The First Church

Elliot Square was named after John Elliot who was an American missionary. Born in England, John Elliot came to America in 1631 and was a minister to the Indians and pastor of the First Church in Roxbury.

The ordained teacher of the First Church was Mr. Thomas Wedle and the pastor was John Elliot. Built in 1632, the First Church was used as a meeting-house and a place of worship. It was later sold in 1789. During the revolution, the church was often a target for British cannons.

This site is historic because it was the first meeting-house of Roxbury and was managed by a renown Englishman, John Elliot, for his determination to teach to the Indians and direct society.