History

Norwood was once part of Dedham (known as South Dedham). The people of South Dedham traveled several miles to worship at The Church of Christ. By 1717 the people of South Dedham were tired of the long travel and taxes and petitioned to start their own parish. The South Dedham parish was created by the General Court in 1730, and the church was founded in 1736. The Rev. Thomas Balch, from Salem, was selected as the first pastor.

During its early history, several buildings in different locations served the parishioners of the Congregational Church. The fourth meetinghouse was dedicated in 1884 on the corner of Walpole and Winter Street. In 1895, the name changed officially to First Congregational Church.

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Church member, Dave Brierley repairing a grave at the Old Parish Cemetery

Church member, Dave Brierley repairing a grave at the Old Parish Cemetery

The present First Congregational Church complex stands on Winter Street just across from the older church. It was dedicated in 1961.

In May of 2004,  this congregation voted to adopt the guidelines, as outlined by The United Church of Christ, to become an Open & Affirming congregation.  This is commonly referred to as “ONA.”

The church celebrated its 275th anniversary in 2011.

Many former pastors lay at rest in the Old Parish Cemetery.

Church members Barbara Brierley and her sister, Irene Ingemi at Rev. Thomas Balch’s grave stone in the Old Parish Cemetery

Church members Barbara Brierley and her sister, Irene Ingemi at Rev. Thomas Balch’s grave stone in the Old Parish Cemetery