The Mayflower Meetinghouse
By Greg Oxley Governor AG
Give to the Mayflower Meetinghouse
Let Freedom Ring!
The Mayflower Pilgrims’ first Meetinghouse was built at the top of Leyden Street in Plymouth in 1622. Since then, there have been four “churches” built in this location to honor and memorialize the Pilgrims.
The most recent structure was completed in 1899. Designed in the Romanesque Revival style by the notable Boston architectural firm of Hartwell, Richardson & Driver, it is, by anyone’s standards, a magnificent building, with stunning Tiffany stained-glass windows dedicated to the Pilgrim story and a solemn sanctuary made to resemble the hold of ship.
On a personal note, this is the only sacred space I have visited (including several in Europe) that rival my own feelings when I enter the Abbey Church at St. John’s in Collegeville.
In 2014, the Meetinghouse was added to both the National Register of Historic Places and the List of Massachusetts’ Most Endangered Resources.
But the meetinghouse faced a real problem: the congregation had been diminishing in size while the costs of maintaining the building had gotten steeper.
More than a century of exposure to northeast winds and weather had taken a toll on the brick and mortar, causing leaks and leaving the facade in danger of collapse. Over the years, water had been penetrating the horse-hair plaster, making its way down to the pews.
In 2017, then-Governor General Lea Filson was approached by Plymouth Select Board chair Kenneth Tavares who explained that the historic landmark was in jeopardy of being torn down. It was time for the National Society to take charge.
In 2018, with the assent of the local congregation, the Mayflower Society took over control of the building, in order to ensure its preservation. Plans to turn it into a visitation and education center were created and work began on the structure in 2019. We installed a new elevator and handicapped entrance to comply with the American with Disabilities Act. We strengthened and repaired the walls, upgraded electric service, and repaired the water damage. We restored the 10-bell chime in the building. (I’m told patriotic tunes from the bells wafted throughout the lovely village all summer long.) We will soon be installing a new entranceway on the south side.
When it’s all done, an exciting series of visitor experiences, including an IMAX movie that allows the guest to experience what it might have been like while being aboard the Mayflower, will be installed. The location will be a hub for tourists coming to Plymouth and will help instruct and inform people coming to Plymouth about the Mayflower passengers.
The sanctuary will become part of the story as it envelops visitors in a 360-degree experience. Then, an innovative and compelling group of interactive exhibits downstairs will assist in telling the story in a more personal way.
This is, without a shadow of doubt, the biggest undertaking the Society has ever attempted. The Cost? As of October 1, 2024, we have raised $8,553,478. At that time, we had $3,473,553 cash on hand. UFDA
We still need to fund $6.5 million on building construction, another $1 million for repair and restoration of the sanctuary, and $3.8 for the films and exhibits. Governor General Lisa Pennington and her husband, David Furlow have contributed $1 million! Former Governor Lea Filson and her late husband Ronald, contributed thousands of hours directing activities. Several in our state society have contributed hundreds of dollars as well.
Checks should be made payable to:
The Mayflower Society with ‘Meetinghouse’ in the subject line. Mail to: The Mayflower Society 18 Winslow Street, Plymouth, MA 02360
C’mon, Pilgrim Cousins. Show what you’re made of.
Let Freedom Ring!