First Unitarian Church in New Bedford
We are a liberal, progressive, religious community. We come together to support one another in building the Beloved Community. We help each other live lives of integrity, service, and love by offering; thoughtful and engaging worship that combines both head and heart, engaging workshops, interesting book groups, leadership roundtables, social opportunities for learning and sharing, and opportunities to give back to the larger community and to be in service with others.
Our building, which is Norman Gothic in style, was designed by the distinguished architects Alexander Jackson Davis and Russell Warren. Constructed in 1838 at a cost of about $40,000, it required 7,000 tons of granite, some blocks weighing as much as eight tons. The style of the interior details is Gothic, yet the spaciousness of the well-lighted interior and the simplicity and precision of the decorative elements have much in common with the Greek revival designs of the same period. In 1868 a chapel was added behind the church. In 1896 the Parish House was constructed with a style of architecture matching the original church building which is home to the beloved Tryworks Auditorium which housed one of the longest running Coffee Houses in the country, led by Maggi Peirce.
The mosaic behind the pulpit was given in 1911 as a memorial to Judge and Mrs. Oliver Prescott by their three children, Oliver Prescott, Jr., Mrs. Frederick Stetson, and Miss Mary R. Prescott. Frederick Wilson was the artist who made the design for the Tiffany Studios. A Pilgrim ascending a dangerous mountain pass is guided on his way by a Guardian Angel. It is the largest and most intricate work of its kind in America, covering over 300 square feet of wall space and containing many thousands of pieces of Favrile glass set in cement.
The office is open Monday-Friday, 10 am – 1 pm, September-June. Visit us during AHA! nights, during Sunday service at 11 AM, or fellowship in the Parish Hall after service. All are welcome to join us.
We have rental space available for small parties, rehearsals, meetings, and gathering. Contact the office for details or visit our website: www.uunewbedford.org
