Built in 1806, the Gloucester Meetinghouse is the oldest standing meetinghouse in the city. It is the home of the first Universalist church in America. The architecturally significant building with its Paul Revere bell, Simon Willard clock, and original charter signed by freed slave Gloucester Dalton, will delight history enthusiasts of all ages.

 

Throughout the year, the Gloucester Meetinghouse Foundation hosts a wide range of concerts, symposia, and civic events that are open to the public and many of which are free. Recent symposia have included topics from gun control to sustainability. For the past three years, the Foundation has presented the highly-attended Martin Luther King, Jr. Day program of speakers and presentations. The annual Oratorio concert and holiday music program are favorites with the Cape Ann community.

 

Each summer, Meetinghouse Green lights up with music and food from around the world in a nine-week free Friday night festival for the whole family. Music on Meetinghouse Green features outstanding musicians playing everything from be-bop, Brazilian “forro,” and middle-eastern, with a little soul, jazz, and rhythm and blues for good measure. Each week one of Cape Ann’s non-profit organizations receives all free-will donations. And a local food vendor offers up a tasty meal often inspired by the origins of the music.

 

Gloucester Meetinghouse is located at the corner of Church and Middle Street in Gloucester, Massachusetts. Please visit their website for more information about the Gloucester Meetinghouse Foundation and upcoming events: http://www.gloucestermeetinghouse.org