First Church in Cambridge is a vibrant and welcoming congregation located in the heart of Harvard Square. It has served the community for four centuries and holds regular services, weddings, and other religious events for the residents of Cambridge and beyond. From Newport Harbor High School’s orchestra to the Family Choir, the church brings people from all walks of life together.
A little bit of history on First Church in Cambridge
The church’s history begins with the arrival of minister Thomas Shepard from England. In 1635, Shepard left his homeland to become minister of one of the most influential churches in the colonies, the First Church in Cambridge, while also serving as a key religious figure at Harvard University. Established during the earliest years of New England settlement, it was the very first church founded in Cambridge, which is how it earned its name, and the eleventh church established in Massachusetts overall.
What can you do at First Church in Cambridge?
Besides Sunday service, weddings, and baptisms, the church is well known in the community for its range of programs teaching members about worship, music, and social justice. Some of its most popular programs include Friday Café and the Youth Group.
And don’t miss out on the concerts by candlelight continuing to enchant audiences. From pop stars such as Beyoncé to ingenious composers like Mozart, these performances cover a wide range of genres and music artists. As you can tell from photos of First Church in Cambridge and the magic of countless candles, it’s an experience you won’t forget any time soon.
5 November 2026 18:00 + more dates
First Church in Cambridge
5 November 2026 20:30 + more dates
First Church in Cambridge
FAQ
What denomination is the First Church in Cambridge?
The United Church of Christ. It’s a diverse community that believes in justice, helping one other, and grace.
What time does the First Church in Cambridge open?
The church is open nearly every day from 7 am to 10 pm, so you can pop by any day to take a look for yourself.
Is there parking at the First Church in Cambridge?
There’s limited parking available. So if you arrive by car, you can find parking along the residential streets near the church. What’s more, the sanctuary and Lindsay Chapel are wheelchair accessible.
Is the First Church in Cambridge accessible?
The main sanctuary is wheelchair accessible, as are Lindsay Chapel, Margaret Jewett Hall, and the Hastings Room where many meetings are held. Furthermore, there are two accessible parking spots on Garden Street directly in front of the church, and they require a valid disability plate or placard.
Situated at the corner of Garden and Mason Streets, just across Mason Street from the old Radcliffe campus, the church is reachable by train with the nearest stop being Harvard Square. From there, it’s only an eight-minute walk to the church.
The oldest church in the city has hosted hundreds of sermons and special events. It’s now welcomed captivating live music concerts by candlelight to its sanctuary to mesmerize Bostonians and Cambridge residents. There are also several other venues across Boston where you can enjoy these unforgettable performances.
