United First Parish Church (Church of the Presidents) | Quincy MA

United First Parish Church in Quincy, Massachusetts-often known as the Church of the Presidents-is one of the most historically significant and architecturally distinguished churches in the United States. Built in 1828 from local Quincy granite and funded in part by former U.S. President John Adams, the church is the final resting place of two U.S. Presidents and their First Ladies, and it remains an active center of worship and civic memory.

Founding and Congregational History

The roots of the congregation stretch back to 1636, when it was founded as the Church of Braintree, a Puritan meetinghouse serving early settlers. The town later split, and in 1792, the northern part became the town of Quincy. The congregation evolved over time from its original Puritan roots into a Unitarian denomination by the late 1700s, reflecting the liberal theological movements of the time, especially in New England.

Construction and John Adams’ Vision

The current granite church was completed in 1828 to replace the earlier wooden meetinghouse, which had become too small and outdated for the growing town and congregation. It was President John Adams-by then retired and living in Quincy-who proposed that the new church be built using Quincy granite, which was being quarried nearby in what would become one of America’s most significant granite sources.

Adams not only contributed financially to the church’s construction but also influenced the architectural design. His deep respect for classical antiquity and civic virtue shaped the building’s stately form, which became a model for American religious architecture.

Architectural Design

The church was designed by Alexander Parris, a prominent Boston architect best known for his work on Quincy Market in downtown Boston. The structure is a masterpiece of Greek Revival architecture, a style that symbolized the democratic ideals of ancient Greece and was widely used for public buildings in early 19th-century America.

Key features include:

Granite Façade: The entire structure is made of locally quarried granite, an expression of both local pride and permanence.

Doric Portico: The imposing front of the church features four monolithic Doric columns, each weighing roughly 25 tons and standing approximately 25 feet high, creating a temple-like effect.

Cupola and Tower: Above the rectangular main structure rises a square two-stage tower, topped by an octagonal cupola with four clock faces-one on each side-added in the 20th century.

Interior: Inside, the sanctuary contains original woodwork, decorative moldings, and box pews. One of the pews-Pew No. 54-was the regular seat of John Quincy Adams and his family. The interior ceiling is domed and features decorative elements inspired by natural forms, including stylized lotuses and passion flowers.

Church of the Presidents – The Adams Crypt

Beneath the church lies one of the most sacred spaces in American history: the Adams Family Crypt. It holds the tombs of:

John Adams, 2nd President of the United States

Abigail Adams, First Lady and key political adviser to her husband

John Quincy Adams, 6th President of the United States

Louisa Catherine Adams, First Lady and wife of John Quincy

These are the only two U.S. Presidents buried side-by-side in a church, making the crypt a uniquely important national site. The tombs are plain but dignified, made of marble with simple inscriptions. The space is accessible to visitors on guided tours and is treated with solemn respect.

National Significance

In 1970, the United First Parish Church was declared a National Historic Landmark, both for its architectural merit and for its central role in American presidential history. The site continues to be a place of national remembrance, particularly on the birth anniversaries of both John Adams and John Quincy Adams, when wreath-laying ceremonies are held, often with military honors and presidential messages.

Tours and Public Access

From April through November, the church offers public guided tours that include the sanctuary, historic pews, and the Adams family crypt. These tours are led by knowledgeable volunteer guides and include rich stories about the Adams family, the church’s construction, and its architectural elements. A suggested donation is typically requested but entry is generally open to the public.

The church is located at 1306 Hancock Street, directly across from Quincy City Hall and within walking distance of the MBTA Red Line’s Quincy Center station, making it easily accessible from downtown Boston.

Civic and Religious Life Today

Though the building is steeped in history, the United First Parish Church remains an active Unitarian Universalist congregation. Its services reflect inclusive, liberal religious values with a focus on social justice, community outreach, and interfaith dialogue.

One of its ongoing social justice programs is the Prison Book Program, which operates from the church’s basement and has, since 2004, shipped thousands of books to incarcerated individuals across the country-making literacy and access to knowledge part of its modern mission.

Cultural Role and Education

In addition to tours, the church often serves as a site for educational visits by schools, history groups, and heritage organizations. Visitors to the church gain firsthand insight into:

The civic and political contributions of the Adams family

The development of Unitarianism in America

Greek Revival architecture in the early U.S.

The evolution of American democracy and civic institutions

Summary

United First Parish Church in Quincy is a powerful symbol of early American identity. From its Puritan origins to its embodiment of Enlightenment-era architecture and civic ideals, it stands as a testament to the nation’s evolving character. It is not only the final resting place of two U.S. Presidents and their wives, but also a living congregation and community hub. Visitors are drawn not only to its majestic architecture and historical artifacts, but to its enduring message of civic responsibility, moral inquiry, and public service-a message that John Adams himself would no doubt endorse.