KING'S CHAPEL
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1920

Thanks to the work of women like Dorothea Foote Merriman, the Society of King’s Chapel founded in 1920, changing the church's membership structure so that members regardless of gender could officially join the congregation and were able to vote in church politics.


​1923

March 22, 1923: Reverend Florence Buck becomes the first woman to preach from King's Chapel's pulpit. It would not be until 1941, however, that Wilna Livingstone Constable became the first woman to preach at King's Chapel during a Sunday service.


1942

The King's Chapel Vestry, or governing board, votes to permit women to serve on the Vestry.
​ 



​1970

Carol Means (pictured) and Elsie Cobb become the first women elected to the serve on the King's Chapel Vestry. A church vestry functions like a board of directors of an organization.

​
​

1980

Reverend Yvonne Schaudt becomes the first female Associate Minister at King's Chapel.


​

1983

Harriet Parker (pictured) and Barbara Edgar became the first female ushers. Harriet's red sneakers, which she wore to church that day, are included in the King's Chapel archives. The following year, she became the church's Junior Warden, the second highest lay leadership position in the church governance.

1985

Reverend Suzanne Spencer becomes the first woman ordained into the Christian ministry at King's Chapel.

1990

King's Chapel self-publishes "Of Paramount Importance": The Women of the Chapel, 1686-1986. The booklet, written by Karen McArthur while a student at Harvard Divinity School, explores 1990: King's Chapel self-publishes "Of Paramount Importance": The Women of the Chapel, 1686-1986. The booklet, written by Karen McArthur while a student at Harvard Divinity School, explores 300 years of women's history at the church.
​

2013

 Reverend Joy Fallon becomes the first female Senior Minister at King's Chapel.



2018

King's Chapel votes to revise the church's covenant with gender-inclusive language, replacing "man" with "all."
In the love of truth,
and in the spirit of Jesus Christ,
we unite for the worship of God and the service of all.
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King's Chapel
Est. 1686
​
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