Salem in Essex County, Massachusetts — The American Northeast (New England)
The First Meeting House Erected in Salem
Photographed by J. Makali Bruton, June 29, 2015
1. The First Meeting House Erected in Salem Marker
The First Meeting House
erected in Salem.
No structure was built earlier
for congregational worship
by a church formed in America.
It was occupied
for secular as well as religious uses.
In it preached, in succession,
I. Roger Williams III; Edward Norris;
II Hugh Peters IV; John Higginson.
It was enlarged in 1639 and
was last used for worship in 1670.
The First Church in Salem, gathered, July and August, 1629,
has had no place of worship but this spot.
Additional marker
The First Church in Salem occupied this spot from
1634 until 1923 and this building was its
fourth meeting House
Upon the union of the First and North Churches the
Society has met for worship in the
North Meeting House
Thereafter known as the First Church
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical year for this entry is 1634.
Location. 42° 31.284′ N, 70° 53.709′ W. Marker is in Salem, Massachusetts, in Essex County. It is on Essex Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 221-227
this page online
Regionally, this marker is on Massachusetts’ North Shore, in Greater Boston, and in the Merrimack Valley. It is also in the American Northeast and in New England. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Town House (within shouting distance of this marker); Elizabeth Montgomery as Samantha Stephens (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Town House (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Central Building (about 400 feet away); The Joshua Ward House (about 400 feet away); Lyceum Hall (about 400 feet away); The London Coffee House (about 400 feet away); Peabody Museum of Salem (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Salem.
Photographed by J. Makali Bruton, June 29, 2015
2. The First Meeting House Erected in Salem Marker
Marker is on the near corner of the building, now a restaurant on the ground floor.
Photographed by Michael Cleary, August 10, 2023
3. The First Meeting House Erected in Salem, including marker
Photographed by Marc Posner, April 29, 2024
4. The First Church in Salem Marker
Photographed by Marc Posner, April 29, 2024
5. The First Meeting House Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on June 30, 2024. It was originally submitted on July 20, 2015, by J. Makali Bruton of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 1,532 times since then and 69 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 20, 2015, by J. Makali Bruton of Washington, District of Columbia. 3. submitted on August 10, 2023, by Michael Cleary of Salem, Massachusetts. 4, 5. submitted on June 24, 2024, by Marc Posner of Somerville, Massachusetts. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
