We are called to bear witness to the Good News of new life in Jesus Christ by praising God, growing together in the Spirit, and serving our neighbors in love.
Through the blessing of the Holy Spirit, we seek to glorify God and shine as a beacon of hope in the community with open doors, eager hands, and caring hearts.
Fourth Presbyterian Church is a community shaped by resilience, imagination, and a deep trust that God is at work even in the midst of challenge. Founded in South Boston in 1870, Fourth has learned again and again how to adapt when circumstances change. Financial uncertainty, neighborhood shifts, painful loss, and moments of real threat have not closed the church down. Instead, they have become turning points, inviting new ways of serving, gathering, and living out the gospel with creativity and courage.
At the heart of Fourth’s life is a commitment to being together and to trusting that death never has the final word. Shared meals, daily prayer, worship, music, and care for neighbors are expressions of a deeper theological conviction that God’s mission cannot be stopped. Again and again, what feels like an ending becomes the ground for new life. Fourth continues to grow and evolve, confident that even in the hardest seasons, God is still bringing resurrection out of what looks like loss.
Every year, leaders in the church collaborate to put together an annual report which includes details and stories about our various ministries and events throughout the year.
Fourth Presbyterian is pretty casual. You are invited and welcome to visit us on a Sunday morning wearing sweats and a t-shirt or a suit or dress, whatever you are comfortable in. Most people wear something like jeans and a button-up or slacks and a blouse. If you show up late, that is okay. If you haven’t been to church before and don’t know the words to say or when to sit or stand, that’s okay too. We will cue you and provide you with a program with all the words you need.
We have a small lot that can fit up to 6 cars. Street parking is available all around the church, and is free between 10am and 6pm.
Fourth is about a 5-minute walk from Andrew Station on the red line and is located directly on the 10 bus route.
Yes. There is a ramp on the side of the building that leads into the sanctuary.
We love having kids of all ages in our service. Kids are invited to participate in all elements of the service along with their grown-ups, or to play or color in the pews. Kids eight and younger are encouraged to join in Kids’ Church during a portion of the service for age-appropriate programming, or to stay in Big Church if they prefer. Learn more about our children’s offerings here.
Yes. Our staff and our denomination are affirming of LGBTQ+ people. We ordain queer individuals and officiate same-sex weddings, and we have queer staff and volunteer leaders.
Absolutely not. We love our Southie community members, and everyone is welcome and encouraged to participate in our weekly offerings. We welcome friends and neighbors from lots of different religious backgrounds who may be part of a different church community on Sundays, or who may not be religious. We would love to have you drop in on our post-traumatic healing ministry, our Wednesday book studies, our choir practices, or any other programming you find interesting. Learn more about our adult programs here.
Our usual hours are 8:30 am to 11:30 am on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month. Sometimes these hours change, so check our Food Pantry page for more information and to double check our upcoming hours. If you need food right away, we also serve hot meals Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm.
No. Unfortunately we do not offer rent assistance.
Yes. There are AA and NA groups that meet at the church Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 7:00 pm.
Our office phone number is 617-268-1281. Because we are out doing ministry, there is not always someone available to answer the office phone. If you have a hard time reaching us, email us at office@fourthboston.org
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