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Introduction to the First Religious Society
Table of Contents
Preface
History
Organization
Church Committees
Ad Hoc Committees
Primarily Social Committees
Religious Education Program
Music Program
Activities
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Preface
Each one of us who has searched for religious fellowship has entered a new church as a stranger. Confronted with a mass of new faces, discussions about unfamiliar activities, and the unique religious perspective of Unitarian-Universalism, one may rightfully feel overwhelmed.The intent of this booklet is to give you greater insight into The First Religious Society of Newburyport. It focuses on those areas which will be of immediate interest to one seeking a new religious community. While it covers many significant facets of the church, it is not intended to be a comprehensive guide to its inner workings. It does, however, serve as a point of departure for further inquiries and discussion. We-the members, friends, minister, and staff of this Society-welcome the opportunity to answer your questions about our church and to demonstrate our sincere fellowship.
History
The First Religious Society was founded in 1725 as the "Third Parish of Newbury." Its first meeting house was built on the site of what is now Market Square in Newburyport.In 1764, the town of Newburyport was separated from Newbury and thus the "Third Parish of Newbury" became the "First Parish of Newburyport." Later, in 1794, the parish was incorporated as the "First Religious Society of Newburyport," at a time when many liberal congregations were dropping the word "church" in favor of the more inclusive "society."
In 1798, a need was felt for a new building, and the present site was chosen. In 1801, the new church building was constructed and has remained the meeting house of the Society since that time. It has remained essentially unchanged, other than some alterations to the pulpit area of the church, which were completed in the 1830's.
In its seventy-six years up to the building of the present meeting house in 1801, the congregation had only three ministers: John Lowell, Thomas Cary, and John Andrews, and it would be another thirty years before it got its fourth.
Our church traces its roots directly to the Puritan Congregationalists of Massachusetts Bay. But Lowell was a theological liberal--what has come to be known as a "Proto-Unitarian"--and so the die was cast that the First Religious Society would eventually fall out of the Congregationalist camp and into the Unitarian.
The split took place early in the 19th century during what has come to be known as "the Unitarian Controversy." At this time the more conservative members of the congregation withdrew to found what is today the Central Congregational Church. This split seems to have been amicable since those departing are reported to have been allowed to take half of the communion silver when they went.
During the 19th century the church felt the influence of the Transcendentalist movement and like most religious institutions was conflicted by abolitionism and the terrible cataclysm of the Civil War. Perhaps our most famous minister, Thomas Wentworth Higginson, who went on to command Black troops during the war, was asked to resign the pulpit after only two years owing to his ardent abolitionist sentiments. These sentiments rankled the established mercantile members of the congregation, who depended on the South for much of their commerce.
The 20th century was marked by the two long and outstanding ministries of Laurence Hayward and Bertrand Steeves. Although dissimilar theologically, each represented an aspect of religious liberalism and brought stability to the congregation during turbulent times.
In 1961, the American Unitarian Association merged with the Universalist Church of America to form the Unitarian Universalist Association. The First Religious Society has remained an active member in the Association, and continues to represent a liberal religious alternative in the greater Newburyport area.
During the closing decade of the century, the church began to experience significant growth, and parishioners took up again the idea of physical expansion of office and classroom space. As a result, a capital campaign was launched and completed, and the renovation of the dirt basement beneath the sanctuary was carried out, yielding 4000 square feet of new space. Also within this building project, which was completed in 2003, the church was protected by a fire-suppression system and both church and Parish Hall were made accessible for the handicapped. The growth that spurred this project also caused changes and growth in the church's personnel and financial systems, and that growth continues today.
Organization and Government
The First Religious Society of Newburyport is an independent religious organization functioning as a member of the Unitarian-Universalist Association. As a society, it is wholly governed through democratic processes. All members have a voice in the operation of the Society, and all are eligible to serve on committees and hold office. The Society has the responsibility for "calling" its own minister. It also has the power to ordain and install its minister.The Minister and Trustees, as well as the Parish Committee, carry out the decisions of the Parish. The Minister also serves as an advisor to all committees. Management of the permanent funds of the Society is the ongoing responsibility of the Board of Trustees.
As the executive body of the Society, the Parish Committee is cognizant of the activities of all other committees, which function as its subordinates.
Church Committees
PARISH COMMTTTEE
As the chief administrative body within the Society, the Parish Committee has charge of church property, conducts its business affairs, and insures the proper functioning of other committees and appointments. It is composed of twelve members, nine of whom are elected by the Society, plus the Clerk, Treasurer, and Chairperson of the Finance Committee. Each of the other committees of the Society, functioning as a subordinate to the Parish Committee, is responsible for keeping the Parish Committee informed of its plans and progress.The Parish Committee deals with matters related to the normal operation and maintenance of Society buildings, their contents, purchases and improvements. It is authorized to make business contracts of limited value. As overseer of the Society, the Parish Committee is responsible for filling vacancies of elected offices and approving appointments made by other committees. It may create new positions and committees and appoint persons to serve on them as needs arise.
ADULT EDUCATION COMMITTEE
In conjunction with the minister, the Adult Education Committee plans, promotes, and evaluates educational programs for the adult members and community. Its programming is guided by the UU principles and purposes.BUILDING AND GROUNDS COMMITTEE
This committee oversees the care and upkeep of all property and buildings belonging to the Society.COMMITTEE ON THE MINISTRY
This committee provides a communications channel between the Minister and the membership, seeking to hear concerns without judgment and passing them on to the minister or the membership. The committee periodically surveys the congregation on the state of the Society. Annually the committee evaluates the Minister's performance, sets goals, and makes recommendations for changes in compensation. The Committee shall consist of four members, each serving a four-year term. Annually the nominating committee presents a new member for election from a list of three submitted by the minister.DENOMINATIONAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
While the Society functions as a relatively independent religious entity, it also enjoys membership in the Unitarian-Universalist Association (UUA) and the Massachusetts Bay District (MBD). The Denominational Affairs Committee keeps the Society informed of events of interest within the denomination as a whole. It reports on significant UUA decisions and positions and interprets their effects on the Society. Likewise, denominational issues requiring discussion or vote by the Society membership are conducted by this committee, which reports the results back to the UUA.The Denominational Affairs Committee also oversees the contacts and relationship with our Partner Church in Ujszekely, Transylvania (Romania). By fostering and supporting our relationship with the minister and members of that church, we can expand the awareness and appreciation of the historical roots of our faith. Many of our members travel to our partner church during the year and visit the members of the partner church, solidifying our commitment.
FINANCE COMMITTEE
The Finance Committee operates as the focal point for fiscal matters internal to the Society. Its seven or more members are responsible for raising the funds necessary to operate and maintain the church and conduct its affairs. The annual canvass, during which Society members may pledge their annual contribution, is the primary means of obtaining these funds.Fiscal planning is also the responsibility of the Finance Committee. It executes this function by evaluating past expenditures, monitoring the current budget, and developing a new budget which is presented to the Society for approval at the annual meeting. Financial issues are studied and resolved in this committee with recommendations directed to the Parish Committee for its approval where appropriate.
HISTORICAL COMMITTEE
This committee records the Society's history, preserves its historic artifacts, and maintains and publishes the Society's records. This group participates in historic programs in the community and provides guidance to other church committees on matters pertaining to the history of the Society and its property.HOSPITALITY COMMITTEE
The Hospitality Committee appoints hosts and hostesses who provide refreshments at the Sunday morning Coffee Hour. This group also organizes the dinner and refreshments served at the Annual Meeting of the Society, the May Breakfast, and other events of the Society.HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
The Human Services Committee reviews the human needs that come to its attention and undertakes activities that inform and enlist parish members in human service projects. This committee also supports denominational projects within the human services field and promotes a "caring concern" for its own congregation.The Human Services Committee regularly provides meals for the Salvation Army, supports local area food banks, People Helping People (volunteer services) Transitional House for Women & Children and the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (such as Guest at Your Table). The committee also provides guidance to the FRS on the distribution of proceeds for the Swasey Orphan Fund.
MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE
While focused on obtaining new members, the Membership Committee also attends to the social needs of all Society members, new and old. It sees that new members are assimilated into the church through participation in church activities and membership on committees. It provides greeters for the visitors table in the church vestibule before services. The needs of long-time members are also addressed through the organization of social activities which encourage fellowship in a friendly atmosphere.With the minister, the committee provides information to help newcomers better understand the church and how it functions. The Committee plans Membership Sundays to introduce new members to the Congregation.
MUSIC COMMITTEE
The Music Committee consists of at least seven Society members in addition to the Director of Church Music. Together they work to insure a music program of high quality and broad scope in the Sunday Services and through the concert series.The Music Committee recommends appointment of music staff when vacancies occur and plans the annual music budget. This committee also serves as a liaison between the Music Staff and the Parish Committee and makes recommendations concerning supplies and instruments. A sub-committee takes the major responsibility for the concert series.
NOMINATING COMMITTEE
The identification of nominees to fill elective offices is the sole function of the Nominating Committee. This group of three individuals, appointed by the Parish Committee, develops a slate of candidates to fill the various offices of the First Relgiious Society.The officers of the Society are elected at the annual meeting held in May of each year.
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION COMMTTTEE
The Religious Education Committee is responsible for developing and carrying out educational programs in religion for children, youth, and parents. Composed of at least seven Society members, in addition to the Minister and the Director of Religious Education, this body develops the curriculum of the Young Church and has authority to appoint teachers to work with the children.The Religious Education Committee identifies and provides the resources required to carry out the Society's religious education programs. This includes allocation of classroom space, as well as the purchase of equipment and curriculum materials.
SOCIAL ACTION COMMITTEE
The Social Action Committee stays informed of social-action issues, publishes information about such issues to the Parish and the community, and recommends actions on such issues to the Parish Committee and the Society. This committee also supports denominational projects or initiates projects within the field of social responsibility.WELCOMING CONGREGATION COMMITTEE
The Welcoming Congregation Committee works to create a congregation more inclusive of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered persons by providing opportunities and programs of outreach to the congregation and community.WORSHIP COMMITTEE
The Worship Committee works closely with the minister in evaluating the worship experience and assisting in Sunday services. It also arranges for the worship services in the absence of the minister.Ad Hoc Committees
Several ad hoc committees have been established by the Parish Committee to serve a special function.
Human Resources Subcommittee
The Human Resource Subcommittee is established at the will of the Parish Committee to address policies, procedures and issues associated with the work place. These include interviewing, hiring, compensation, benefits, performance management, general working conditions, development and leave of absence. The Human Resources Subcommittee makes recommendations to the Parish Committee which is responsible for all of the First Religious Society's decisions, policies and procedures. The committee is composed of a reasonable mix of those with professional experience in Human Resources and those with an interest in making contribution to this area of our church. The Parish Committee approves membership of the Human Resources Subcommittee.Visiting Group
This group supplements the pastoral work of the minister by communicating with and visiting those members or associates of the congregation who are shut in or are in the hospital.Primarily Social Committees
Women's Alliance
The Women's Alliance is a social group of church members who create a program each year to feature monthly speakers and activities for the group. The Alliance also supports the church with pledges toward its operations.Men Can Read
Selections for each month and discussions are determined by the group. These gentlemen choose from books, plays and poetry to keep themselves interested.OpenBook Group
OpenBook is straightforward: it's open book group of people who meet monthly during the church year to discuss a variety of books. Everyone is invited to join for all or one or a few of the meetings.Retired Guys Out To Lunch
Self-explanatory . . . a great way to meet new people and keep in touch.Reading Aloud
Another group open to all, encompassing many forms of literature.Religious Education Program
Religious education is a shared responsibility of our church and our program strives to create an environment in which everyone is encouraged to search for truth and meaning within the values of Unitarian Universalism. This program provides opportunities that cultivate spiritual growth through the shared ministry of Unitarian Universalist religious education.Our program provides Sunday morning classes for school age children as well as nursery. Teachers are volunteers and work with their classes on a tri-mester program. The Curriculum rotates through five themes: Unitarian Universalism, World Religions, Judeo-Christian Heritage, and the Interdependent Web. One topic is covered each term for classes over preschool. Our Nursery is staffed by parent volunteers and is available to children ages one to two and one half years. It is cooperative and parents are encouraged to volunteer.
The Religious Education Program also presents a December Holiday Program and Youth Sunday.
Also, teens have an opportunity to explore life issues and socialize by attending the Young Religious Unitarian Universalists (YRUU) for grades nine through twelve.
The Religious Education Program also offers a comprehensive sexuality-education program OWL (Our Whole Lives) offered to middle schoolers, to teach sensible decision-making based on accurate information using trained leaders.
Music Program
The First Religious Society has an active, professionally directed music program. A volunteer choir provides choral music for Sunday morning services from September through June. During the church school year, a large number of young people take part in services as well as in the Candlelight Service through the Young Church, Teen, and Cherub Choirs led by the Young Church Choir Director. Special music, often performed by members of the church, during Sunday services, may include a soloist with guitar, a recorder ensemble, a string group, a vocal quartet, or our organist playing on the church's historic 1834 Joseph Alley organ. The church choir, assisted by a string orchestra and brass quintet, serves as the nucleus for the Christmas Candlelight Service, the Society's gift to the community. This special service, which has been held on the Sunday before Christmas Day for over 75 years, has become a Newburyport tradition.The annual Concert Series, sponsored by the Music Committee, presents three concerts from January through April.
Activities
The church sponsors a wide variety of social and religious activities throughout the year. Many of these are planned as one-time events while others have become annual affairs. A few of the typical activities are described below.
Church Auction
Held in early spring, the Church Auction provides a marketplace of values, through both a silent and a live auction. Items sold include dinners and parties, stays vacation homes here and abroad, services such as housecleaning or carpentry, as well as antiques and art works. The Auction is a festive event including a catered dinner.Candlelight Service
The traditional Candlelight Service is a special non-sectarian event for the entire community. It is held on the last Sunday evening before Christmas Day. Conducted in the church amid seasonal decorations, its program of thoughtful readings, chamber music, and choral presentations offers a moving experience highlighting the holiday season.Annual Meeting
Between May 15 and May 31 on a date chosen by the Parish Committee, the parish meets to vote on important issues and elect church officers for the next year. The Annual Meeting is usually preceded by a pot luck supper.May Breakfast
Held on the first Saturday morning in May, the May Breakfast is a special social event combining good food and friends in a comfortable atmosphere. We encourage all ages of our members to participate in the cooking and serving.Church Picnic
The Church Picnic is a social function held on a Sunday afternoon. All are invited to bring food to share with the group as they relax together in the natural surroundings of a nearby park.Dinners and Parties
Several times a year, church members host dinners and informal parties in their homes, inviting all members of the parish and their friends to participate.