| History |
The West Parish church was established by families who settled on
the western side of the Annisquam River. To attend the mandatory
church service on Sunday required a long, arduous, and costly journey
into Gloucester. The ferry across the river cost a penny per person,
plus two pennies for a horse! After several years of petitioning, the
West Gloucester families were granted permission in 1713 to build a
church on 15 acres of land in the center of their community.
The community worshipped together for more than 100 years, but
when Unitarianism developed in New England, the parish split. In
1832, a few years after some members left amidst the controversy,
several people gathered at the home of Frederick Haskell and
agreed to form a new society "according to the order and faith of our
Pilgrim fathers" to be called the Trinitarian Congregational Society of
the West Parish in Gloucester.
The land where the church stands today was given by William Proctor
and a new building was dedicated in 1834. The original meeting
house was razed in the 1860s, but the site is marked by a stone pulpit
in an undeveloped woodland area. A special worship service
is held once a year on the site. In 1913, the current building was
moved from a small hilltop to its current location to add the vestry. A
Sunday school wing was added in the 1960s. In 1992, West Parish
affiliated with the United Church of Christ.
Although some members can trace their ancestry to the founders of
"the church in the wilderness," the congregation today includes people
from many different backgrounds and welcomes believers and
seekers alike.
the western side of the Annisquam River. To attend the mandatory
church service on Sunday required a long, arduous, and costly journey
into Gloucester. The ferry across the river cost a penny per person,
plus two pennies for a horse! After several years of petitioning, the
West Gloucester families were granted permission in 1713 to build a
church on 15 acres of land in the center of their community.
The community worshipped together for more than 100 years, but
when Unitarianism developed in New England, the parish split. In
1832, a few years after some members left amidst the controversy,
several people gathered at the home of Frederick Haskell and
agreed to form a new society "according to the order and faith of our
Pilgrim fathers" to be called the Trinitarian Congregational Society of
the West Parish in Gloucester.
The land where the church stands today was given by William Proctor
and a new building was dedicated in 1834. The original meeting
house was razed in the 1860s, but the site is marked by a stone pulpit
in an undeveloped woodland area. A special worship service
is held once a year on the site. In 1913, the current building was
moved from a small hilltop to its current location to add the vestry. A
Sunday school wing was added in the 1960s. In 1992, West Parish
affiliated with the United Church of Christ.
Although some members can trace their ancestry to the founders of
"the church in the wilderness," the congregation today includes people
from many different backgrounds and welcomes believers and
seekers alike.
West Gloucester Trinitarian
Congregational Church
Congregational Church
Since 1713
All Rights Reserved.
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