The Old Parsonage
The Old Parsonage, also known as The Wigglesworth House, is a historic house at 145 Main Street in Malden, Massachusetts. Originally built in 1651, it was rebuilt in 1725 after a fire. Located near Bell Rock Pasture and the church, the house once stood at the heart of the community and served as a parsonage until 1845, when it was sold.
Rev. Joseph Emerson, the seventh minister of Malden’s First Church, was its first resident. On August 9, 1788, Adoniram Judson Jr. was born here to Rev. Adoniram Judson Sr. and Abigail Brown. Judson Jr would become the first Protestant missionary sent from North America, known for his ground-breaking work in Burma (Myanmar).
Now as the Judson Heritage Center, the heritage home honors Judson and his first two wives, Ann and Sarah, whose pioneering work and tireless contributions to education, women empowerment, cultural heritage, religious freedom and Christian ministry shaped not only the future of American missions, but also sparked a global missionary movement.
restoration Updates
Acquiring the Heritage Home
In 2024, the Adoniram Judson Heritage Foundation (AJHF) made a significant step in honoring Judson's heritage by purchasing his childhood home in Malden, Massachusetts.
The purchase of Judson’s birthplace was to preserve the heritage home, with the intention of restoring and maintaining its historical features to ensure it continue existence as a historical and educational site while operating as the Judson Heritage Center for the community and the world at large to enjoy.
Assessment and Planning
Our mission is to restore the original architectural integrity of this Federal-style home, while equipping it with modern amenities for museum exhibits, educational tours, historical interpretation, and community engagement.
To ensure the historical features were installed, the preservation project, required a comprehensive assessment of the heritage building. We engaged professionals specializing in heritage buildings, architects, engineers, and conservation experts, to conduct an accurate evaluation and to develop a conservation plan.
Restoration and Rehabilitation
The restored heritage home, will be open to the public as the Judson Heritage Center. The center aims to display the Judsons' mission work, portraits, and personal artifacts, along with stories of other missionaries in Burma (Myanmar).
With further support from donors, AJHF also plans to use the Judson Heritage Center as a welcoming space for visitors to reflect on their own calling to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Restoration Goals
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Preserve original 18th-century architecture
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Restore interior spaces with period-accurate furnishings
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Install climate control and conservation systems for preservation
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Create a “Reflection Garden” to reflect and appreciate the work of the Judsons
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Re-create the room where Adoniram Judson was born
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Create accessible spaces for all visitors
