Spring 2011
From the construction of the original Meeting House of West Chelmsford to the establishment of St. Catherine’s, The United Methodist Church, and St. Mark’s to accommodate the influx of 19th-century immigrants, Westford’s religious history reflects the community’s broader history. This narrative spans the Christian faiths that played a role in our country’s founding, as well as more recent populations, including Jewish, Bahá’í, and Buddhist communities. It encompasses a range of settings, from traditional historic buildings to contemporary architecture, private homes, and natural landscapes.
This exhibit results from a collaborative effort by various organizations and individuals in Westford. Each organization has contributed its history, photos, artifacts, and summaries, which have been woven together to create a comprehensive story highlighting the Westford community’s interconnectedness.
Special thanks are extended to Ajahn David Chutiko (Wat Buddhabhavanna), Joe Diamond (Temple Shir Haddash), Elizabeth Elliott (St. Mark’s Episcopal Church), Jeff Henry (Museum Volunteer), Peg Hicks (St. Catherine of Alexandria), Patti Mason (First Parish Church United), Bob Oliphant (United Methodist Church), Barbara Peacock (Wat Buddhabhavanna), Larry Peebles (St. Mark’s Episcopal Church), Melissa Phillips (Museum Volunteer), Beth Shaw (Museum Volunteer), and Dilip Soman (Bahá’í Faith) for their invaluable contributions.
