Nearly 400 Years on High Street
Allin Congregational Church stands at 683 High Street in Dedham, Massachusetts, with roots that reach back almost to the founding of the town itself. The congregation is named for its first pastor, the Reverend John Allin, and traces its beginnings to Puritan settlers who gathered in the woods as Dedham was first settled. Allin Church officially began in November 1638 as one congregation with what is now First Church Dedham. In 1818, as New England Congregationalists diverged over religious and political questions, the more conservative members moved across the street to the former home of the Reverend Jason Haven and broke ground that August for a new sanctuary. The dedication took place on December 30, 1819, in the middle of a blizzard. Two centuries later, the church still meets on High Street, in a building that has been expanded many times, most recently with the Bullard Street entrance and an elevator that opens every floor of the building to everyone.
An Open and Affirming Welcome
The church states it plainly: "No matter who you are or where you are on life's journey, you are welcome here." Allin Congregational Church welcomes long-time churchgoers and those with no church home, believers, questioners, and questioning believers. The congregation celebrates people of every age, color, culture, race, physical and mental ability, sexual orientation, gender identity, and economic status. Communion is open to anyone who wishes to partake, of any age, and the prayer language of the church names global, national, and local concerns.
This welcome is rooted in the church's denomination, the United Church of Christ. The UCC formed in 1957 when separate Protestant bodies sought unity, and it has been a leader in ordaining African Americans, women, and openly gay ministers, and in affirming the right of same-gender couples to marry. The denomination was also prominent in the anti-slavery and civil rights movements. Allin's own mission statement reflects that heritage: "To nurture our own faith journey and that of the members of our community by practicing love, seeking justice, and humbly recognizing the saving grace that is Jesus Christ, our Way, our Truth, our Life."
Sunday Worship at 9:45 AM
Sunday morning worship begins at 9:45 AM and runs about an hour, sometimes stretching to 11:00 AM depending on what is happening that day. Services are held in the sanctuary and livestreamed on YouTube, and recordings are available as a podcast on Spotify. The order of worship blends the traditional and contemporary. Members and guests sing hymns, hear the historic organ and the choir, share in prayer that often names the world's concerns, and listen to a sermon that almost always connects scripture to present-day issues. The atmosphere is described as family-friendly and relaxed, with the sounds and excitement of children very much part of the experience.
The service includes a children's moment near the beginning. Children ages 3 through 12 are invited to church school after roughly the first fifteen minutes of worship, joining the Director of Christian Education and volunteers for mixed-age classes. The church uses the Godly Play curriculum, an imaginative approach to Christian formation built on wonder, storytelling, and creative play, used in all fifty states and many countries. Younger children under three can stay in a quiet children's corner just outside the sanctuary with a childcare provider, or join church school, or remain in worship with their families. A "PrayGround" sits inside the sanctuary itself, with quiet building toys, art materials, books, and activity sheets for children who want to be near their parents.
After worship, everyone gathers for a time of fellowship with food and coffee.
Music in Worship and Concert Life
Music holds a central place at Allin. The core of the music ministry is the 16-voice choir, which rehearses weekly and offers multiple musical selections during worship each Sunday. The choir is open to all interested singers, regardless of background. A cherub choir gathers the youngest singers, and the church runs a young artist-in-residence program that has welcomed seven high school and college students as they explore musical leadership. On select Sundays, soloists and small ensembles add vocal and instrumental offerings, and the church hosts concerts throughout the year.
Director of Music Adriano Spampanato is a versatile keyboard artist whose work spans organ, piano, harpsichord, conducting, and vocal coaching. He has performed at Carnegie Hall, Wigmore Hall, the Kennedy Center, and the Paris Philharmonic, and previously served as Associate Director of Music and Organist at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Alexandria, Virginia. He also conducts opera and is on staff at The Dallas Opera as a pianist-conductor. He studied at the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique de Paris and holds multiple degrees in collaborative piano.
Messy Fridays and Family Faith
Allin Congregational Church is a member of Messy Church USA, and its monthly Messy Fridays have become a beloved rhythm for many families. Held on the second Friday of each month from 6:00 to 7:30 PM, these gatherings bring together all ages for a shared meal, faith exploration through stories and themes, crafts, and games. Pizza, chicken, and drinks are provided, and attendees are invited to bring a side or dessert to share. The whole spirit of the evening is inter-generational, fun, and a bit messy.
Bible Study, Book Study, and Coffee
Two regular adult learning opportunities meet during the week. Monday nights at 7:00 PM the church hosts a book study, with recent sessions devoted to Separation of Church and Hate by John Fugelsang. Wednesday mornings bring the Biblical Coffee Talk, a six-week study of the Book of Acts held at Caffè Nero in Legacy Place. Both are open to anyone who would like to join the conversation.
A Building Open to Everyone
Allin's building on High Street has been adapted to welcome as many people as possible. An elevator at the Bullard Street entrance reaches every floor of the building. An accessible bathroom sits just outside the sanctuary, and spaces for wheelchairs have been set aside in the pews. The church hosts weddings for those who wish to inquire through the pastor. The sanctuary's historical architecture blends with modern additions designed to make worship accessible.
There is no dress code at Allin. Children arrive in Boy Scout uniforms, baseball jerseys, or pajamas; parents come in scrubs or jeans. Worship is treated as a time to celebrate God's love for the community in whatever clothes feel right.
Missions and Outreach in Dedham and Beyond
Allin's Missions Ministry works to put the congregation's faith into concrete action. Members support the Dedham Food Pantry, Rosie's Place, and New Life Furniture Bank, and partner in work that benefits refugees in the area. The church contributes to global emergency relief through the UCC's Global H.O.P.E. ministries and reaches out to local veterans, people experiencing homelessness, and individuals in need of comfort. The ministry identifies outreach opportunities throughout the year and channels the congregation's time, talents, and financial gifts to community non-profits and humanitarian efforts.
The church also maintains a presence in the wider community through events such as Dedham Day, when members host a community outreach table in Barnes Memorial Park.
The Pastoral Team
Pastor Anne Marie Holloway brings a deep love for the local church and the work of building a just world for all. Her call to ministry centers on serving faithful communities, and she speaks often of being humbled by God's grace and fully inclusive love.
Elizabeth McNamee serves as Director of Christian Education, guiding the children's ministry and church school program. Her favorite scripture verse, Micah 6:8 ("...what does the Lord require of you but to do justice and to love kindness and to walk humbly with your God?"), shapes her approach to faith formation for children and youth.
The church is supported in its day-to-day ministry by a Church Administrator, an Office Assistant who handles donations and pledges, and a Sexton who has long served the Dedham community.
Getting Connected
Allin Congregational Church meets at 683 High Street, Dedham, MA 02026, with Sunday worship at 9:45 AM. The church can be reached by phone at (781) 326-5050 or by email at allinchurch@gmail.com. Services are livestreamed on YouTube and recorded as a podcast on Spotify, and online giving is available through a secure portal. The congregation shares its life on Facebook and Instagram (@allinchurchdedham), where the latest Sunday bulletin and upcoming events are posted.