The Federation of Churches and Religious Organizations in Greater Boston was founded in 1910. The goal of the federation was to inform and assist religious and civic organizations in Boston through intelligent and co-operative work on behalf of the spiritual, social, and economic interests of the community. Any church that wished to take part would be allowed representation in the form of its clergyman and two delegates. Each church would be allowed 1 vote. Any civic organizations that wished to associate with the federation would be recorded as associate members and was entitled to three representatives, but not given a vote in meetings.

The first Board of Directors elected included president Francis Rowley, four vise presidents and fifteen directors from a range of churches and organizations. This included Rev. Edward Cummings (1861-1962) of South Congregational Church in Boston, and Frank Wood (1842-1914) of Shawmut Congregational Church in Boston. Also included on the list was Rev. George L. Paine (1876-1969) of St. Mary's Church in Dorchester, who would later be elected to the executive secretary role from 1923-1934.

In 1917, the Federation of Churches and Religious Organization in Greater Boston would simplify its name to The Greater Boston Federation of Churches. The board of directors would conduct meetings in various locations such as Old South Church and the Trinity Church. The work of the federation extended into many facets of the community. They were involved in everything from international relations, to social welfare and various religious outreach programs. At its peak, the federation had membership from nine different denominations including Baptists, Congregationalists, Christian Scientists, and Presbyterians as well as engagement from multiple social organizations including the Salvation Army, the YMCA, and women's social groups.