Alvan Lamson (November 18, 1792 – July 18, 1864) was a minister at First Church and Parish in Dedham, Massachusetts.

"[1] He organized reading circles in the parish library and engaged in editorial pursuits with other Unitarian ministers.

[2] Lamson married Frances Fidelia, the daughter of Chief Justice Artemas Ward Jr. on July 11, 1825.

[1] Lamson's appointment as minister came shortly after he was graduated from Harvard College and three months after the resignation of his predecessor, Joshua Bates.

[3] On August 31, 1818, at a meeting of the parish, or the inhabitants of the town who were taxed to pay the minister's salary, Lamson was elected by an 81–44 majority.

John Reed of Bridgewater, Kirkland, Channing, Lowell, and Davis were selected to report the findings of the council.

[6] The council met at the Norfolk County Courthouse and heard the argument of Judge Samuel Haven, who opposed Lamson's appointment.

[8] After the Allin Congregational Church ordained Ebenezer Burgess as minister, Lamson looked at him "with a meloncholy toleration, laying a great deal of his religious xenophobia at the door of an ingrained affection for all that was quaint, unique, and antiquated about the New England species of Calvinism.

[13] During the split, the departing members included Deacon Samuel Fales, who took parish records, funds, and the valuable silver used for communion with him.

"[16] The court held that the property had to be returned to First Church, setting a precedent for future congregational splits that would arise as Unitarianism grew.