First Sermon - Newbury, Mass., 1635

What a glorious sight it must have been, that first church service under the branches of a majestic oak standing on the north bank of the Parker River.

Rev. Thomas Parker chuse as the text for his first sermon in Newbury, Matthew 18:17 “And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church, but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as a heathen man and a publican.”

Mr. Parker preached that first sermon to his little band of devoted followers, staunch in their loyalty to old England, but determined that out of their sacrifices would come a new order, a democratic plan of religious supervision, a congregational system of guidance.

Rev. Parker was voted to be the preacher after this service and Rev. James Noyes became the teacher.

Also voted was a covenant to walk together according to the precepts of the gospel in brotherly love. “Ye members expressinge their voats therein by lifting up the hande.”