The “Church of the Presidents” in Quincy, MA, is actually the United First Parish Church (circa 1828). It earned that nickname because two United States Presidents are buried in a crypt beneath the church: John Adams (2nd President of the United States) and his son, John Quincy Adams (6th President of the United States). Today, the nearly 200-year-old building still serves as an active parish and offers personalized tours of the historic church and crypt!
History
Today’s United First Parish Church has its origins with a congregation that was organized in 1636 by Reverend John Wheelwright (known as the Church of Christ as Mount Wollaston). The next year in 1637, the first Meeting House for this congregation was dedicated. As the community expanded over the years, they quickly out-grew their small wooden church; therefore, a second and larger Meeting House was built in 1666. This structure sufficed for over 65 years, until the size of the congregation necessitated a new church. On October 8, 1732, a third church was built, known as the Hancock Meeting House (named for Reverend John Hancock, father of the better-known founding father).
The 1732 church was used by the community throughout the American Revolution and early Republic period. By the 1820s, former President John Adams desired to build a more prominent church for the congregation. As a gift, Adams donated local Quincy granite to construct the new church and architect Alexander Parris (who also designed Quincy Market in Boston) was employed to design it. On November 12, 1828, the present church was dedicated.
While President John Adams never attended service in this specific church (he died on July 4, 1826- two years before it was completed), he and his son were active members of the congregation. John Adams was originally buried in the Hancock Cemetery, which is located in front of the United First Parish Church; however, his son (President John Quincy Adams) desired that his father and mother be laid to rest in a crypt within the church itself. On April 1, 1828, the remains of John and Abigail Adams were moved from Hancock Cemetery and placed in the crypt beneath United First Parish Church.
Many years later on February 23, 1848, President John Quincy Adams passed away. He was initially buried in the Hancock Cemetery. Just over four years later on May 15, 1852, his wife Louisa Catherine (Johnson) Adams died and was buried alongside her husband in the cemetery. Then on December 10, 1852, the two were moved to the crypt alongside John Quincy’s parents, John and Abigail Adams.
This church has been in use since 1828 and has remained a lasting symbol of community and faith in Quincy for nearly 200 years. In 1958, the Wollaston Unitarian Society merged with First Parish and accordingly, the United First Parish was officially established (as it is known today). In 1971, the church was designated a registered National historic landmark. Today, the United First Parish Church is commonly referred to as the “Church of the Presidents,” since John Adams (2nd US President) and his son, John Quincy Adams (6th US President) are entombed within.
Interesting Facts
- The church has four columns on its front facade, each 25 feet tall and weighing approximately 25 tons!
- The total cost of the edifice (in 1828) was $30,488.56
- Only two churches in the United States have a former United States President buried in it: Woodrow Wilson is laid to rest in the Episcopal Cathedral in Washington D.C. and of course, John Adams and John Quincy Adams lie in a crypt beneath United First Parish Church in Quincy, MA
- Louisa Catherine (Johnson) Adams, wife of President John Quincy Adams, was the first First Lady born outside of the United States. Since then, only one other First Lady was born outside of America (Melania Trump)
Our Visit & Recommendations
The United First Parish Church (1306 Hancock Street, Quincy, MA) is located in the Hancock-Adams Common, which is a beautifully-appointed public area in the heart of historic Quincy. Daily tours of the church and Adams crypt are usually offered regularly Monday-Saturday, 11AM – 4PM, from Patriots Day Weekend through Veterans Day Weekend (specifics, particularly any changes due to COVID, can be garnered from their website). While there is no set cost for the tour, there is a suggested donation of $5 for adults, $3 for seniors & students, while children under 12 are free.
The tour begins in the main church, where the tour guide will highlight the many unique aspects of the building and the congregation. We were first struck by the remarkably ornate ceiling, which is made of plaster and decorated with beautiful orchid flowers (the original cost of the circular interior ceiling was $500). As you walk down the center aisle, be sure to look to the rear of the church- you will see the massive pipe organ stretching toward the ceiling. Beneath the organ you will see a small circular clock, rimmed in gold. This time piece was actually donated by Abigail Adams and to this day, remains a working clock!
As you continue up the center aisle, you will be directed to box pew number 54 on the right side of the aisle, which is one of particular importance. This was purchased by John Quincy Adams in 1828 and is respectfully designated as the “Adams Pew.” Since President James Madison first utilized pew number 28 (later renamed pew no. 54) at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Washington D. C., it has become a tradition for U.S. Presidents to sit in that pew. Accordingly, pew no. 54 at the United First Parish Church was appropriately provided to President John Quincy Adams (for an annual fee, of course).
After exploring the main church and learning about the many architectural and historical aspects of the building and congregation, you will head down to the Adams crypt beneath the church. There are multiple small-scale models of the original churches of the congregation (three structures preceded the current one), numerous historic artifacts on display, and of course, the Adams crypt.
After an overview of the artifacts on display, the guide will allow you to enter the highly anticipated Adams crypt. Remember, this is probably the closest you will ever get to a U.S. President, past or present! As you walk through the iron gate, watch your head- the entire church and crypt is made of stout Quincy granite and it is a low ceiling.
One interesting thing we noticed was how plain the tombs of the Adams’ were- there was no listing of his accomplishments or embellished odes to their greatness. According to the tour guide, Adams wanted to ensure his tomb was not ostentatious, but humble and simple (I’d say he got his wish!). If anything, the simplicity seems to make the tombs even more grand and imposing.
Another interesting fact is that the tomb of each President is adorned with an American flag that was accurate to the time they held office. For example, the flag placed upon John Adams’ tomb only has 15 stars, to reflect the 15 states of the Union when he was in office (the flag on John Quincy Adams’ tomb has 24 stars). Of course, I had to get a picture with each of the former Presidents!
It was an awesome visit to the United First Parish Church and quite a unique opportunity to visit with two former U.S. Presidents (both within feet of each other!). To think of the accomplishments both these men and their wives (Abigail and Louisa) made, really makes one appreciate their sacrifices and lives even more. A visit to the church and crypt is well worth the visit.
Oh- and if you are looking for a good breakfast and/or lunch spot nearby, we highly recommend the nearby Cucina Mia Cafe & Deli. They make phenomenal breakfast and lunch sandwiches, offer hot and iced coffee, and provide fantastic service!