Across from Cambridge Commons stands an old, almost forgotten, companion of Harvard. As old as Harvard itself, the First Church in Cambridge is celebrating its 375th anniversary this month.

Harvard and First Church’s partnership dates back to 1636, when both were founded. According to Stephen P. Shoemaker, an expert on the history of the College, the University gave up an offer to build on 300 acres of land in Salem, Mass. to be closer to the pastor of First Church, Thomas Shepherd. University founders wanted Shepherd to oversee the school and “maintain its theological purity.”

But during its early years, the University experienced much instability. In the 1639-40 academic year, Harvard was forced to close its doors because students refused to enroll due to the discovery of inedible food and administrator abuse the year before.

“And all of this happened with the minister of the First Church right next door,” Shoemaker says.

Throughout its long history as Harvard’s neighbor, First Church’s relationship with the University has gradually grown more distant. But, for its parishioners, First Church has remained an institution both steeped in history and committed to a progressive theological agenda.

AN INTIMATE RELATIONSHIP

As part of an anniversary lecture series, Shoemaker led a discussion in January at the First Church, where he described the church’s longtime connection to Harvard as intimate, “almost incestuous.”

Many of Harvard’s early presidents served as ministers of First Church. The University’s first, second, and fourth presidents—Henry Dunster, Charles Chauncy, and Urian Oakes—all served as ministers during their respective presidencies.

All members of the Harvard community—tutors, professors, and students—were required to attend services at First Church on Sundays and daily prayers until 1814, when the University began shifting from Trinitarian beliefs to Unitarian.

In response, some members stopped attending First Church and founded the First Parish Church in Cambridge with the help of funds from Harvard.

“After the split the relationship was fundamentally changed forever,” Shoemaker says.

ADAPTING TO HISTORY

As its relationship with the University changed, First Church also experienced several moves, switching locations six times over the past 200 years. Before settling into its current location on Garden Street, First Church was located on the corner of Mt. Auburn and Dunster Streets—the current location of the J. Press store—and has also resided where Lehman Hall now stands.

First Church has also been witness to many major historical events. In 1757, George Washington made a stop in Cambridge and worshipped in the church during the Revolutionary War.

During the Vietnam War, the church, as a sign of protest, covered a cross sitting on top of the altar with a black veil. That decision caused significant controversy among its members, some of whom left.