KING'S CHAPEL
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          • Crypt Highlights: Crypt Entrance
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Photograph of Dorothea Foote Merriman and her son Roger as an infant. This image appears in the King's Chapel publication 'Of Paramount Importance.'
Dorothea Foote Merriman grew up in King's Chapel, and later paved the way for a major transition in the church's history. Dorothea's father was Reverend Henry Wilder Foote, minister of King's Chapel from 1861 to 1889. In 1904, Dorothea married Roger Merriman, a history professor at Harvard College. Like her mother, Frances Eliot Foote, Dorothea took on leadership roles in the church and challenged the church's status quo. Notably, she became the president of the King's Chapel Club, which was organized in 1902 "to unite the young women of King's Chapel in greater interest in the church and such charitable work as may appeal to them." Dorothea played a crucial role in opening up participation in church leadership to all congregants, regardless of age or gender. In May 1916, she read a statement to the church's male leadership, suggesting that all members, not only wealthy pew owners, be able to play an active role in the church's administration. Her powerful statement, on behalf "of the younger people of King's Chapel who have deeply at heart not only the present welfare of the church but its future" resulted in the formation of the Society of King's Chapel, which democratized participation in church leadership and gradually repealed the policies of participation based on pew ownership. With the establishment of the Society in 1920, women could now vote in all church matters, and congregants were no longer restricted in church leadership by financial status. The Society of King's Chapel still exists, and Dorothea's work paved the way for the open and welcoming community present at King's Chapel today.
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King's Chapel
Est. 1686
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In the love of truth, and the spirit of Jesus Christ, we unite for the worship of God
​and the service of all​.
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 www.kings-chapel.org |  58 Tremont St. Boston, MA 02108  |  617-227-2155 
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  • Home
    • About Us >
      • Welcome
      • Calendar
      • Clergy & Staff
      • Contact Us & Directions >
        • Send A Message
      • Employment Opportunities >
        • Pianist/ Music Leader
        • Verger Position
  • Worship
    • Holy Week 2022
    • Sunday at 9 AM
    • Sunday at 11 AM
    • Lent 2022
    • Sermons
    • Special Annual Services
    • Book of Common Prayer
  • Music
    • Tuesday Recitals
    • Concert Series
    • Musical Inquiries
  • History & Tours
    • Plan Your Visit >
      • 2023 At A Glance
      • Guided Tour Offerings >
        • Group Tours
    • Explore Our History >
      • A Brief History
      • The Stone Chapel: Art & Architecture >
        • The Wooden Chapel
        • Georgian Architecture
        • Box Pews
        • Interior Colors
        • Memorials
        • The Chancel Windows
        • The Last Supper Painting
      • Crypt and Burying Ground >
        • Crypt >
          • Crypt Highlights: Crypt Entrance
          • Crypt Highlights: Tomb Structure
          • Crypt Highlights: The Stranger's Tomb
          • Crypt Highlights: Research and Family Connections
          • Crypt Highlights: Remaining Memorials
          • Crypt Highlights: Hand-Hewn Beams
        • Burying Ground
      • Religious History >
        • Online Exhibit: Independent Country, Independent Church
        • 334 Years of Ministry
      • Slavery at King's Chapel
    • Online Exhibits >
      • Revolutionary King's Chapel: Online Exhibit
      • Literary King's Chapel
      • Uncovering the Past: Exploring Black History Through Primary Sources
    • History Events & Programs >
      • Past Events & Programs
      • Recorded History Programs
    • Christmas History at King's Chapel >
      • Decking the Halls: The History of Decorating with Greens
      • Christmas Lights: Then and Now
      • 18th & 19th Century Christmas Services & Music
      • Christmas Feasts & Treats Throughout History
      • Holiday History Trivia
    • History Program Blog
    • About Us >
      • History Program Staff
      • Contact Us
    • Support the History Program
  • Community
    • News & Updates >
      • Parish Community News
    • Community from Home
    • Community Action Committee >
      • Anti-Racism Resources
    • Memorial to Enslaved Persons
    • Environmental Action Initiative
    • Join King's Chapel
    • For Members >
      • Budget Meeting 2023
      • Partner Church Sunday 2022
      • KC Bylaws
      • 2022- 2023 Church Leadership
  • Giving
    • Why Give
    • Ways to Give
    • Stewardship >
      • Pledge
  • Weddings & Baptisms
    • Weddings >
      • Dear Prospective Couple
      • Wedding Inquiry
      • Wedding Service
    • Baptisms
  • Space Rentals