Houses of Worship and Religous Oranizations
Roxbury, Massachusetts, has a long history of religious diversity, from the Puritan First Church of Roxbury (1632) to the Charles Street AME Church (1818), oldest of its kind in New England. Over time, it welcomed Quakers, Baptists, Muslims, and Catholics, with religious institutions shaping its culture and community.
Notable House of Worship
First Church of Roxbury
Located at 183 Roxbury Street, the First Church is one of New England’s oldest, built in 1632 on Meeting House Hill by the First Congregational Church Society. It was Roxbury’s only church and, for years, the largest and most influential, also serving as a venue for trials and town meetings. Early settlers had to live within a half mile due to fears of Native American attacks. Rebuilt five times, the current structure dates to 1804. It was also damaged by cannon fire after being used as a Rebel Army signaling station. The Dudley Street Baptist Church began in 1820.
Greek Orthodox Cathedral of New England
Built in 1923, the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral at 514 Parker Street is the Mother Church of the Boston Metropolis. Designed in Classical Revival style, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1988.
The Peoples Baptist Church
Founded in 1805 by Rev. Thomas Paul, the Peoples Baptist Church is New England’s oldest African American Baptist congregation. First meeting in the African Meeting House, it became a hub for worship and activism. Since 1915, it has stood at 134 Camden Street, continuing its mission of faith and service.