Although the Historic Meetinghouse is on Town land, its upkeep and preservation have been funded by a group of private citizens known as the First Parish Meetinghouse Preservation Society since 1944. In that year, the church congregation left and the building became a location for a variety of social functions designed to raise money for preserving the historic structure. The structure is part of one of New England’s original five-star commons which included the meetinghouse, town hall, school, country store, and homestead.

The First Parish Meetinghouse Preservation Society has instituted an ongoing fundraising campaign to help make necessary repairs to the building. There will be concerts, picnics, dances, and a variety of other opportunities for you to join us in socializing, meeting new people, and supporting this cause.

Please feel free to contact any of the committee members and let us know about possible types of events that you think our diversified community would enjoy, which would support the continued use and preservation of this historic building.

If you would like to donate to the Meetinghouse please click here for a printable order form and mail it to:

Shirley’s Historic Meetinghouse
On the Common
P. O. Box 1426
Shirley, MA 01464