First Parish Church

First Parish Church is a granite structure at 425 Congress Street in Portland featuring three round-arch doorways and an octagonal bell tower with a working clock. The building measures approximately 100 feet (30 meters) in length and rises prominently above the surrounding downtown blocks.

The parish was established in 1674, but the current building dates to 1825 when it was constructed in the Federal style. It survived the major fire that devastated Portland in 1866 and remains one of the city's oldest structures.

The Unitarian Universalist congregation holds services combining traditional elements with contemporary programs, including pagan solstice celebrations and nativity pageants.

The church sits in downtown Portland within walking distance of City Hall and the public library, making it easy to include in a walking tour. The interior features assistive listening devices and the building provides accessible entry for visitors of all abilities.

A cannonball weighing about 12 pounds fired by British forces during an attack in 1775 is displayed inside the church hanging from a chandelier. This relic marks one of the few physical remains from the Revolutionary War period visible in downtown Portland.

Location: Maine

GPS coordinates: 43.91056,-69.96306

Latest update: December 14, 2025 11:24