. As you explore our history, we hope you’ll see not only where we’ve been but also the heart of who we are—a congregation committed to welcoming all, loving our neighbors, and seeking God’s purpose in every season.
We invite you to step into this story and discover how it might intersect with your own:
New Presbyterian Church’s Unfolding Story
Early Efforts to Establish Presbyterianism in Massachusetts (1643–1719)
As early as 1643, an attempt was made to establish Presbyterianism in Massachusetts. Unappreciated by the dominant Puritan Congregationalists, it is recorded that, in 1719, more than fifty persons were ordered to depart from Boston because of their Presbyterian beliefs.
The Second Attempt: Establishing Roots in Boston (1730)
The second attempt to establish Presbyterianism in Boston was made in 1730. It is to this group that Newton Presbyterian Church traces its ancestry. On July 14, 1730, the church was established with the Rev. John Moorhead as pastor, and on June 8, 1735, John Little—who had been instrumental in bringing Presbyterianism to Boston—executed a deed to his barn and the lot on which it stood to be used by the Presbyterian society “to continue so forever.” The church flourished and was eventually received into the Presbytery of New York of the Associate Presbyterian Church in September 1782.
A Barn Becomes a Church: The Legacy of John Little (1735–1786)
In August 1786, the congregation voted themselves into a Congregationalist society and, starting in 1803, under the leadership of Rev. William Ellery Channing, turned to Unitarianism.
A Scottish Revival: The Birth of Newton Presbyterian Church (1846)
In 1846, a homesick Scot yearning to hear “Scotch preaching” catalyzed the organization of what is now Newton Presbyterian Church. On Thanksgiving Day, November 26, 1846, with the approval of the Synod of New York and under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Alexander Blaikie, the First Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church of Boston was organized with thirty-nine charter members.
Building and Growth: A Permanent Home in Boston (1870)
For years, the congregation sought to regain the property deeded by John Little in 1735 to be a Presbyterian church in perpetuity. After 20 years, the congregation was finally able to build a church of their own at the corner of Berkeley and Chandler Streets. This building was dedicated on February 6, 1870.
The United Presbyterian Church of Boston is Formed (1858)
On May 26, 1858, The Associate Presbyterian Church and The Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church merged to form The United Presbyterian Church of North America, and it was then that the church came to be The First United Presbyterian Church of Boston.
Immigrant Roots: The MacLennan Era and Congregational Expansion (1895–1905)
The Reverend John Hood was called to be the second pastor of the congregation, installed in December 1881. The Reverend Neil MacLennan, a native of Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, was installed as pastor in 1895, followed shortly thereafter by his brother, Rev. Dr. A.K. MacLennan, in 1896. At this time, immigration from the Maritime Provinces reached its height, and many of these folks found their way to the church. By 1905, the church was outgrowing the building at Berkeley and Chandler Streets, and the congregation purchased a Unitarian Church at the corner of Warren Avenue and West Brookline Street. It was dedicated on December 3, 1905.
Perseverance Through the Great Depression (1930s)
Despite the Great Depression of the 1930s, the mortgage on the Warren Avenue property was paid in full. Under Rev. Dr. Murray, the church underwent yet another move—the Channing Unitarian Church of Newton came up for sale, and by April 1946, the property was purchased and made ready for occupancy for $25,000.
The Move to Newton: A Permanent Sanctuary at 75 Vernon Street (1946–Present)
It is here, at 75 Vernon Street, that our congregation has continued to serve God by opening our doors to a variety of ministries and organizations that serve our community. Together, we live out the Gospel of Jesus Christ, which calls us to see the image of God in all people, to love our neighbors as ourselves, and to care for the least of these.
Pastors of Newton Presbyterian Church
Throughout its rich history, Newton Presbyterian Church has been guided by dedicated pastors who have faithfully shepherded the congregation through times of growth, challenge, and change. From its earliest days under Rev. John Moorhead to the leaders who serve today, each pastor has contributed uniquely to the church’s mission of proclaiming the Gospel, nurturing faith, and serving the community. Below is a chronological list of the pastors who have helped shape Newton Presbyterian Church into the vibrant and welcoming congregation it is today.
