Hingham’s Old Ship Church Welcomes Rev. Erin Splaine as Interim Minister

Joshua Ross Photography

August 31, 2022 Submitted by Roy Harris

The congregation of Old Ship Church in Hingham has welcomed Rev. Erin E. Splaine as its interim minister, following the retirement of long-time Rev. Ken Read-Brown.

Rev. Splaine took over as minister of the Unitarian Universalist church on Aug. 1, and will begin giving sermons when regular sessions in the historic downtown place of worship resume after summer break in September.

“Interim ministers are afforded a unique opportunity to journey with congregations in a time of transition,” Rev. Splaine says. “Old Ship is a community infused with love and hope. It is an honor to be here with them.”

Having previously served for more that 10 years at the First Unitarian Universalist Society in Newton, the graduate of Harvard Divinity School began her ministerial career at the Unitarian Society in Northampton and Florence, Mass., and from 2001 until 2010 served at First Parish in Wayland. While there, Rev. Splaine organized and led a trip to New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina’s devastation.

Old Ship, a Unitarian Universalist church that conducts services in a National Historic Landmark. The meeting house has been a glorious fixture on Hingham’s Main Streat since 1681. Old Ship, which now has about 250 parishioners, follows the Unitarian Universalist policy of employing interim ministers while the search for a permanent pastor begins.

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