First Parish Old Ship Church, Unitarian Universalist

First Parish in Hingham, known as Old Ship Church, is a liberal Unitarian Universalist congregation of about 250 members of all ages. Its Meeting House, a National Historic Landmark, has stood on Hingham’s Main Street since 1681 and is the only remaining 17th-century Puritan meeting house in the United States. The congregation describes itself as a community that welcomes all to an open search for meaning, mindful of the interconnected web of existence.

Sunday services are led by Rev. Carie Johnson and Christopher Nickelson-Mann and are also available on Zoom. Beyond worship, a Social Justice Council organizes forums, films and book discussions, advocacy opportunities and service projects, and the calendar includes musical meditation in the Meeting House, a Ceilidh group and celebrations for all ages. The congregation welcomes people regardless of race, class, ethnic background, sexual orientation or political belief.

What to Know

• Volunteer-led tours of the Meeting House can be arranged with one week’s notice.
• Restoration and upkeep of the historic building are ongoing, and the church accepts donations toward its preservation.
• A monthly Newcomers Coffee introduces visitors to the congregation.
• Old Ship is listed in the Town of Hingham business directory.