First Unitarian Church, Baltimore
Facade of the First Unitarian Church (1817). Photo
Matthew Kuhnert.
The portico or narthex, photographed in 1960. Public domain.
The First Unitarian Church in a photo from 1936. Public domain.
Interior, looking back towards the entrance (1960 photo). Public domain.
Chancel with Last Supper mosaic by Louis Comfort Tiffany (1960 photo).
Original altar and furniture (1960 photo). Public domain.
Location map and aerial view of First Unitarian Church. For a larger interactive view, see our Baltimore Map.
There are many First Unitarian Churches in the United States, but the First Unitarian Church in Baltimore really deserves the name. It was here in 1819 that Unitarianism was first defined as a denomination.
History
The First Unitarian Church of Baltimore was founded as the "First Independent Church of Baltimore" in 1817. The architect was Maximilien Godefroy, who also designed St. Mary's Seminary Chapel and Battle Monument in Baltimore.
On May 5, 1819, Dr. William Ellery Channing (1780-1842) delivered the "Baltimore Sermon" that defined the newly emerging Unitarian denomination in America. The occasion was the ordination of a minister, and Channing took the opportunity to explain the beliefs of the church. He began,
"I have thought it my duty to lay before you, as clearly as I can, some of the distinguishing opinions of that class of Christians in our country, who are known to sympathize with this religious society."
He went on to explain why the doctrine of the Trinity should be rejected, which is the main defining characteristic of Unitarians. The Unitarians joined with the Universalists in 1961, forming today's Unitarian Universalist denomination.
The church building has remained mostly unchanged since its construction. The architect Joseph E. Sperry added a barrel vault ceiling as part of a renovation in 1893, in order to correct the poor acoustics of the original dome. The church was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972.
What to See
The First Unitarian Church is Neoclassical in style, a large white cube topped with a dome. It is fronted with a portico or narthex with three round arches.
The facade is adorned with a terra cotta relief of the "Angel of Truth," originally sculpted by Antonio Capellano. On a scroll is a Greek inscription that translates "To the One God." The present relief is a replica, made by Baltimore sculptor Henry Berge (1908-1998) in the late 1950s to replace the decayed original.
Inside, the wide nave is topped with a barrel vault of 1893. The organ also dates from 1893. The chancel is decorated with a large mosaic of the Last Supper and stained glass windows, both from the studios of Louis Comfort Tiffany.
Quick Facts
Site Information |
| Names: | First Unitarian Church |
| Location: | Baltimore, Maryland, USA |
| Category: | Churches |
| Faith: | Christianity |
| Denomination: | Unitarian |
| Status: | active |
| Date: | 1817 |
| Architecture: | Neoclassical |
| Features: | Oldest |
Visitor Information |
| Coordinates: | 39.295392° N, 76.615793° W (view on Google Maps) |
| Address: | Charles and Franklin Streets, Downtown Baltimore, Maryland |
| Phone: | 410-685-2330 |
| Website: | www.firstunitarian.net |
| E-mail: | office@firstunitarian.net |
| Hours: | Weekdays 9-3 |
| Cost: | Free |
| Parking: | No parking lot. Nearest public parking is the Franklin Street Garage, just opposite the front entrance (free on Sundays until 1pm). Metered parking is also available, which is free on Sundays. |
Travel Resources
- Baltimore Map - our detailed interactive map of Baltimore, plus hand-picked links to more
- Baltimore Guided Tours - book sightseeing tours and activities in Baltimore
- Baltimore Hotels - check availability, maps, photos and reviews, then book at the guaranteed lowest rate
- Baltimore Hostels - reserve budget lodgings with no booking fees
- Baltimore Car Rentals - get the lowest rate by comparing multiple car companies at a glance
- Baltimore Restaurant Reviews - the best places to eat in town
- Baltimore Travel Forum - tips, answers and advice on Baltimore tourism
Article Sources
Article written by Holly Hayes with reference to the following sources:
- First Unitarian Church of Baltimore - official website
- First Unitarian Church - Fodor's
More Information
- Unitarian Universalism - Wikipedia
- Text of William Ellery Channing's 1819 Speech - Channing Memorial Church
- Baltimore Hotels - Best deals on hotels in Baltimore
Article last updated: 10/25/2009.
