Comments | chalice_circle: Church of the Presidents?

pumpkingirl71 in chalice_circle

Church of the Presidents?

Aug 06, 2010 20:10

Anyone a member of the Church of the Presidents in Quincy, MA. I just went on a tour to see the crypt of John Adams and John Q Adams. I almost made the tour guide cry by asking hard questions. Is this conflict a problem for the church?

Comments 6

what conflict? lauradi7 August 13 2010, 13:56:27 UTC

Your question is unclear. Do you mean that having a building that is a historical tourist attraction as well as the home of an active congregation is problematic in some way? It's not part of the national park, and there is no public funding, so there isn't a church/state worry. See:
http://www.ufpc.org/adamscrypt.htm

Re: what conflict? pumpkingirl71 August 13 2010, 14:05:28 UTC

Are you a member or have you gone on the tour? I guess I kind of assumed that anyone who answered would feel the conflict. The tour is is very "ra-ra America. It is the greatest country to bless the world." My teacher calls it a "triupmantalist" approach to history, lots of blind patriotism. Difficult questions about Adams are not allowed.

I am a history teacher and a UU. I value the Adams legacy, but I was very uncomfortable during the tour and wonder what being a member of that church is like for that reason. I also feel bad for Adams. Modern UUism is so different from his faith.

esprix November 5 2010, 18:41:21 UTC

Interestingly, my partner was named after JQA, so we've been thinking about a trip. I had no idea they were buried at a UU church. If we visit, I'll definitely try to remember to come back and give my thoughts on the tour.

pumpkingirl71 November 5 2010, 21:02:11 UTC

Hope you have fun. It was a great tour and the crypt is intense. I will be waiting to hear if you feel the conflict too!

I'm a member ext_433719 April 29 2011, 23:38:52 UTC

I've been a member of United First Parish Church (Unitarian) in Quincy, MA (also known as the Church of the Presidents) for about 20 years. I currently live in Charleston, SC.

What is the conflict you see? We have the crypts in our basement. Technically, they're owned by the Adams Temple and School Fund. We give tours of the church which includes a tour of the crypts.

Re: I'm a member pumpkingirl71 April 30 2011, 01:58:13 UTC

Thanks so much for responding : ) The tour was super patriot and almost militaristic. Funny that you are now in Charleston. I visited the Church of the Presidents when taking a course on the founding fathers, and now I am taking a course on Calhoun and the road to war. My course work is following you!