First Parish Unitarian Universalist in Portland will celebrate the 200th Anniversary of its historic Meeting House with a weeklong celebration, September 20-27, that includes a panel discussion of leading historians in partnership with the Maine Historical Society and Longfellow Books; a benefit concert titled “History through Performance,” featuring top local artists; and a collaboration with State Theatre and Portland Ovations to present “Travesty” with celebrated drag artist Sasha Velour. Also included will be a First Friday kick-off event on September 4, a gala garden party, the placing of a time capsule, and worship services that look back to the congregation’s 350-year history and forward to its bright, justice-focused future. A full schedule of events follows below.
Schedule of Events
All events, with the exception of “Travesty” on September 25, take place at First Parish Unitarian Universalist in Portland, 425 Congress Street, Portland, Maine, and are free and open to the public unless otherwise noted.
Friday, September 4, 5-7pm
First Friday with First Parish: 200th Anniversary Kickoff
Historical displays, including a model of “Old Jerusalem” (the Meeting House’s predecessor), with tours of the gardens, the Meeting House, and, for those willing and able, a climb up to the historic bell tower steeple that holds the 1802 Simon Willard clock.
Sunday, September 20, 10am
Opening Anniversary Worship Service: “The Most Sacred and Delightful Moments”
In dedicating our historic Meeting House two hundred years ago, Rev. Ichabod Nichols declared that we shall “spend here some of the most sacred and delightful moments of our lives, that our sorrows shall be soothed and comforted and those of our friends also.” As we launch this week of celebration, we look back on those sacred moments – delightful, challenging, and transformative.
Tuesday, September 22, 6:30-8pm
Witness to History: 200 Years of First Parish
In collaboration with Longfellow Books and the Maine Historical Society
Join historians and authors Paul J. Ledman (“Portland, Maine: Connections Across Time;” “Walking Through History: Portland Maine On Foot”), John William Babin (“Henry Wadsworth Longfellow in Portland”) and Kip DeSerres (“Welcoming: A History of First Parish”) for a panel discussion of how Portland’s history and First Parish’s history are intertwined, followed by Q&A, and book signing by the authors.
Tuesday-Friday September 22-25 Noon-2pm
Public Historical Tours of First Parish
Join our resident historians on a tour of our Meeting House that has been at the center of Portland public life for more than three decades. 30 minute tours begin at 12 Noon, 12:30, 1:00 and 1:30 PM.
Wednesday, September 23, 7-9pm
History Through Performance: 200th Anniversary Benefit Concert
In Collaboration with Portland Ovations and the State Theatre
A journey of music and spoken word with: Christian Clough, organist; David Lone Bear Sanipass, native flute & storyteller; Palaver String Quartet, string ensemble; Samuel James, blues musician; students from The Telling Room; Max Garcia Conover, singer-songwriter, and special guests.
Tickets: $25, Here.
Friday, September 25, 8pm
“Travesty” with Sasha Velour | State Theatre, 609 Congress Street
We are pleased to collaborate with the State Theatre and Portland Ovations for this celebrated drag performance by artist/scholar/activist Sasha Velour. See below or use code TRAVESTY for 10% off discount tickets for First Parish members and friends. There will also be a queer history tour of Portland called Stepping Out the following day.
Tickets: Here
Saturday, September 26, 6-7:30pm
200th Anniversary Garden Party Celebration
All First Parish members and friends are welcome to a garden soirée followed by a dance party in the Parish Hall. Food curated by Janet Puistonen and her expert team. Music by DJ John Schaberg after garden cocktails and tasty treats. Email Lynne Beasley at lynnebeasley19@gmail.com to RSVP!
Sunday, September 27, 10am
Concluding Anniversary Worship Service: A Monument of Liberality
Two hundred years ago, Rev. Ichabod Nichols declared our beloved Meeting House a “monument to liberality” and called for actions that would bring “joy and peace” to “our children’s children.” This morning, we rededicate ourselves to that task, looking ahead to a bright and challenging future as we fulfill our mission to “Nurture the Spirit, Grow in Community, and Help Heal the World.” (Followed by an Ice Cream Social, Time Capsule presentation, and conclusion of our celebration week.)
