First Churches of Northampton

Welcome to www.firstchurches.org , the virtual home of First Churches of Northampton.  We are a united church of the American Baptist Churches USAand United Church of Christ, the largest Protestant denomination in Massachusetts.

We are an open and affirming congregation. We welcome and invite into our membership all persons who love God and our Lord Jesus without regard to differences as race, ethnicity, age, gender, ability, sexual orientation, economic status, marital status, level of education, or any other difference that may be misunderstood as a barrier to Christian fellowship. We further welcome all who seek God. We welcome believers and questioners and questioning believers, and we express our sincerest hope that in fellowship with us you may find the answers for which you are searching.

Please navigate around this site and you will find many facts about our church.  However, the real church of flesh and blood people exudes faith, hope and love that is contagious and life-changing.  We hope you will join us for worship so you can find out for yourself what we’re all about.

Beyond Sunday morning, we have about 1,200 people that use the beautiful old building each week: from 12-step groups to political action gatherings; women’s groups and interfaith gatherings.  First Churches is truly THE MEETINGHOUSE FOR NORTHAMPTON.

A little information on our history: We are the large stone Gothic cathedral here at the center of our city with doors opening onto Main Street. The American Baptist and United Church of Christ congregations joined together in June of 1988 to become The First Churches. The First Church of Christ of Northampton, is the oldest congregation in our city and was established in 1661. The First Baptist Church in Northampton was founded under the leadership of Rev. Benjamin Willard in 1826. Now, both churches share in worship, fellowship, educational classes, programs, and mission and act as one congregation.

Come and see what we’re all about, give us a call or email us and we can contact you.  Our church family believes that First Churches is one of the best things about living in the Pioneer Valley.  We hope you will, too.

Grace and peace,

Rev. Mark Seifried, Interim Pastor