West Parish Meetinghouse
Address: 2049 Meetinghouse Way, West Barnstable, MA 02668
Latitude/Longitude: 41.698046, -70.384763
Web site: click here
Phone: (508) 362-4445
Pricing: $
Description:
Built in 1717 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the West Parish Meetinghouse was the first permanent home of the Congregationalists who followed the Reverend John Lothrop to America in an effort to worship freely, something they were not permitted to do in their native England.
Shortly after its completion, however, it became evident that the building was too small for its parishioners, so the building was cut in half and expanded at the middle, as was customary at the time. A bell tower was constructed at the same time and a gilded weathervane cock commissioned from England to grace its tower, hence its nickname “the Rooster Church.”
The bell tower houses an original Paul Revere bell cast in 1806 and is still in use today.
Although the original meetinghouse fell into disrepair, it was restored to its colonial glory in 1953 and now serves as a house of worship affiliated with the United Church of Christ in the little hamlet of West Barnstable, MA on Cape Cod.
From the Author: One of the church's most treasured objects is its pipe organ. Though many organs have graced its alter over the years, the current one was installed in 2005, and is used not only to accompany hymns, but for a variety of public concerts held throughout the year. Watch the local paper or check the church's website for news of these concerts, which are well worth attending.
Review this Business!