Name  St John's Church, Somerville

Founded  1850

Rector  The Reverend Ronald N. Pollock

Parishioners  250 families

Three words to describe the parish  Growing, becoming, historic

Why visit  We’re a warm, welcoming place and home to a diverse community where people are empowered, as we say, “To know Christ and to make Him known.” Somerville is the county seat and here at St John’s we’re engaged in many mission and outreach projects within the county and beyond. St John’s is growing in young families, children, Generation-X folks, so we have a number of exciting ministries you can become involved in.

Accomplishment you’re proud of  Two years ago we celebrated our 150th anniversary. We’re now listed on the National Register of Historical Places as we begin our “Living Stones” capital campaign. We have two professional firms assisting us with our fundraising and our historic preservation work: we are a lucky people!

Key event in history  St John’s “Living Stones” campaign is more than restoring our church building. It’s about recognizing the precious living stones of faith we see every day at work in God’s Kingdom. These living stones enable us to open our doors to people seeking to know Christ and help us reach out to make Christ known, by acts of service and love.

Greatest challenge  To be faithful stewards of the legacy for those who will come after us. We’re striving to restore our church so that future generations may better serve our growing parish ministries—and continue expanding mission and outreach. We want to ensure that our community of faith and service will remain a vital part of the greater Somerville community, nation, and world for years to come.

Theme hymn  “O God, Our Help in Ages Past.” We think it best describes the spirit of this parish.

Next: Christ Church, Woodbury