The 1886 North Parish covenant: “We the undersigned unite under the name of the North Parish Church of North Andover. In the love of truth we join for the worship of God and the service of man and that we may cooperate in the study and practice of religion pure and undefiled. Whatever services may be maintained or measures adopted by the majority of this Union, perfect freedom of conscience shall be allowed to each member as to participation therein.”
On Sunday I pointed out that on the front cover of the order of service each week is a small phrase that speaks volumes: “Affirming perfect freedom of conscience since 1886.” It is highly unusual- and remarkable- to be part of a religious institution that has explicitly and continually articulated this as a central position for 140 years. 140 years!
This phrase, “perfect freedom of conscience”, comes from the official 1886 covenant of the congregation that was created at the start of the ministry of the Rev. Charles Noyes. When he was called to be the new minister, Rev. Noyes was not the congregation’s first choice… he was their fourth! But good surprises can come out of fourth choices. Noyes was against creeds and felt the old covenant was not theologically acceptable anymore. So he consulted with members and they agreed to a new covenant in a meeting on June 14, 1886. Noyes also abolished communion services and led North Parish into the “left wing” of Unitarianism at the time. (If you have the North Parish history book “And Firm Thine Ancient Vow”, you can read more on pages 190 – 194. There are also copies of this book in the Freeman Hall parlor library.)
As the beautiful, shining new façade of the Meeting House is slowly revealed, we and others may be reminded of our long history which has much to tell us. If you have neighbors or friends who comment on the Big Reveal, I encourage you to share with them something that you love about this congregation and boldly invite them to check us out- whether at a service, a play, a concert, the sangha, the pantry, or anything else.
Never forget: this congregation is truly remarkable!
Rev. Lee
P.S. Some of us may be personally re-traumatized by the Attorney General’s release of information about clergy sex abuse in the Worcester, Fall River and Springfield dioceses as well as reports on student rape at Cornell over the past two weeks. I am available to meet with you and also encourage folks to get offline and seek professional support or caring community. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you’d like to talk to someone in a confidential setting- about this or other matters.
P.P.S. To counterbalance bad news, some of us may be deep into the spiritual practice of appreciating a “Tree of the Day”- or many. May the glorious colors of our “breathing tree siblings” fill up our souls with awe, wonder and gladness!
To make an appointment with Rev. Lee, click here.
Email: RevLee@northparish.org
Phone: 978-687-7948