About the Friends

The Friends of the 1836 Meeting House of North Andover, Inc. was created by a group of local residents to inform, share and support the ongoing preservation efforts of this historic building with the community-at-large. The 501(c)(3) non-profit will help maintain this classic 1836 Meeting House that is a cornerstone of the historic Town Common.

The historic meeting house in the Old Center of North Andover is considered an iconic structure in North Andover and the Merrimack Valley, with its steeple and façade serving as a welcoming beacon day and at night. The existing structure, the fifth Meeting House, was built in 1836. It is part of the Old Center District of North Andover and is included in the National Historic Register and the local Historic District Register.

Much work has been done to preserve the structure and maintain its importance in the community. The Friends of the 1836 Meeting House of North Andover, Inc. was created to inform, share with the community-at-large and support the ongoing preservation efforts of this historic building that sits so prominently in the town. There is a rich history to the 183-year-old building, including a functioning Paul Revere bell, one of only 23 remaining bells cast by this famous Patriot’s company.

The 1836 Meeting House provides space to the North Parish Unitarian Universalist congregation, the Great Pond Buddhist Sangha, the Jewish congregation Ahavat Olam during the High Holy Days and The Peoples’ Pantry community food assistance.  It is also used by community organizations and for community events such as Red Cross Blood Drives, the monthly Crossroads Concert Series and other community-wide concerts, Bread and Roses meal preparation, McVagly weekly GBLTQ Youth Support Group, AlAnon weekly support groups, Community InRoads (501C3), the North Andover Thrift Store (501C3), nonprofit retreats, events, and workshops open to the community.