Presidential wreath-laying ceremonies

Honoring the Adams Presidents as a part of a national wreath-laying tradition
Twice each year the President of the United States sends a wreath to the  United First Parish Church to be placed on the tomb of the Adams Presidents. 

This national tradition started during the administration  of President Lyndon Johnson in 1967. Each year,  wreaths of red, white  and blue flowers are sent to the burial places of all deceased  presidents on the anniversary of their birthday.

The  United First Parish Church, Church of the Presidents is the proud keeper of this important annual recognition of our Presidential  heritage.  Admission  to the wreath-laying ceremony, the Adams Crypt and Church Sanctuary are  free. Donations to support the History and Visitors Program are greatly  appreciated.

For more information about the ceremonies, please email office@ufpc.org or call 617-773-1290.  

On Monday, October 31st at 12:00 noon the annual Presidential Wreath Laying Ceremony in celebration of the 287th birthday of President John Adams will be held at United First Parish Church, the “Church of the Presidents,” in Quincy Massachusetts. On the birthday of every deceased President there is a wreath presented at the grave of that former President, on behalf of the current President. This year the wreath will be presented on behalf of President Joe Biden by Lieutenant Commander Alicia Ping fromthe Navy Operational Support Center Quincy.

Speaking on the topic of “Participation in Democracy,” the highlight of the ceremony is hearing student speakers from North Quincy High, Quincy High, and Woodward School. “Democracy must be respected; democracy must be honored; democracy must be cherished; democracy must be an essential, an integral part of the sovereignty.” These are words John Adams wrote in 1814 in a letter defending his vision of democracy to Virginia Senator John Taylor. This year’s ceremony reflects on John Adams legacy of democracy and our responsibility to sustain democracy.

For decades United First Parish Church has used the tradition of a presidential wreath laying to bring the Quincy community together to reflect on our shared history as “City of the Presidents.” The church collaborates with elected leaders, historians, educators, authors, musicians, community and cultural groups, as well as the Navy, to create unique and celebratory annual events that honors the legacies of John Adams and John Quincy Adams by encouraging lifelong learning and fostering a commitment to community. 

Music will be provided by the Navy Band Northeast's Crosswinds Woodwind Quintet from Newport Rhode Island, and the Quincy Choral Society. Speakers include Quincy Mayor Tom Koch, State Senator John Keenan, as well as Jim Petosa, Bill Westland, and Rev. Rebecca Froom from United First Parish Church. High School students will give remarks on John Adams’ vision of participation in democracy.

John Adams, second President of the United States of America, was a life-time member of First Parish Church and is entombed in the Presidential Crypt in the Church alongside his First Lady, Abigail Adams, and his son President John Quincy Adams and First Lady, Louisa Catherine Adams. 

United First Parish Church was founded in 1639 as a Puritan Congregation, allowing the town of Braintree to be founded in 1640. Over the centuries UFPC has had four buildings in three locations. The current building in the heart of Quincy was designed by Alexander Parris and was built in 1828 and is also known as “The Stone Temple.” UFPC has operated a Historical Tours program open to the public since 1976 providing tours of the Presidential Crypt and the historic sanctuary. The congregation is open for tours six days a week (closed on Wednesdays), from Patriot’s Day weekend to Veteran’s Day weekend. The final date of the 2022 tour program is Sunday, November 13th. 

The John Adams Presidential Wreath Laying Ceremony is open to the public and will be followed by a reception featuring a cake from Konditor Meister Bakery. Historic tours will be available in the afternoon. Masks or face coverings are welcome but not required. The building is wheelchair accessible. United First Parish Church is located at 1306 Hancock Street, Quincy, MA 02169.

For more information about the ceremonies, please email office@ufpc.org or call 617-773-1290.