There aren’t many publicly funded schools in America that can celebrate 385 years of educating children. In fact, there are none except for Dorchester’s Mather K-6 School on Meetinghouse Hill, which kicked off its milestone celebration last Thursday night (Oct. 10) with a packed dinner gathering in the First Parish Church Hall.

More than 300 people were in attendance throughout the night, with current students and staff mingling with former students and staff – as well as community members from the surrounding neighborhood.

The event was the start of a celebration that will last through the rest of the year, with a major gala fundraiser on Nov. 3 at the Boston Nature Center in Mattapan and an official birthday party in December or early January.

“We have a history of 300-plus years with students and parents at this school,” said Principal Hai Son. “We’re not just here today for our current students and parents, but for everyone that came before us over 385 years.”

Said Mather School Community School Hub Coordinator Lori Thames: “Our doors are open, and our table is set. This is not just a celebration of the school but of the generations of students, families, and educators who have contributed to the Mather’s ongoing story. We look forward to continuing this legacy of excellence for many years to come.”

Established in 1639 by Richard Mather, a Puritan clergyman, the school predates the founding of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and stands nine years younger than the city of Boston. Mather, father of Increase Mather and grandfather of Cotton Mather, notable minsters themselves, emigrated from England in 1635.

A man noted as believing that non-white races were an inferior entity, he nonetheless built a foundation for education in the region that his school continues to serve up as an integral part of its community to this day, a community that now offers a diverse and welcoming space for all students and families.

“To think that this institution has educated generations over nearly four centuries is humbling,” said Thames. “We invite the community to join us in celebrating not only the past but the promising future of Mather Elementary.”

The current Mather building, erected in 1910, still features many of its original architectural elements, including marble floors, hidden staircases, and the remnants of a vintage intercom system. Alumni such as Herb Chambers, now a well-known auto sales figure in Boston and throughout the region, walked these halls, marking their place in a long line of individuals shaped by the Mather experience.

The gala on Nov. 3 from 1 to 4 p.m. will be centered on fundraising and will be held at the Boston Nature Center, 500 Walk Hill St., Mattapan. There will a cash bar, appetizers and desserts, and a silent auction. Tickets are $100.

Region 2 Supt. Leslie Gant, Principal Hai Son, former Principal Karyn Strambert, and Vice Principal Nilsa Reis. Seth Daniel photos

Maria Brooks, Thohong Mai, Elisa Sota, and, front, student Isaiah Goncalves.

Hayley Huynh with her mother, Jade Ha.

Khai Tieu with his father, Harry.

Former Mather gym teacher Charles Lucas with Hub Coordinator Lori Thames.

Tonte Ojuka, a volunteer from Fontbonne Academy, provided amazing entertainment all evening with piano sonatas.

Principal Hai Son welcomed the crowd to the celebration, which was held next door in the First Parish Church Hall.