First Church in Roxbury has been in continuous use since early English settlers built the first meetinghouse on this site in 1632. The church building you see today dates back to 1804. It is the fifth meetinghouse built on this site. First Church in Roxbury is the oldest wooden frame church in Boston, and is an excellent example of the Federal Meetinghouse style.

The Ministry dates back to 1826, when Reverend Joseph Tuckerman established a ministry-at-large with the dual focus of empowering Boston’s most underprivileged citizens and transforming the spiritual consciousness of its most privileged residents. He sought to achieve both through education, direct service and advocacy rather than through charity alone.

Over its 180-year history, the Urban Ministry has created many channels to conduct its work in addressing social issues, including settlement houses and chapels, affordable housing, community centers and service programs. Urban Ministry programs are designed according to the specific needs of individuals and communities, with the objective of instilling hope for a healthy and productive future.