First Parish Church

Standing at the center of York Village, the First Parish Church has been a landmark of faith and community for more than 275 years. Built in 1747, it is one of the oldest church buildings in Maine still serving an active congregation. Its graceful white steeple has watched over generations of York residents through times of peace, prosperity, hardship, and change.

The congregation itself dates to the seventeenth century, when York’s earliest settlers gathered for worship in simple meetinghouses that served not only as places of worship but also as centers of community life. In colonial New England, the church was at the heart of the town. It was where families worshipped, important announcements were made, and many civic matters were discussed.

The present meetinghouse reflects the elegance and simplicity of colonial architecture. Its tall steeple has long served as both a landmark for travelers and a symbol of the enduring role faith played in the development of the community. The church has survived wars, changing generations, and the transformation of York from a frontier settlement into one of Maine’s most beloved coastal towns.

Immediately beside the church lies the Old Burying Yard, where many of York’s earliest residents are buried. Together, the church and cemetery tell the story of the families who founded the community and helped shape its history over nearly four centuries.

Today, the First Parish Church remains more than a historic building. It continues to fulfill the purpose for which it was built—a place where people gather in worship, celebrate life’s milestones, and find comfort during times of loss. Standing in the heart of York Village, it reminds visitors that faith has always been an important thread woven through the history of this remarkable New England town.