Old West Church

Old West Church

NPS Photo/M Mark

Quick Facts

Location:

131 Cambridge Street

Significance:

Home of the Metropolitan Community Church

Designation:

National Register of Historic Places

MANAGED BY:

Old West Church

Established in 1737, Old West Church has a long history in Boston. From its time as a church, to its stint as a library from 1896-1961, it has also served as a crucial gathering space for the community and welcomed advocates of social justice.¹ For example, in the 1850s, minister Charles Lowell called for the abolition of slavery and the end of racial segregation. In the 1970s, Old West became home to the Metropolitan Community Church (MCC), a groundbreaking gay, lesbian, and bisexual Christian organization. MCC offered weekly services, Sunday school prayer groups, bible studies, and choir. MCC also opened its space to community activists and hosted the first meetings of what soon became Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders (GLAD).

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Footnote

1. US Department of the Interior, National Park Service, "Old West Church: National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form," 1969. Accessed October 2023, https://npgallery.nps.gov/NRHP/GetAsset/NHLS/70000691_text.