John Hay Nichols

Lives that Speak and Deeds that Beckon John Hay Nichols

It all began in the 1860s when several liberal Unitarian Christian families moved from Boston to the suburb of Grantville, as Wellesley Hills was called then, when the railroad arrived. With no Unitarian church in town, they found a minister they liked in Needham, managed to lure him away, and rented Maugus Hall, a town community center, for services.



Out of humble beginnings in 1871 grew a congregation that not only became prominent in Wellesley and the denomination but also made a significant, lasting impact on the world. Wellesley Unitarian ministers:

saved hundreds of Jewish children and intellectuals from the Nazis. brokered the merger of Unitarians and Universalists. founded the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee. started Human Relations Service, Inc., a counseling service in Wellesley.

Share the well-researched journey of the Unitarian Society of Wellesley Hills from the perspective of one of its distinguished, long-time ministers in the context of Wellesley history. Experience the hopes, dreams, doubts, and courage of a congregation as it grows and evolves with the times.