First Universalist Church of Essex

Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 156
Essex, MA 01929

The First Universalist Church, a member of the Unitarian Universalist Association, has been a consistent presence on the North Shore since 1829, proclaiming the central message of Universalism, which is inclusive, and justice-based universal love and salvation.

After the tragic fire in 1946, that leveled our historic building, the congregation was rebuilt in the 1950s. As we begin the 21st century, the Universalist message of love is relevant as ever.

We are a vibrant, growing congregation with a developing Religious Education program for our children. We offer a rich and diverse music program that includes an adult choir and musical guests during the Sunday services. We are also proud to be the home of the One World Coffee House.

Living Tradition

The Living Tradition we share draws from many sources:

• Direct experience of that transcending mystery and wonder, affirmed in all cultures, which moves us to a renewal of the spirit and an openness to the forces that create and uphold life
• Words and deeds of prophetic women and men which challenge us to confront powers and structures of evil with justice, compassion, and the transforming power of love
• Wisdom from the world's religions which inspires us in our ethical and spiritual life
• Jewish and Christian teachings which call us to respond to God's love by loving our neighbors as ourselves
• Humanist teachings which counsel us to heed the guidance of reason and the results of science, and warn us against the idolatries of the mind and spirit
• Spiritual teachings of Earth-centered traditions which celebrate the sacred circle of life and instruct us to live in harmony with the rhythms of nature

Sunday Service

Service starts at 10:00 AM on Sunday followed by our Coffee Hour in the Fellowship Hall Downstairs. Our schedule changes to a 9:00 AM service during the summer months. After our Minister's "lesson for all ages," children and youth can participate in Religious Education Lessons held downstairs in the Fellowship Hall. We offer adult supervised childcare for toddlers during the service.