bicentennial celebration
The world has changed since 1809 when sea-weary travelers caught sight of their first welcome to Boston—the glistening steeple of Park Street Church. Two centuries later, the convictions of a common faith in the Lord Jesus Christ continues to make Park Street Church a welcoming refuge for weary travelers.
Since its founding in 1809, Park Street Church has been the site of many historic events and a pioneer in many social, national, and theological concerns. Discover more of Park Street Church’s innovative history online or through a guided Freedom Trail tour. To take an in-depth look into the history and identity of Park Street Church check out, Boston’s Historic Church by Garth Rosell or watch the half-hour documentary created by Chris Gilbert of Lamp Post Media.
On February 27, 2009, Mayor Menino proclaimed:
Whereas: As an active promoter of social justice and contributor to the needs of Bostonians, Park Street Church leadership has helped to establish many vital and humanitarian organizations such as the Prison Discipline Society, the American Temperance Society, the Animal Rescue League, and the Boston Chapter of the N.A.A.C.P.; and
Whereas: The Women’s Benevolent Society of Park Street Church has positively influenced the lives of the people of the City of Boston and Commonwealth of Massachusetts for two hundred years; and
Whereas: The leadership of Park Street Church has invested in the education of the Citizens of Boston and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts; and
Whereas: Early and current ministers and members of Park Street Church engage in extensive educational, medical and humanitarian mission and outreach all over the world; and
Whereas: Park Street Church has meaningfully contributed to the arts including the formation of the Handel and Haydn Society, Samuel Francis Smith’s hymn, “My Country ‘Tis of Thee,” the employment of Lowell Mason; and
Whereas: February 27, 2009 marks the bicentennial of the founding of Park Street Church; NOW
Therefore, I, Thomas M. Menino, Mayor of the City of Boston, do hereby proclaim February 27, 2009 to be
The Park Street Church Bicentennial Day
Throughout the city, citizens are encouraged to congratulate Park Street Church on the occasion of the church’s bicentennial celebration and to participate fittingly in its observances.
-Mayor Menino
Park Street Church invites you to take a look back as we surpass our bicentennial year. Listen to the memorable Guest Speaker Series created to address topics that illuminate Christian beliefs, address objections or challenge and motivate love for others. Relive the kick-off Bicentennial Gala and Dinner, which commemorated the 200th anniversary of February 27, 1809, when twenty-six Bostonians signed the Park Street Church charter that marked the church's birth. (This time, over one thousand were in attendance!) Park Street also displayed artifacts and some in the making [ the bicentennial year book ] check back to see your signature go down in history!
bicentennial retrospective video
