Built in 1772, the Shirley Meeting House has served as a place for both town meetings and worship. The appearance of this venerable building has been altered substantially over its long life. The barn-like original structure had no steeple and was located on Shirley Common, near the present-day Civil War monument. Its now familiar bell tower and steeple was added about 1805. Additional remodeling of the interior was done in the 1840s. The building was moved to its present location in 1853, making Shirley Common a pristine example of rural town center planning.

Today, the Meeting House serves Shirley and the area as the venue for civic and cultural events. Its beautiful hall with its superb acoustics, historic tracker organ, and baby grand piano has become a showcase for both local and professional musicians. With an incomparable location on Shirley Common and a rural backdrop that many photographers seek out, it is also the perfect setting for a special wedding.

For over sixty years, the First Parish Meeting House Preservation Society has been the steward of the oldest public building in Shirley, its Meeting House. As a private nonprofit without taxpayer support, it more than ever needs your tax deductible support to continue with its preservation efforts and community events.

Our goals are simple: Preserve the building and encourage its continued use. But, it can only be done with your help. Your support is vital and your membership is the important first step. Members also enjoy benefits including special events, reduced concert ticket prices, and discounted rentals.

Please support the Meeting House by becoming a member and assuring that it will remain a point of pride and distinction for our town.

If you would like to contribute electronically to the Shirley Meetinghouse please click the donation button at the top of the page or click here for a printable order form and mail it to:

The Shirley Meeting House
On the Common
P. O. Box 1426
Shirley, MA 01464