Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 15 Newbury St, Boston, MA 02116, US

Founded in 1620, the First Church is the oldest church in Boston. But it certainly doesn't look the part. The tall stone steeple on one side is juxtaposed by modern, sweeping architecture constructed after a fire destroyed most of the church 1968. The new building was designed with a community center in mind and the inside is void of much religious symbolism. All the seating is flexible, even in the sanctuary, and can be rearranged depending on the need. The space is often rented out for meetings, including Zen meditations, a voices choir, and gatherings by the New England School of Philosophy. The auditorium is used by local schools, and The John Winthrop School for Young Children, which was started by a church member but no longer affiliated with the religion, rents out the basement. Worships take place in the Hale Chapel during the summer. The main sanctuary, which is part of the new building, is made of concrete and has great acoustics. For a special touch, there are copper strips engraved with the name of every member installed between the concrete grooves. The First Church also offers educational programs and just started a Sunday school geared toward adults and families, as well as a Thursday lunchtime concert series that's free and open to the public. Services are on Sundays at 11am, and broadcast on WERS (88.9 FM), one of Emerson College's two radio stations. The church office is located in a brick building, next door to the sanctuary.

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