We are approaching the 250th anniversary of an act of the Massachusetts colonial legislature finalized on May 26, 1773.  The act defined the boundaries of a new standing order parish on the “pond plain in the Jamaica end” of the Town of Roxbury.  These standing order parishes were part of the organization of the colony, providing for the militia as well as taxation used for a meetinghouse and an educated teacher. It can be argued that the founding of the Third Parish of Roxbury (now the First Church in Jamaica Plain) coincides with the beginning of an established Jamaica Plain. 

George Wardle, historian of the First Church in Jamaica Plain, will tell the tale of Suzanna and Benjamin Pemberton and how they doggedly lead their neighbors in a long process to get permission to carve out a new parish in the middle of Roxbury. They persisted in the quest despite opposition by the two existing parishes (who did not want to give up tax-paying parishioners to another church). It was quite a feat, one that was almost undone in 1786 during the economic struggles that occurred after the American Revolution. 

Learn what the Jamaica Plain area was like at the time, who the other founding families were, and how Jamaica Plain fits into the story of 3 separate municipalities: Roxbury, West Roxbury and Boston.

This event is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served.

Snow date for this event is Sunday, February 10th.