THE 
 
 Old Meeting House 
 
 IINGHAM 
 1681 - 1873. 
 

 
 
 
 LIBRARY 
 
 OF THE 
 
 University of California. 
 
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 THE FAMILY OF REV. DR. GEORGE MOOAR 
 
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 A 
 
 DISCOURSE 
 
 DELIVERED TO THE 
 
 FIRST PARISH IN HINGHAM 
 
 SEPTEMBER 8, 1869, 
 
 RE-OPENING THEIR MEETING-HOUSE. 
 
 CALVIN LINCOLN, 
 
 Sixth Pastor op the Parish. 
 
 V/ITH AN APPENDIX. 
 
 HINGHAM: 
 
 PUBLISHED BY THE PARISH. 
 
 1873. 
 
p^ 
 
 JAMES F. COTTER & CO., PRINTERS, 
 
 14 Statb Stbekt, 
 
 BOSTON. 
 
PREFATORY NOTE. 
 
 The publication of this Discourse was postponed to the present 
 time, because it was deemed desirable to accompany it by some 
 account of the history of the Meeting-house. It is now the oldest place 
 of public worship in New England, if not in the United States, having 
 been erected in 1681. The undersigned undertook to collect the facts 
 of its history, to be found in public and private records, and, also, those 
 transmitted by traditions of our fathers, many of which, if not now 
 preserved in a permanent form, will be in danger of being lost 
 forever. We have been especially fortunate in discovering in various 
 old manuscripts, many curious and interesting facts, which will appear 
 in the A^endix. We are able to give a full list of those persons to 
 whom seats were assigned in the Meeting-house before it was opened 
 for public worship. We have illustrated our work by prefixing a 
 Portrait of Rev. Mr. Lincoln, the present Pastor of the Parish, and 
 by inserting also a View of the Ancient Edifice, and have added Plans 
 of the Pews, both Old and New. In the labor of collecting and 
 preparing the materials for the Appendix, each member of the 
 committee has had the pleasure of participating. 
 
 Solomon Lincoln, 
 
 QuiNCr BiC KNELL, 
 
 George Lincoln, 
 Fearing Burr, 
 Henry C. Harding, 
 
 Committee of 
 Publication. 
 
 HiNGHAM, July 1, 1873. 
 
 {231 /G 
 
DISCOURSE. 
 
 Acts in: 25.-" YE ARE THE CHILDREN OF THE PROPHETS AND OF THE COVENANT 
 WHICH GOD MADE WITH YOUR FATHERS." 
 
 Only twelve years are wanting to complete two centuries, 
 since our fathers first assembled for Christian worship beneath 
 this roof. Compared with this edifice, the house which they 
 erected was of narrow dimensions, and of rude and inexpensive 
 workmanship. Neither plastering nor paint was employed to 
 exclude the freezing winds of winter, or to conceal the roughly 
 hewn timbers by which it was supported. Cushioned pews in 
 an atmosphere artificially softened, were unthought of and 
 undesired by the earnest men and women of that generation. 
 Seats of oak covered the entire area, both of the floor and the 
 galleries, and these were occupied on the one side by the male 
 and on the other by the female portion of the congregation. 
 Still, when we consider the numbers and the resources of the 
 builders; their offering for the worship of God, for tlie 
 upbuilding of Christ's kingdom, and for the highest welfare of 
 our race, greatly exceeded in expensiveness, the more costly 
 structure which we have now assembled to rededicate to the 
 service of our father's God. Place yourselves in imagination 
 in the midst of these early inhabitants. Somewhat less than 
 fifty years had elapsed since their homes were the homes of a 
 savage race ; since their cultivated fields were covered with 
 
6 
 
 primeval forests— the hunting ground and the hiding place of the 
 bear and the panther. Our Puritan and Pilgrim ancestors did 
 not generally belong to the wealthier classes in the country from 
 which they emigrated. A portion of their estates, if no pecuniary 
 sacrifice attended their sale, was necessarily expended in their 
 passage across the Atlantic. Less than fifty years had been 
 occupied in felling the woods, in reclaiming the soil and in build- 
 ing a shelter for themselves and their families. This was their 
 second Meeting-house ; and when its cost is estimated by the 
 population and the property of the settlement, how exceedingly 
 is its value enhanced, how are its proportions magnified ? it 
 stands before us as a worthy monument of Christian faithfulness 
 and heroic courage, of lofty aims and willing sacrifices in 
 the cause of Christ and for the extension of His kingdom in 
 the world. As we go back in thought to that day in mid-winter, 
 when for the first time within these walls, the incense of praise 
 and prayer arose from subdued but believing hearts to the 
 throne of the Eternal ; can we withhold our heartfelt reverence 
 for the enduring faith, the dauntless courage, and the deep-toned 
 piety of the worshippers ? and as we remember how inwrought 
 was their conviction of God's immediate presence, how earnest 
 their prayers, how real to their hearts were the verities of the 
 spiritual world, what tender and awe-inspiring associations 
 gather around the place : it becomes to us more than ever before 
 the House of God and the Gate of Heaven. 
 
 The men who in weakness and penury executed this work 
 and the generations which followed them, were quick in 
 discovering the demand of the time in which they lived, and 
 prompt in providing the required supply. As the town increased 
 in population and property, more ample and improved accommo- 
 dations for public worship became a necessity. Ascribing less 
 of sacredness to the house than to the uses for which it was 
 erected and by which it was sanctified ; our fathers at an early 
 
period, cheerfully consented to important changes. Two very 
 considerable additions were made to its dimensions ; the 
 situation of the pulpit was changed and a new one constructed. 
 From time to time pews were introduced, and this process 
 continued until the last remains of the original seats of oak 
 had disappeared. Other alterations in the interior arrange- 
 ments conducive to the comfort of the worshippers, have shown 
 the willingness of the parish to consult the wishes of its younger 
 members, and to conform, in all things innocent, to the customs 
 observed in other societies, and to the taste of the passing 
 time. 
 
 Thus modified in its interior, but retaining its original 
 external form, this Meeting-house after the passage of nearly 
 two centuries, became the inheritance of the present generation. 
 
 In our early New England edifices however massive and 
 enduring their timbers, no adequate ventilation secured those 
 portions of them in proximity to the earth from a gradual but 
 certain loss of vitality and strength. For years it had been 
 known that our house of worship was suffering from the cause 
 just named. Within the current year it became evident on 
 examination, that thorough and somewhat expensive repairs 
 must be made if we would save this venerated structure from 
 rapidly increasing decay and from becoming at no very distant 
 period a deserted ruin. This fact was not the only consideration 
 which influenced the action of the parish. A very considerable 
 portion of the Society, including the major part of its younger 
 members, without whose active interest no society can live and 
 prosper, believed the time to have fully arrived when the 
 welfare of the parish demanded more comfortable pews on 
 the lower floor, for the accommodation of the worshippers. 
 Such extensive alterations when first proposed, were regarded 
 by numbers in the parish, especially among its older members, 
 with strong disfavor. Our life-long associations with the place, 
 
8 
 
 the tender memories of childhood and the deeper experiences 
 of maturer life, the liistory of the past, the struggles and the 
 fortitude of the generation who, in obedience to the divine 
 voice in their hearts had sought a home in the wilderness, 
 marked epochs in our country's annals, when Christian patriots 
 gathered within these walls to consult for the welfare of the 
 States, and to ask strength and wisdom of God in prayer, the 
 record of venerable men and women, of distinguished and able 
 ministers and honored citizens who had here sought the instruc- 
 tions and here shared in the consolations and hopes of the 
 Gospel ; all seemed with a united voice to forbid the proposed 
 innovations ; and it appeared almost a sacrilege to remove a 
 single memorial of a past so hallowed in our hearts by 
 sentiments of reverence and love. These first impressions 
 however, were removed as we calmly considered the question 
 before us. It was generally seen that the intended work was 
 not one of destruction, but of preservation ; that the form and 
 external appearance of the house would remain unchanged, and 
 that the visible alterations in the interior would not extend to 
 the more ancient, but to those portions of the building which 
 were comparatively of recent construction ; and it was very 
 plain that we should more truly honor the fathers by imitating 
 their practice, who were not slow in complying with the 
 requirements of the time in which they lived, than by simply 
 retaining the work of their hands. Great credit is certainly 
 due to the more advanced in years for the cheerful spirit with 
 which they have yielded their personal wishes in compliance 
 with the wishes of . the majority. Shall we not count it a 
 specially happy omen, that a work of such magnitude in itself, 
 and attended by so many difficulties, has been undertaken and 
 executed with so much unanimity, with so much hope and 
 courage ? Have Ave not a right tO expect that those who have 
 so earnestly desired to improve this temple made with hands. 
 
9 
 
 will, by a new dedication of themselves to the service of God 
 and the cause of Christ, become more fitting temples for the 
 indwelling of the Holy Spirit ? 
 
 A question of graver import now demands our consideration. 
 Is our present ecclesiastical position true to the principles, on 
 which this church as a living branch of the living vine, was 
 first established ? That our church in its theology has departed 
 somewhat widely from the opinions held by its Puritan founders, 
 there can be no question. Still I believe that while we have 
 discarded opinions which they accepted as true, and adopted 
 explanations of doctrines which they would have rejected as 
 false, we are loyal to principles which they distinctly avowed 
 and announced as fuudamental. Our fathers,with all Protestants, 
 were unquestioning believers in the sufficiency of the Scriptures 
 as a rule of faith and practice. Most certainly they did not 
 cross the ocean and endure the hardships of the wilderness to 
 form a Lyceum for the study of the sciences, nor to found a 
 school of philosophy to inquire whether men were endowed 
 with a spiritual nature, nor whether a communication from the 
 infinite to the finite mind were a possibility ; but they came 
 hither for the express purpose of establishing a Christian 
 church on the foundation of Prophets and Apostles, Jesus 
 Christ, himself, being the chief corner-stone. In Him they 
 believed as the Son of God, the representative of divine 
 perfections, the revealer of the divine-will, and being such, as 
 their Lord and Savior. This was the one prominent doctrine 
 in the covenants used in the admission of members to church 
 privileges ; on this one fundamental doctrine our church has 
 stood through its past history ; on this foundation I thank God 
 it stands to-day. In confirmation of this statement, I refer you 
 to the records of the time, to the covenant adopted by the 
 church at Salem, and cordially approved by leading represen- 
 tatives of the Pilgrims at Plymouth, and so far as our 
 
10 
 
 knowledge extends to the prevailing practice throughout New 
 England. At this early period if the representations of Cotton 
 Mather are trustworthy, character was the primary condition of 
 membership in the church ; the candidate was not usually if 
 ever required to accept a creed expressed in words of human 
 device, and avowing a decided opinion on the more difficult 
 and abstruse points in a metaphysical theology. The candidate 
 was required to avow his faith in God and Christ and the Holy 
 Spirit, and to declare his determination to devote himself to his 
 Master's service ; he was required to make the Scriptures his 
 study, and to accept their instructions. Creeds, technically so 
 called, were the contrivance of a later period. They were 
 unknown in the churches until found necessary to check the 
 growth of new opinions, the natural consequence of a faithful 
 study of the sacred volume. Is it not obviously true that with 
 finite minds, honest and intelligent inquiry for truth pertaining 
 to the infinite, must issue in diversity of opinions ? For this 
 result our early churches, unintentionally it may be presumed, 
 prepared the way in the covenants which they adopted. Am I 
 reminded that the Massachusetts Puritans came to this country 
 with a specific aim and purpose ; and in trying to accomplish 
 this purpose were severely intolerant of dissent ? I allow at once 
 that their views were narrow, and unjust to the inborn rights of 
 the human soul ; but we should remember that inconsistency is 
 no uncommon mark of* human imperfection. These same men 
 were dissenters from the established church in England. Tliey 
 boldly defended their right to depart from Episcopal usages, 
 and in defending their own course, asserted and maintained 
 principles, which, followed to their legitimate conclusions, were 
 utterly incompatible with bigotry in judgment, and persecution 
 in practice. They solemnly declared that they could not 
 conscientiously bow to the dictation of any human authority, 
 because the finite mind owes its supreme allegiance to the 
 
11 
 
 infinite mind. In this statement, we have the fundamental, 
 underlying support, the seed truth of all rational liberty, civil 
 and religious. 
 
 The men of this generation were earnest and profound 
 thinkers; and do you believe that a quickening truth like this 
 could long remain unfruitful in their ever-wakeful minds, or 
 that in due time, the depth of its meaning and the extent of its 
 application should not be generally understood and accepted ? 
 Still further, the church which our fathers planted in this place 
 was on the very borders of the Plymouth Colony, and 
 unquestionably held communion with the church of which 
 Robinson was the pastor in England and in Holland. Can we 
 believe that the band of pilgrims who left him with tearful eyes 
 and aching hearts would soon forget his farewell address ? You 
 know how faithfully he warned them against an unintelligent 
 adherence to accepted doctrines, exhorting them to follow him 
 no farther than he followed Christ, and assuring them of his 
 own belief " that God had yet more truth to break forth from his 
 holy word." Great truths and worthy sentiments possess an 
 innate life and a power of diffusion ; they pass from mind to 
 mind ; they enter into the common thought until they become a 
 reforming force in the world. Can we doubt that the words of 
 the beloved pastor were often repeated by members of his flock 
 amid the anxieties and bereavements of their first winter at 
 Plymouth ? Must they not have been frequently reported by 
 such men as Brewster, and Bradford, and Winslow, in their 
 intercourse with other churches ? and when reported, could they 
 fail to stimulate inquiry and to encourage freedom of thought ? 
 In calling your attention to this very early period in our 
 history, I would not be thought to suggest even a doubt 
 concerning the opinions generally held by our fathers. There 
 can be no question that they firmly believed in that logically 
 adjusted system of doctrines previously published and defended 
 
12 
 
 ]>y the controlling mind in the Genevan School of Theology. 
 But -what I do urge and believe is this, — that the founders of 
 our churches, by acknowledging the worth of the individual 
 soul ; by insisting on man's direct responsibleness to God for his 
 opinions ; by urging believers to study with diligence the sacred 
 scriptures and freely to search for the truth, did plant in the 
 minds of the people, convictions and opinions which must lead 
 to unanticipated results ; convictions in regard to the duties and 
 consequently to the rights of the individual, which, with 
 constantly increasing means of knowledge, must conduct them 
 to improved methods of study, to new interpretations of 
 scripture language, and to improved statements of Christian 
 doctrines. C'ould men who believed themselves religiously, 
 bound to search for truth long refrain from claiming the right 
 to avow their supposed discoveries, or from according this right 
 to their fellow disciples ? 
 
 May we not confidently, and with gratitude to God, turn to 
 our own past history in illustration of the views which have been 
 presented and humbly claim that we are lineal children of 
 Puritan and Pilgrim fathers ? Our church commenced its 
 existence under the spiritual guidance and inspiring influence of 
 a man of no ordinary mind or character. Rev. Peter Hobart 
 w^as born in England, and received his education in the 
 university of Cambridge. To an intellect of great clearness 
 and vigor ; to large acquirements ; to pulpit talents Avhich 
 secured him distinction in his native land and in that of his 
 adoption, he added a warm and generous heart. He had a 
 quick perception of justice, a ready sympathy for the oppressed, 
 and was an ardent friend of civil liberty. In defending what he 
 believed to be the rights of a portion of his flock, he withstood, 
 in argument, the magistrates of the colony ; and by doing so, 
 incurred their censure ; so that on one occasion he was 
 forbidden to preach in Boston, as the excellent AVinthrop said, 
 
13 
 
 " because he was a bold man and would speak his mind." 
 A man of such large liberal views on other subjects could 
 hardly be a bigot in religion. Hence as Mather informs us, 
 " he cherislied a hearty love towards pious men though they 
 were not in all things of his own persuasion, saying, 'I can 
 carry them in my bosom,' and states that he had a strong 
 dislike for men, who, under pretence of church discipline, were 
 very pragmatical in controversies, applying to them the words 
 of Mr. Cotton, ' that some men were all church and no Christ.' " 
 
 Of the Rev. John Norton, far less is known than of his 
 predecessor. He received a liberal education and was endowed 
 with highly respectable powers. His preaching was chiefly 
 practical, and consisted to a great extent in applying Christian 
 doctrines, as then understood, to the nurture of a divine life in 
 the souls of his hearers. He was a faithful and beloved 
 pastor. 
 
 The third minister of this parish. Dr. Ebenezer Gay, was 
 widely known as a learned theologian and an independent 
 thinker, as a man of great prudence, of sound judgment, and 
 of a catholic spirit. Dr. Gay was a student through life. In 
 his expositions of Christian doctrines he was generally under- 
 stood to differ materially from his predecessors ; so that 
 dissatisfaction was occasionally expressed by a small number 
 of his flock, not so much (as is often the case in oiir own time,) 
 " on account of what he did as of what he did not say." In 
 the convention of Congregational ministers and in ecclesiastical 
 councils, his great influence was invariably exerted in the 
 promotion of peace and mutual charity among his brethren. 
 Though a prudent man, Dr. Gay was a stranger to timidity. 
 When every clergyman in Boston refused to join in ordaining 
 the first minister of the West Church, because of his anti- 
 trinitarian opinions, he attended the ordination, preached the 
 sermon, and addressed the pastor-elect in the following words: 
 
14 
 
 " I have been pleased in frequent conversations with you, to 
 observe your thirst after knowledge, a desire to find truth, to 
 prove all things and to hold fast that which is good." 
 
 Br. Henry Ware is known to you by his printed works, 
 rather than by your remembrance of his services in this pulpit. 
 His logical mind, his sound judgment, his large attainments and 
 his candid temper, enabled him to exert a great influence on 
 other minds during the protracted period of his public labors. 
 
 Of his successor, even were it needful, as he is still living, it 
 would be unbecoming in me to speak. 
 
 As we thus review the past history of our church, can we 
 withhold our warmest gratitude from that all-merciful Being who 
 permits us to enter into this rich inheritance. How various and 
 affecting are our associations with this ancient house of worship. 
 Still how much more precious is the legacy bequeathed to us in 
 the lives and characters of the Christian men and women of 
 successive generations who have here assembled for communion 
 with God. As we reflect upon their trials and their fortitude, 
 their fidelity in the search for truth, calling no man master, yet 
 bowing humbly before the authority of the Savior's teachings ; 
 as we think of their willing sacrifices in the interest of humanity, 
 their piety towards God and their benevolence towards men ; 
 does not a voice, increasing in volume and power as it 
 approaches, come to our hearts, through all this long past, 
 commanding and entreating us to enter resolutely into their 
 labors, urging us not to look backward and glory in their 
 efforts and "achievements, but to look forward, and with manly 
 courage and devoted hearts to take up the work which God is 
 now giving us to do ? 
 
 And now, friends of this parish, the designed repairs on this 
 house and the contemplated improvements in its interior 
 arrangements have been completed. With glad hearts we 
 again enter within its portals, and anew consecrate it to the 
 
worship of the one living and true God. To Him the all-wise, 
 all-holy, to Him the infinite being unseen by mortal eyes, but 
 manifested in the person of His Son, we devote it : to the 
 cause of Christ it is henceforth dedicated, to the unfolding of 
 his truth and the enforcements of His precepts, to the highest 
 interests of immortal souls, it is consecrated. Here may the 
 unthinking be awakened, the inquirer for truth be blessed with 
 a divine illumination : here may the mourner receive strength 
 and comfort from the ever present friend of the afflicted, and 
 here may all who are seeking a divine life, be helped forward 
 in the pathway to Heaven. And while these walls shall stand, 
 may there never be wanting within them a congregation of 
 earnest worshippers, hungering to be fed with the bread from 
 Heaven, nor a voice to proclaim to them the unsearchable 
 riches of the gospel of Christ. 
 
^ APPENDIX: 
 
 CONTAININa A BRIEF ACCOUNT OP THE FIRST MEETING- 
 HOUSE OF THE PARISH; A FULL HISTORY OF THE 
 PRESENT, BEING THE SECOND HOUSE OF WORSHIP; 
 MINISTERS OF THE PARISH; CHOIR; SINGING; 
 ORGAN; HYMN BOOKS AND OTHER MEMO- . 
 RANDA FROM THE PARISH RECORDS. 
 
19 
 
 MEETING-HOUSES. 
 
 Some account of the Meeting-house, the recledication of which, 
 after extensive repairs, was the occasion of the preceding discourse, 
 may be of interest to those who, from residence or association, have 
 been by themselves or their ancestors connected with the town or 
 parish to which this house has respectively belonged. 
 
 It was the second house erected for the purpose of public worship 
 within the territorial limits of Hingham, including Cohasset. It was 
 built by the town before it was divided into parishes. 
 
 THE FIRST MEETIISG-HOUSE. 
 
 The first house for public worship was erected by the first settlers 
 of the town probably within a short time after its settlement in 1635. 
 It was situated on a slight eminence in front of the present site of 
 the Derby Academy. It was surrounded by a palisado, and 
 surmounted by a belfry with a bell. Around it, upon the declivity of 
 the hill, the dead were buried, where after a repose of nearly two 
 centuries, they were disturbed by the march of improvement. 
 
 In 1831, the hill was removed, and the remains, which were 
 disinterred by the removal, were carefully collected and buried in a 
 substantial vault, in the old fort, within the limits of the Hingham 
 Cemetery, and a simple granite monument was erected over them, by 
 order of the Town, and it bears the inscription in front, " To the 
 first Settlers of Hingham." and on the reverse, " Erected by the 
 Town, 1839." 
 
 The first Meeting-house like the early dwellings of the settlers, 
 was undoubtedly a rude structure, although the scanty records 
 
20 
 
 relating to it which remain, indicate that it was not wholly devoid of 
 ornament, or of taste in its construction. 
 
 At a town meeting held March 11th, 1644-5, "Joshua Hubbard 
 and Nicholas Jacob, was deputed by the town to make an agreement 
 with the young men to set up a Gallery at the West end of the 
 Meeting House as well for the length and breadth as for the place." 
 An agreement was accordingly made with " Edward Oilman, Thomas 
 Turner, John Sutton and Daniel Lyncon," empowering them to build 
 " at the North side of the Meeting House, one Gallery for themselves 
 and such as they shall admit of, the manner to be as followeth. The 
 length to be the breadth of the Meeting House, the breadth of it not 
 to exceed six feet and the height to be at the discretion of Stephen 
 Lincoln, the workman ; all the posts and pillars to be turned, the 
 floor rabyted and matched and this gallery to remain the 
 property of the aforesaid Edw. Gilman, Tho's Turner, John Sutton, 
 the younger, and Daniel Lincon and the rest of their partners who 
 join with them in the building." 
 
 This house was the only place for public worship, for forty-five 
 years from the settlement of the town, and during the entire ministry 
 of the first Pastor, Rev. Peter Hobart, who died January 20, 1678-9. 
 Rev. John Norton was ordained as Mr. Hobart's successor in the 
 pastorate, Nov. 27, 1678, Mr. Hobart taking part in the services. At 
 the expiration of one year from the death of Mr. Hobart, January 
 19, 1679-80, the town "agreed to build a new meetinghouse with 
 all convenient speed," and appointed a committee consisting of Capt. 
 Joshua Hobart, Capt. John Jacob and Ensign John Thaxter, to view 
 the meeting-houses of other towns, for the purpose of forming an 
 opinion of the dimensions of a building necessary to accommodate 
 the inhabitants, to ascertain the probable expense, and to report at 
 the next town meeting, to be held in May following. 
 
 At the same meeting, the Selectmen were ordered, by vote to 
 provide a new bell for the use of the town at the meeting-house and 
 " they are to get one as big againe as the old one was, if it may be had." 
 
 On the third of May, 1680, the Selectmen were directed to "carry 
 on the business to effect about building a new meeting-house," and at 
 the same meeting it was voted " to have the new meeting-house set 
 up, in the place where the old one doth now stand." The names of 
 those who voted on this last question are recorded in tlie Town 
 Records. There were thirty-four in the ainrmative, and eleven in 
 tlie neiiative. 
 
21 
 
 The following from the Town Records shows the state of the vote 
 
 At the above said Town Meeting, on the third clay of May, 1680, these persons, 
 wiiose names are under written, dcchired themselves, by word, to have the new 
 meeting liouse set up in the place where the old one doth now stand. 
 
 Captain Joshua Hobart, 
 John Bealc, Senior, 
 Deacon Jolm Leavitt, 
 Tlioraas Hobart, 
 Andrew Lane, 
 Thomas Gill, Senior, 
 John Beale, 
 Edward Wilder, 
 Doctor Cutler, 
 Ensign John Thaxter, 
 Thomas Lincoln, (husband- 
 man). 
 
 Nathaniel Beale, Senior, 
 Edmund Pitts, 
 Joshua Lincoln, 
 Thomas Marsh, 
 Francis James, 
 Stephen Lincoln, 
 Moses Collier, 
 John Prince, 
 John Langlec, 
 Joshua Beale, 
 
 Tliomas Lincoln, (carpenter] 
 Caleb Bcal, 
 
 James Hersee, 
 Thomas Andrews, 
 Joseph Joy, 
 William Hersee, 
 Matthias Brigs, 
 John Chubbuck, 
 Josiah Lane, 
 Robert Waterman, 
 Matthew Whiton, 
 Scrjant Daniel Lincoln, 
 Samuel Stowcll. 
 
 At the said Town Meeting, these persons whose names are under written 
 declared themselves to be against the new Meeting House standing in the place 
 where the old one do stand. 
 
 Daniel Cushing, Senior, 
 Simon Burr, Senior, 
 Nathaniel Baker, 
 Joseph Jacob, 
 
 Humphrey Johnson, 
 Captain John Jacob, 
 Serjant Matthew Cushinj. 
 James Whiton. 
 
 Ibrook Tower, 
 Lieutenant John Smith, 
 Jeremiah Beal, Senior. 
 
 On the 11th of August, 1680, the dimensions of the house wei'e 
 fixed by the town as follows : length fifty-five feet, breadth forty-five 
 feet, and the height of the posts "twenty or one and twenty feet," 
 with galleries on one side and at both ends. 
 
 In 1681, May 2, the town approved of what the Selectmen had done 
 in relation to the building of the new Meeting-house and the place 
 wh«re it was to be set. Thirty-seven persons dissented from this vote. 
 These transactions were brought to the notice of the Governor and 
 magistnites who interposed their authority as will be seen by the 
 following copies of papers in the archives of iJie State. 
 
22 
 
 FROM THE STATE ARCHIVES. 
 
 Boston, May 16th, 1681. 
 
 The Governo'' and Magistrates having considered the pi'sent motions in 
 Hingham relating to the placing of a New meeting house and also perceiving by 
 Information of the Hon* W™' Stoughton and Joseph Dudley Esq"^' who were 
 desired to view the place of the present House (which is judged to be inconvenient 
 by them^ do therefore hereby disallow of the setting up of a New meeting house 
 either in the old place or in the plaine. And do further order that a new meeting 
 of all persons in the Towne \yho have right to vote in such cases be speedily 
 ordered at which it may be fairly voted where to place the new meeting house and 
 the Selectmen are hereby required to make a speedy returne of the number of votes 
 to the Hon'"'^ Governo'- 
 
 JNO. HULL, pi- order. 
 
 Superscribed to the Selectmen 
 of Hingham, to be comunicated 
 to the Towne. 
 
 At a Towne meeting holden at Hingham on the 24th day of May 1681 
 Thomas Andrews was Chosen moderator of that meeting and at the said meeting 
 the vote passed by papers, with seventy-three hands for the new meeting house 
 that is now building in Hingham to be set in the convenicntest place in Captaine 
 Hobarts land next or nearest to Samuell Thaxters house. 
 
 As Attest, DANIELL GUSHING, Towne Clarke. 
 
 26 May, 1681. 
 
 The magis*« having Considered the Returne of the Selectmen of Hingham in 
 refFerenc to the voate for setling the meeting house there Doe Approoye of said 
 vote and Judge meete all Circumstances considered that the new meeting house be 
 errected accordingly in the convenientest place in Cap'- Hubbards land neerest to 
 Samuell Thaxte''s house. 
 
 Past by y<= Council, 
 
 EDW» RAWSON, Secret- 
 
 Thus after a controversy of more than one year, the location of 
 the proposed new house was finally settled ; and immediate measures 
 were taken to carry the votes of the town into effect. 
 
23 
 
 THE SECOND MEETOG-HOUSE. 
 
 On the eightli day of July, 1681, Capt. Joshua Hobart conveyed 
 to the Town by deed of gift, the site for the Meeting-house. It is 
 the same on which the Meeting4iouse now stands. 
 
 DEED OF THE LOT. 
 
 TO ALL CHRISTIAN PEOPLE to whom these Presents shall come, 
 Cap*' Joshua Hobart of Hingham of the County of Suffolke in New England 
 Sendeth Greeting : 
 
 Know t^« that I the afores^^ Captain Joshua Hobart, as well for the respect that 
 I bear unto the Inhabitants of the s<i Town of Hingham & other good causes and 
 considerations me at tliis present especially moving have given granted, alienated 
 assigned and confirmed and by these Presents doe fully freely and absolutely give 
 grant alien assign and confirm unto the Inhabitants of the s^ Town of Hingham 
 and their heirs and successors forever A peice or parcel of land for to erect and sett 
 a new meeting house upon of that lott of land which I lately purchased of Cap *• 
 John Thaxtcr of s* Hingham, which s^ granted piece or parcel of land lyeth on 
 the front of said lott and being in breadth upon the front one hundi'cd & fifty foot 
 and in the rear one hundred & fifty foot and in depth one hundred and sixteen 
 foot, as it is lying & being within the Township of s"! Hingham butting & bounded 
 southwestward with the Town Street that Icadeth from the old meeting house 
 toward the Plain and southeastward with the house lott of Samuel Thaxter & with 
 the remainder of the above s'^ house lott northwestward & northeastward. Together 
 with all and singular the libertys and privilidges belonging unto the s"! granted 
 premisses. And also all my right title and interest estate use propriety claim or 
 demand of in or to the s* granted premisses with their libertys and privilidges. To 
 have and to hold the said hereby granted peice or parcel of land for lo erect and 
 sett a new meeting house upon, of that s<i lott of land and lately purchased of 
 s^ Cap*- John Thaxtcr and being one hundred & fifty foot in breadth afores<i on the 
 front and one hundred and fifty foot in s^ rear & one hundred and sixteen foot in 
 s^ depth & lying in Hingham afores*! & bounded a^ afores*^ with all and singular 
 the libertys and priviledges to the s^ granted premisses unto the s* Inhabitants and 
 unto the sole and proper use and behoofe of them the sf^ Inhabitants of s'^ Hingham 
 their heirs and successors forever. And I the s^ Caj)'- Joshua Hobart for myself 
 my heirs executor's adm" and assigns doe by these presents covenant promise grant 
 and agree to and with the s'' Inhabitants and their heirs and successors in manner 
 and form as followeth, that is to s.iy, that they the s'^ Inhabitants of s*^ Hingham 
 
24 
 
 and tlicir heirs and successors shall and may by force and vertue of these presents 
 from time to time and at all times forever hereafter lawfully peaceably and quietly 
 have hold use possess and enjoy all the above granted premises with their libertys 
 and privilidges without any rents acknowledgments or other dues or dutys to be 
 yielded paid or done unto me the s^ Cap*- Joshua Hobart my heirs executo'^ adm'^^ 
 or assigns forever. And also that the s^ granted premisses are free and clear and 
 freely and clearly acquitted exonerated and discharged of and from all and all 
 manner of other bargains sales gifts grants dowers and title of dowers and all 
 other incumbrances whatsoever from the beginning of the world unto the day of 
 the ensealing and deliver}' of these presents. And shall and will warrant the 
 s^ granted premisses forever ag* me the s* Cap*- Joshua Hobart my heirs exe" 
 adm" or assigns or any other person or persons claiming or pretending to claim 
 any lawful! right title or interest in or to the s'^ granted premisses or any part 
 thereof from by or under me the s^ Cap'- Joshua Hobart. In witnesse whereof 
 I the s"! Joshua Hobart have hereunto sett my hand and seal this eighth day of 
 July Anno Domini Sixteen hundred eighty and one, Anno Regni Regis Caroli 
 Secundi XXXHI Joshua Hobart Sen"^ & a seal Signed sealed & delivered in the 
 presence of us witnesses Daniel Gushing Sen'' John Thaxter E"" Pitts Nathan «i 
 Beale Selectmen of the s<i Hingham. Upon the 3^ of May 1692 M'- Daniel 
 Gushing and Nathaniel Beals appearing before me made oath that they were 
 personally present & saw Cap'- Joshua Hobart perfix his hand and seal to this above 
 written instrum' and sett their hands as witnesses to the same and that at the same 
 time John Thaxter and Edmund Pitts also sett their hands as witnesses. Sworn 
 before me John Smith Assist*- 
 
 Nov"^ 25* 1703. Received and accordingly Entred and Examine* 
 
 p. Addington Davenport Regisf* 
 
 The frame of the Meeting-house was raised on the 26th, 27th and 
 28th days of July, 1681, and the liouse was completed and opened 
 for public worship January 8, 1681-2. It cost the town £430 and 
 the old house. 
 
 A rate had been made in October, 1680, to defray the expense of 
 the building. We are able to present the following copy of it, 
 preserved in the handwriting of Daniel Cushing, Town Clerk. 
 
25 
 
 THE EATE OF 1680, 
 
 "fok the building of a new meeting-house." 
 
 A Rate made the ninth Day of October 1680 by the Selectmen of the Towne of 
 
 Hingham for the building of a new meetinghouse in Hingham. 
 
 £ s. d. 
 
 Imprimis Captainc Joshua Hobart 01 00 00 
 
 Nathaniel! Beale Junior 01 04 00 
 
 Mathew Witon 01 04 00 
 
 "William Woodcock 02 03 09 
 
 Josiah Loreing 03 17 01 
 
 Thomas Andrewes 07 10 05 
 
 Captaine John Thaxter 07 08 04 
 
 Edmond Pitts 03 10 00 
 
 Samuell Lincolne Senior 01 08 04 
 
 Samuell Lincolne Junior 01 10 00 
 
 Mordicay Lincolne 01 04 00 
 
 Enoch Hobart 06 18 04 
 
 John Chubbuck 07 01 08 
 
 John Tucker 04 15 00 
 
 Benjamin Lincolne 04 08 04 
 
 Israeli ffering. 03 00 00 
 
 John ffering 03 04 02 
 
 Edmond Hobart 01 00 10 
 
 Daniell Hobart 01 02 06 
 
 John Record , 01 00 00 
 
 Samuell Hobart, promised 01 05 00 
 
 Thomas Gill Junior 01 05 00 
 
 Thomas Gill Senior 05 12 06 
 
 Samuell Gill 
 
 Dauid Hobart 01 10 00 
 
 Josiah Lane 03 16 08 
 
 Thomas Marsh 02 06 08 
 
 Ephraim Marsh 01 05 00 
 
 Jacob Beale 02 03 04 
 
 Ephraim Lane 04 12 00 
 
 John Lane, Carpenter 01 03 04 
 
 Thomas Lincolne, Cooper , 03 14 02 
 
 George Lane 06 06 08 
 
 Thomas Hobart 04 14 07 
 
 Moses Collier 02 10 10 
 
 Joshua Lincohie 04 02 06 
 
 Thomas Lincolne, husbandman 07 12 06 
 
 Caleb Lincolne , 01 00 00 
 
 Serjant Daniell Lincolne 04 00 00 
 
 Ephraim NicoUs 04 10 00 
 
 Thomas Lincqlne, Carpenter 03 18 00 
 
 4 
 
26 
 
 . here followetli more of the Rate for building the meeting house. 
 
 £ 
 
 Henry "Ward 01 
 
 Robert Waterman 02 
 
 Samuell Stowell Senior 06 
 
 John Stowell, promised 01 
 
 Dauid Stowell 01 
 
 Joshua Beale 03 
 
 Caleb Beale 03 
 
 John Langlee 01 
 
 Timothy Hewet. 01 
 
 Israeli Nicolls 02 
 
 Thomas Nicolls 02 
 
 James Hersee 07 
 
 William Hersee 14 
 
 John Hersee promised or frcely giuen 01 
 
 Elizabeth Hewet widow 01 
 
 John Beale Senior 00 
 
 John Beale Junior 04 
 
 Steuen Lincolne 03 
 
 Simon Gross 01 
 
 Daniell Lincolne Junior 02 
 
 Richard Wood 01 
 
 Samuell Bate 01 
 
 Docter Cutler 01 
 
 William Hersee Junior promised 01 
 
 Arthur Caine 01 
 
 Joseph Bate 02 
 
 Nathaniell Beal Senior 01 
 
 James Garnet giuen freely 01 
 
 Joshua Hobart mariner 01 
 
 John Low 01 
 
 John Garnet promised 01 
 
 ffrancis Garnet promised 01 
 
 George Russell 01 
 
 John Lewis 01 
 
 Daniell Stodder 02 
 
 Samuell Stodder 01 
 
 Samuell Thaxter 02 
 
 Joseph Joy promised 01 
 
 Jeremiah Beale blacksmith 01 
 
 Andrew Lane 01 
 
 John Mayo 01 
 
 John Prince 06 
 
 Peter Bams 03 
 
 Daniell Cushing Senior 15 
 
 Daniell Cushing Junior 01 
 
 s. 
 
 d. 
 
 16 
 
 08 
 
 18 
 
 04 
 
 10 
 
 00 
 
 05 
 
 00 
 
 00 
 
 00 
 
 08 
 
 04 
 
 03 
 
 09 
 
 05 
 
 10 
 
 00 
 
 00 
 
 15 
 
 00 
 
 08 
 
 04 
 
 06 
 
 08 
 
 05 
 
 00 
 
 10 
 
 00 
 
 00 
 
 00 
 
 00 
 
 00 
 
 13 
 
 07 
 
 14 
 
 02 
 
 04 
 
 00 
 
 15 
 
 00 
 
 00 
 
 00 
 
 16 
 
 03 
 
 10 
 
 00 
 
 04 
 
 00 
 
 00 
 
 00 
 
 19 
 
 02 
 
 13 
 
 04 
 
 00 
 
 00 
 
 00 
 
 00 
 
 00 
 
 00 
 
 05 
 
 00 
 
 05 
 
 00 
 
 07 
 
 06 
 
 00 
 
 00 
 
 03 
 
 04 
 
 11 
 
 03 
 
 15 
 
 05 
 
 10 
 
 00 
 
 10 
 
 10 
 
 16 
 
 08 
 
 04 
 
 08 
 
 08 
 
 04 
 
 16 
 
 08 
 
 12 
 
 06 
 
 04 
 
 00 
 
27 
 
 more of the rate for building the meeting house. 
 
 £ 
 
 Matthias Briggs 01 
 
 John Manficld Junior promised 01 
 
 John Manfield Senior 04 
 
 Nathaniell Baker 08 
 
 James Bate Senior 03 
 
 Benjamin Bate 01 
 
 Joseph Bate Sone of James Bate 01 
 
 Serjant Jeremiah Beale 05 
 
 Purthee Mackforlin 04 
 
 John ffarrow Junior. . . .' 02 
 
 John ffarrow Senior & Nathan ifarrow 02 
 
 Josiah Leauitt 02 
 
 Israeli Leauitt 01 
 
 Deacon John Leauitt 07 
 
 Joseph iFord 01 
 
 Thomas Sayer 03 
 
 Simon Burr Senior 04 
 
 Simon Burr Junior 01 
 
 Cornelius Cantlberry 07 
 
 Cornet Mathew Gushing 09 
 
 Anthony Sprague 06 
 
 Joseph Jones Senior 05 
 
 Joseph Jones Junior 00 
 
 William Spragne 04 
 
 Robert Jones 01 
 
 John Lazell 05 
 
 Joshua Lazell '. 01 
 
 Steuen Lazell 01 
 
 Abraham Riply 05 
 
 Lieutenant John Smith 11 
 
 Mathew Hawke 06 
 
 ffrancis James 04 
 
 John Riply Senior 05 
 
 John Riply Junior promised 01 
 
 Joshua Riply promised 01 
 
 John Bull 01 
 
 Ibrook Tower 01 
 
 John Stodder 01 
 
 John Tower Senior 02 
 
 Edward Wilder 07 
 
 Ephraim Wilder 01 
 
 John Wilder 01 
 
 Captaine John Jacob 12 
 
 Joseph Jacob 03 
 
 s. 
 
 d. 
 
 00 
 
 00 
 
 04 
 
 00 
 
 10 
 
 00 
 
 07 
 
 11 
 
 02 
 
 06 
 
 00 
 
 00 
 
 00 
 
 00 
 
 19 
 
 02 
 
 00 
 
 00 
 
 14 
 
 07 
 
 11 
 
 03 
 
 00 
 
 00 
 
 10 
 
 05 
 
 13 
 
 04 
 
 08 
 
 04 
 
 00 
 
 10 
 
 18 
 
 04 
 
 05 
 
 00 
 
 10 
 
 00 
 
 05 
 
 00 
 
 06 
 
 08 
 
 06 
 
 08 
 
 05 
 
 00 
 
 09 
 
 00 
 
 10 
 
 00 
 
 18 
 
 09 
 
 00 
 
 00 
 
 00 
 
 00 
 
 14 
 
 05 
 
 14 
 
 02 
 
 02 
 
 00 
 
 06 
 
 OS 
 
 06 
 
 03 
 
 00 
 
 00 
 
 00 
 
 00 
 
 04 
 
 00 
 
 10 
 
 00 
 
 04 
 
 00 
 
 17 
 
 06 
 
 09 
 
 02 
 
 06 
 
 08 
 
 00 
 
 00 
 
 17 
 
 11 
 
 13 
 
 00 
 
28 
 
 more of the rate for building the meeting house. 
 
 £ s. d. 
 
 Samuell Bacon , 01 04 00 
 
 Peter Bacon 03 06 08 
 
 Humphry Johnson 03 11 08 
 
 James Witon Senior 08 00 00 
 
 James Witon Junior promised 01 00 00 
 
 John Tower Junior promised 01 00 00 
 
 William Hiliard 01 08 00 
 
 Charles Stockbridge of Scittuate 01 00 00 
 
 Kobert Dunbarr 02 03 04 
 
 Nathaniel! ChubbUck 03 00 00 
 
 John Sprague 01 10 00 
 
 Benjamin Johnson 01 05 00 
 
 William flSsher promised 01 00 00 
 
 the totall sum 436 14 11 
 
 This is a true Copy of the original! rate Joshoa Hobart 
 Testee Daniell Cushing Clarke John Thaxtek 
 
 Edmond Pitts > Selectmen 
 
 Nathaniell Beale 
 Daniell Gushing 
 
29 
 
 SEATKG OF THE PEOPLE IN THE 
 m^Y MEETING-HOUSE. 
 
 We are able to present a copy of a private record made by 
 Daniel Gushing, Town Clerk, which has fortunately come into the 
 possession of the Committee, and which shows to whom seats were 
 assigned in the new Meeting-house, in compliance with a vote of the 
 Town at the first Town meeting held in the new house, and before it 
 was opened for public worship. 
 
 Fkom Daniel Cushing's MAjq^uscKiPTs. 
 
 "Att a Towne meeting holden at Hingham on the fift day of January 1681 
 M"" John Norton our pastor & the two deacons (viz) John Leauit & John Smith, 
 Captaine John Thaxter, Nathaniell Beale Senior, Serjant Thomas Andrews, 
 Cornet Mathew Gushing & Ensigne Jeremiah Beale were Chosen by the Towne to 
 order the Seating of y® people of the Towne in the new meeting house in Ilingham 
 & to doe it presently with all Convenient speed that they can possible, it being the 
 first Towne meeting that was in the new meeting house, on the eight day of said 
 January was the first Sabboth day that the people of Hingham met in the new 
 meeting house to worship god, & Israeli Nicolls the son of Israeli Nicolls & 
 Hannah beale the Daughter of Jeremiah Beale were the first Children that were 
 baptized in the said meeting house which was on the said eight of January." 
 
 The record of the doings of the Committee above named " is as 
 foUoweth :" 
 
30 
 
 In the Deacons Seate. 
 
 Deacon John Leauitt 
 Deacon John Smith 
 Mathew Hawks 
 
 In the seate under y^ pulpit. 
 
 John Beale Senior 
 Tho^- Lincoln, Coop 
 George Russell 
 George Lane 
 John Tower Senior 
 
 In the foreseate in the body of 
 THE Meeting house por the 
 
 MEN. 
 
 Captaine Joshua Hobart 
 Daniel Gushing Senior 
 Nathaniel Baker 
 Doctor John Cutler 
 Edmond Hobart 
 Thomas Hobart 
 Thomas Lincoln, hush** 
 William Hearsey Senior 
 
 In the second seate. 
 
 Edmond Pitts 
 Nathaniel Beale Senior 
 Edward Wilder 
 Humphry Johnson 
 Thomas Gill Senior 
 Thomas NicoUs 
 John Ripley Senior 
 James Witon Senior 
 
 In the third seate. 
 
 John Manfield Senior 
 James Bates Senior 
 John Tucker 
 Cornelius Cantlberry 
 Simon Burr Senior 
 John Lazell 
 ffrancis James 
 Caleb Bet^les 
 
 In the fourth seate. 
 
 Abraham Ripley Senior 
 Antony Sprague 
 Joseph Jones Senior 
 Benjamin Lincolne 
 Moses Collier 
 Samuel Lincolne Senior 
 William Woodcock 
 Israeli fferring 
 Josiah Lane 
 
 In the fift seate. 
 
 Nathaniel Chubbuck 
 Samuel Stoder 
 William Sprague 
 Jacob Beale 
 Joseph Joy Senior 
 John fFarrow Junior 
 Andrew Lane 
 Robert Waterman 
 Peter Bams 
 
 In the sixt seate. 
 
 Peter Bacon 
 
 Daniel Lincoln Junior 
 
 William Hillard 
 
 Ibrook Tower 
 
 John Bull 
 
 Nathaniel Beales Junior 
 
 Samuel Hobart 
 
 James Witon Junior 
 
 The seuenth seats. 
 
 Simon Gross 
 John Wilder 
 Daniel Hobart 
 Joshua Lazell 
 Arthur Coin 
 
31 
 
 The foreseate for the men on 
 the north side of the meet- 
 ing house. 
 
 Eobert Jones 
 
 John Prince 
 
 John fFarrow Senior & Nathan 
 
 Mathias Briggs 
 
 Samuel Stowell Senior 
 
 The SECOND seate. 
 John Stodder 
 Henry Ward 
 Samuel Bates 
 Daniel Stodder 
 Purthe Mackfarlin 
 
 In the third seate. 
 
 John Sprague 
 James Witon Junior 
 John Tower Junior 
 Thomas Jewell 
 
 The FOURTH seate. 
 John Records 
 Benjamin Tower 
 Paul Gilford 
 John Low 
 fFrancis Garnet 
 
 In the pew. 
 Mfs Hobart 
 M" Norton 
 
 In the first seate next y''- peav. 
 Captaine Hobarts wife 
 L'tenent Smiths wife 
 Deacon John Lcauitts wife 
 John Riplys wife 
 
 In the second seate. 
 Tho^ Lincolne malsters wife 
 old widdow Andrewes 
 George Russells wife 
 widdow Sprague 
 Edward Wilders wife 
 widow Lane 
 James Bates wife 
 widow Joy 
 
 In the third seate. John ffarrow 
 
 Senior his wife 
 widow Barns 
 the wife of Robert Jones 
 The wife of John Tower senior 
 widow Lincolne 
 the wife of Moses Collier 
 The wife of William Woodcock 
 
 In THE FOURTH SEATE tllC wifc of 
 
 Robert Dunbar 
 the wife of John Sprague 
 the wife of John Stodder 
 the wife of Daniel Stodder 
 the wife of Samnel Stodder 
 the wife of Purthe Mackfarlin 
 the widow Hewet 
 
 In THE FiFT SEATE the wifc of 
 
 John Lane Shoomaker 
 the wife of John Dunbar 
 the wife of Paul Gilford 
 the wife of Thomas Jewell 
 the wife of John Low 
 The wife of Benjamin Tower 
 
 In THE SEATES FOR THE WOMEN IN 
 IN THE BODY OF THE MEETING 
 HOUSE. 
 
 foreseate Nathaniel Bakers wife 
 the wife of Daniel Gushing Senior 
 the wife of Mathew Hawks 
 the wife of Tho^ Lincoln husband- 
 man 
 the wife of George Lane 
 the wife of Thomas Hobart 
 the wife of William Hearsey Senica* 
 widow Deborah Tarlton 
 
 In the SECOND SEATE thc wifc of 
 
 Edmond Pitts 
 the wife of Nathaniel Beale Senior 
 the wife of Ensigne Jeremiah Beale 
 the wife of Thomas Andrewes 
 the wife of John Manfield 
 the wife of James Witon Senior 
 the wife of Humphry Johnson 
 the wife of John Prince 
 the wifc of Daniel Lincoln Senior 
 
32 
 
 Lv THE THIRD SEATE, the wifc Of 
 
 Mathias Briggs 
 John Beales wife 
 the wife of Cornelius Cantlbeny 
 the wife of Simon Burr 
 the wife of John Tucker 
 the wife of Joshua Beales 
 the wife of Steuen Lincolne 
 the wife of Samuel S to well 
 the wife of Caleb Beales 
 
 In the fourth seate for the 
 ^yoMEX IX the body of the 
 
 MEETING HOUSE 
 
 The wife 
 The wife 
 The wife 
 The wife 
 The wife 
 The wife 
 The wife 
 The wife 
 The wife 
 The wife 
 
 of John Lazell 
 of Antony Sprague 
 of Joseph Jones 
 of ffrancis James 
 of Abraham Riply 
 of Samuel Lincoln 
 of Benjamin Lincoln 
 of Peter Bams 
 of Israeli ffering 
 of Josia Loreing 
 
 In the fift seate 
 
 The wife of Thomas Nicolls 
 
 The wife of Samuel Thaxter 
 
 The wife of Nathaniel Chubbuck 
 
 The wife of Joseph Joy 
 
 The wife of John ffarrow 
 
 The wife of Jacob Beales 
 
 The wife of Andrew Lane 
 
 The wife of Jeremiah Beale Junior 
 
 In the sixt seate 
 
 Josiali Lanes wife 
 The wife of Henry Ward 
 Tlie wife of William Sprague 
 The wife of William Hillard 
 The wife of Ibrook Tower 
 The wife of John Bull 
 The wife of Mathew Witon 
 The wife of John Langlcc 
 
 In the seuenth seate. 
 7 The widdow Tower 
 The wife of John Wilder 
 The wife of Simon Gross 
 The wife of John Tower Junior 
 The wife of Daniel Hobart 
 The wife of Joshua Lazell 
 The wife oC ffrancis Garnet 
 The wife of Arthur Cain 
 
 Maids for t^ foreseat below 
 IN T« east end, Ruth Bates 
 Mary Stowell Rachell Gill 
 Mary Garnet Elizabeth CantlbeiTy 
 Mary Lincoln Mary Lazell 
 Jemime Tower Remember Stowell 
 The daughter of ffrancis James 
 Patience Nicolls Hester Bates 
 Henry Wards daughter 
 
 Seats for the women on the 
 gallart at the east end with 
 a part of the gallart on the 
 south side as followeth — 
 I Captaine John Thaxters wife 
 
 Cornet Mathew Cushings wife 
 
 Captaine John Jacobs wife 
 
 Doctor John Cutlers wife 
 
 John Chubbucks wife 
 
 James Herseys wife 
 
 The wife of Joshua Hobart, Mariner 
 
 The wife of Joshua Lincoln 
 
 Thewifeof Thomas Lincoln Carpenter 
 
 The wife of Enoch Hobart 
 
 The wife of Dauid Hobart 
 
 The wife of John Smith 
 
 The wife of John ffering 
 
 The wife of Joseph Jacob 
 
 The wife of Israeli Leauitt 
 
 The wife of Daniel Gushing Junior 
 
 The wife of Josiali Leauitt 
 
 The wife of James Hawks 
 
 The wife of John Mayo 
 
 The wife of Thomas Gill 
 
 The wife of John Hearsey 
 
 The wife of Thomas Sayer 
 
 The wifc of Thomas Mtu-sh 
 
 The wife of Ephraim Nicolls 
 
 The wife of John Lewes 
 
 The wife of Israeli Nicolls 
 
33 
 
 The secoud seatb ik the oal- 
 lary for women in the 
 south side of the meeting 
 
 HOUSE. 
 
 Robert Watermans wife 
 Nathaniel Beales Junior his wife 
 The wife of Daniel Lincoln Junior 
 The wife of Peter Barns 
 
 In the second seate in the 
 gallary at y^ west end 
 more of the young men. 
 
 Joseph Bate son of James bate 
 Joseph Bate son of Joseph Bate 
 Benjamin Bate 
 Timothy Hewet 
 John Garnet 
 Enoch Witon 
 James Garnet 
 Joseph Jones 
 
 The second seate on the gal- 
 lary at the east end of the 
 house for y^ maids. 
 
 Abigail Hobart, Lydia Hobart, 
 
 Hannah Hobart, Mary Leauitt, 
 
 Jaell Jacob, Hannah Hawks, 
 
 lluth Andrewes, Susanna Beales, 
 
 Mary Thaxter, Rebekah Hersey, 
 
 Elizabeth Lincoln, Hannah Leauitt, 
 
 Hannah Lincoln, Ruth Lincoln, 
 
 Mary Beales, Mary Witon, 
 
 Elizabeth Jacob, Mary Beales, 
 
 Sarah Steuens, Mary Riply, 
 
 Mary Cantlberrj', Jane Loreing, 
 Elizabeth Andrewes,Mary Lincoln, 
 Steucn Lincolns Daughter, 
 Patience Jones. 
 
 The SECOND seate in the front 
 
 GALLARY FOR YOUNG MEN. 
 
 Thomas Thaxter 
 Caleb Lincoln 
 Epliraim Wilder 
 
 Samuel Lincoln Junior I 
 
 6 
 
 Joseph Lincoln 
 
 William Hersey Junior 
 
 Nehemiah Leauitt 
 
 Benjamin John.son 
 
 Nathan ffarrow 
 
 Ephraim Lane 
 
 John Beale, son of Jeremy beale 
 
 Joseph Ford 
 
 Mordecai Lincoln 
 
 Simon Burr 
 
 The SECOND seate in y= gallary 
 
 AT Y^ WEST END FOR YOUNG MEN. 
 
 Tho Lincoln Junior 
 Ephraim Marsh 
 Theophilus Gushing 
 Ebenezer Lane 
 John Riply Junior 
 Samuell Stowell Junior 
 John Hearsey 
 Steuen Lazell 
 John Manfield Junior 
 Samuell Gill 
 Isaac Wilder 
 John Stowell 
 Dauid Stowell 
 John Lewes 
 Joshua Riply 
 Joseph Loreing 
 
 The foreseate on the gallary 
 ON the south side of the 
 meeting house, for men. 
 
 Capt. John Thaxter 
 Captaine John Jacob 
 Cornet Mathew Gushing 
 Ensigne Jeremiah Beales 
 Thomas Andrewes 
 Joshua Beales 
 John Chubbuck 
 Thomas Lincoln, carpenter 
 Josiah Loreing 
 Jamjs Hearsey 
 Joshua Hobart, mariner 
 Joshua Lincoln 
 Dauid Hobart 
 John Smith 
 
34 
 
 The end gallary for men at 
 the west end of the meeting 
 
 HOUSE. 
 
 Daniel Lincoln Senior 
 John Beales Junior 
 Steuen Lincoln 
 Joseph Bates 
 Samuel Thaxter 
 Enoch Hobart 
 Joseph Jacob 
 John fFering 
 Thomas Sayer 
 John Hearsey 
 Thomas Marsh 
 Thomas Gill Junior 
 Israeli Leauitt 
 James Hawk 
 Daniel Gushing Junior 
 Josiah Leauitt 
 
 Ephraim Nicolls 
 
 Jeremiah Beale, blacksmith 
 
 Israel Nicolls 
 
 John Lane, carpenter 
 
 John Mayo 
 
 John Langlee 
 
 In THE 3 8EATE IN THE FRONT 
 GALLARY. 
 
 Jabez Wilder, John Burr, 
 Nathaniel Nicolls, Mathew Gushing, 
 Benjamin Jones, Lazarus Beale, 
 James Ray, James Hersey, 
 
 Thomas Loreing, Moses Hobart, 
 Joseph Jones Junior, 
 Thomas Andrewes 
 Daniel Lincoln Junior, 
 Dauid Jacob, 
 Samuel Thaxter. 
 
 The foregoing list is of exceeding interest. "We can see in it, at a 
 glance, those to whom seats were assigned in the new Meeting-house 
 and who were contemporaries. It embraces a large number of the 
 first settlers of the town, whose descendants to several generations, 
 and for nearly two centuries, have gathered for public worship under 
 the same roof. 
 
 This list gives almost a complete census of the town in its original 
 limits. There were men among them who knew the Pilgrims of 
 Plymouth ; and it is a pleasant thought that some of the Pilgrims 
 probably attended public worship in the new Meeting-house, and 
 listened to the preaching of Rev. John Norton. There were men 
 there who had suffered in person and estate from the depredations of 
 the Indians, and some who bore arms in the war against Philip of 
 Pokanoket, and were present in the great Narraganset Fight, in 
 December, 1675. 
 
60 
 
 The appearance of the Meeting-house itself, when completed, must 
 have been nearly the same as it now is, and of which the View 
 facing the Title of the Appendix gives a correct idea. 
 
 In the interior there were galleries on one side, and at both ends. 
 The pulpit was on the North East side of the house. There was 
 probably no plastering upon the walls, and there was no ceiling. 
 The whole interior was open, showing the old oaken rafters and braces 
 which supported the roof. The walls, both outside and inside, were 
 clapboarded. The seats were of oak, arranged in rows or sections as 
 indicated by the " Seating of the House," and there appears to have 
 been one pew, which was occupied by the widow of the first 
 minister and the wife of the second. The Deacons also had their 
 separate seat. Matthew Hawke was permitted to occupy a seat with 
 them, perhaps to facilitate his taking down in short-hand the sermons 
 of the preacher, a service which he was accustomed to perform. 
 
 It will be quite an interesting problem for an ingenious antiquary 
 to solve, — to arrange the seats of the Meeting-house as they were, — 
 and to be able to locate the occupants in their proper order and 
 position, when assembled for public worship. It will then need but 
 a slight effort of the imagination to picture the striking scene. 
 
 It will be recollected, that the town at this time, constituted but 
 one parish, and so continued until after the close of Mr. Norton's 
 ministry. He died Oct. 3, 1716. Before that date and so early as 
 1713, the inhabitants of Cohasset began to agitate the subject of 
 forming a second precinct. This was finally accomplished, and 
 Cohasset was made the Second Precinct of Hingham, Nov. 21, 
 1717. Havinff erected a Meeting-house and obtained the privileges 
 of a parish. Rev. Nehemiah Hobart was ordained their Pastor, 
 Dec. 13, 1721. 
 
 In consequence of the creation of the Second Precinct, the 
 remaining inhabitants of Hingham not included within the limits of 
 Cohasset, composed the First Parish or Precinct and organized as 
 such, March 6, 1720-1. From that date, we have full and correct 
 records to which we can now resort for much of the subsequent history 
 of our Ancient Meeting-house. 
 
 The building of a new Meeting-house within the limits of the town 
 would seem to have relieved the pressure for room in the old house, 
 but the contrary appears to have been the result. From the 
 commencement of the Parish records, to 1729, there appears to have 
 been constantly agitated the question of increasing the accommo- 
 dations of the worshippers. Many votes were passed, at various 
 
36 
 
 meetings, in relation to building pews ; enlarging the galleries, by 
 bringing them forward ; extending galleries from the sides to the 
 pulpit; building another tier of galleries; putting pews over the 
 stairs, etc. : none of which seem to have been carried into effect. 
 On the 31st day of March, 1729, the Parish voted, "That there be 
 an addition made to the back part of the Meeting House and that 
 the same do not exceed fourteen feet wide or back." This enlarge- 
 ment was completed during that or the following year, for on Aug. 
 24th, 1730, it was voted " that the pulpit should be moved back to 
 the northwardly side of addition to the meeting house, — 39 to 35." 
 The cost of the addition was £296, Us. Id. Subsequently, various 
 votes were passed in relation to further finishing the honse. 
 
 Jan. 19, 1731, it was voted that "no part of the meeting house 
 should be pewed." 
 
 In May, 1731, voted, "That the remainder part of the meeting 
 house should be sealed overhead and that the two posts standing 
 in the fore seats should be wrought into a suitable form." The 
 cost of "sealing overhead" was £121, Is. 9d. In March, 1731-2, 
 " That there should be a new belfry erected on the top of the meeting 
 house."— Cost, £34, 14s. 8d. 
 
 We have found in the Parish records the following votes : 
 Sept. 1734. The Committee to see to putting in new windows "be 
 and are hereby further impowered to clapboard the outside of the same" 
 (Meeting-house) "where they shall think it needful, and also to plastur^ 
 with lime so much of the inside of the s'^ house where it is now clap- 
 boarded as they shall think proper." £100 raised to defray expense. 
 March, 1739. Permisssion refused Elijah Beal to build a pew 
 over the w^omen's gallery. 
 
 May, 1740, "Not to dispose of any ground in the meeting house 
 to erect pewes on." 
 
 June, 1752. The question whether the Meeting-house shall be 
 pewed "in any method whatsoever," passed in the negative. 
 
 March 12, 1755. " That an addition be made and finished at the 
 South Southwest end of this house fourteen feet in length, and that 
 all proper repairs be made to the old part of s*^ house, windows, 
 glazing, &c., and that the pulpit be removed into the centre of the 
 whole length when the addition is made and that all the seats be 
 removed agreeable thereto and that a sutable Bellfree be erected 
 and finished on the top of the s'^ house and that the pew ground 
 proposed in a plan now exhibited by Benjamin Lincoln be disposed 
 of to the highest bidders, for the payment of the. whole cost." 
 
37 
 
 A committee was chosen " to cany on and fmisli the whole of y" , 
 s^ addition and repairs as soon as may be." 
 
 At a meeting in October, 1755, among other votes passed, was one 
 " not to build a new Pulpit." This vote was reconsidered ; and a 
 vote passed to "order the same to be built." The Committee on 
 Repairs was " impowered to cause the pewes to be forthwith erected." 
 
 This action of the Parish seems to have hastened the work. The 
 house was enlarged as voted, a new pulpit constructed, a new belfry 
 erected on the top of the house, and the pews were built, viz. : two 
 rows of square pews on all sides of the house, excepting the spaces 
 occupied by the pulpit and the aisles leading from the entrances, and 
 those between the rows of pews. There was a pew in front of the 
 pulpit, known as the elders pew, or pew for elderly men, and also an 
 enclosed seat or pew in front of the elders pew, facing the broad aisle 
 for the use of the Deacons of the church. 
 
 The central space or body of the house was filled with long oaken 
 seats, for the occupancy of males, on one side of the broad aisle, and 
 of females on the other. These seats were separated from the pews 
 by aisles. The galleries were changed and located as they now are, 
 oaken seats were placed in them, and the south-western gallery 
 assigned to males and the north-eastern gallery to females. 
 
 The pulpit was built by Ebenezer Lincoln. The work " about the 
 pews," was done by Elijah Beal and two boys, (probably his appren- 
 tices) Thomas Joy, Joseph Stowers and Caleb Bates. They were 
 employed nearly all the time from the first of November, 1755, until 
 the middle of January, 1756. 
 
 This last addition to the Meeting-house established its dimensions 
 as they now are, viz : seventy-three feet, by fifty-five feet. 
 
 1756, January 6. At a Parish meeting, "the forward pew adjoining 
 to the stairs leading up to the pulpit" was reserved for the use of the 
 minister and his family for the time being. At the same meeting, 
 various other votes were passed in relation to the sale of the pews. 
 The Committee on Repairs was "impowered to determine upon a 
 certain sum at which each pew should be put up at in the sale of 
 them to the highest bidders." This meeting was adjourned to the 
 20th of January, when the pews were sold successfully, " Captain 
 John Thaxter being by the committee appointed Vendue Master." 
 A full account of the sale is recorded in the Parish records. 
 
 It is an interesting fact that the strength and growth of the Parish 
 justified and required this enlarged accommodation for the use of the 
 inhabitants within so few years after the formation of a new Parish 
 
38 
 
 embracing in its limits the South part of the town. The subject of 
 establishing a new Parish was proposed so early as 1738, and was 
 pursued by the members who resided in that section of the town, with 
 great zeal and ultimate success. The Third Parish was set off March 
 25, 1745-6, and included more than one-half the territory of the whole 
 Parish. On the incorporation of Cohasset, in 1770, the Third 
 became the Second parish in Hingham. Their first minister. Rev. 
 David Shute, D. D., was ordained, Dec. 10, 1746. 
 
 The separation of the second precinct, (Cohasset,) in 1717, and of 
 the third, (South Hingham,) in 1745-6, did not diminish the interest 
 of the members of the First Parish in maintaining their old house of 
 worship, but on the contrary, in both instances, gave fresh impulses to 
 enlarge it and improve its condition. Both the additions were made 
 during the ministry of Dr. Gay. 
 
 From 1756 to 1791 no further changes were made in the Meeting- 
 house. In 1778, March 23d, it was voted not to act on the 4th 
 article in the warrant, which was to see if the Parish would dispose of 
 any spot in the Meeting-house for pews. 
 
 In 1791, at a meeting in March, a committee of nine was chosen to 
 report at the annual meeting, in April, on the subject of granting 
 additional space for pews. The committee reported in favor of 
 appropriating a space eight feet deep on each side of the back part 
 of the body seats for that purpose, whereby eight pews might be 
 constructed four feet deep and nine feet long. The report was 
 accepted and the pews were built as proposed and sold to members 
 of the Parish. 
 
 In 1791, during the ministry of Dr. Henry "Ware, (who was 
 ordained pastor Oct. 24, 1787,) a disposition was manifested to make 
 material changes in the form and appearance of the house. Thus at 
 a meeting in June, it was voted " that the meeting-house be repaired 
 in the following manner, viz. : that the roof be carried up to a point 
 the same pitch as the southwest roof is over the centre of the house; 
 and that the ridge extend from the northwest side of the house to the 
 southeast, the whole width of the house ; and that where the porch 
 now stands a tower be built on which the bell shall be hung, and such 
 work on the top of the tower as shall hereafter be ordered ; and that 
 a small porch be built at the southwest door ; and that the house shall 
 be painted all over except the roof; and that stairs be built in the 
 tower to lead into the gallery as they now do." A committee was 
 chosen to superintend the work. In February, 1792, it was voted 
 " that a tower be built at the southwest side of the meeting-house for 
 
39 
 
 the bell to hang on." And in March following it was voted " that 
 the meeting-house roof be taken off and a proper pitch roof made to 
 correspond with the tower that is to be built and to have proper 
 covings." Afterwards it was voted " to leave it to the judgment of 
 the committee to form the roof as they shall judge best." The 
 committee were Gen. Benjamin Lincoln, Dea. Joseph Thaxter, Col. 
 Charles Cushing, Caleb Bates, and David Andrews. At the meeting 
 in April, 1792, the committee reported that they found the top of the 
 Meeting-house so defective that it was not best to repair it without 
 taking off the roof, and their report was accepted. But in August, 
 following, it was voted that the vote for taking off the roof " be dis- 
 solved." A still more important vote was passed at the same meeting, 
 which was as follows : " Voted to take down the meeting-house and 
 build a new one similar to a plan exhibited in the meeting which is on 
 file, 60 in favor of it and 28 against it." 
 
 Committees were appointed to perfect the plan and appraise the 
 pews. 
 
 In November, 1792, the Parish fortunately abandoned the plan of 
 building a new Meeting-house and passed these votes : " Voted, 
 not to take down the meeting-house and build a new one on any 
 principles." It was also voted, " to repair the meeting-house in its 
 present form." 
 
 In April, 1793, a committee chosen in March, to consider the 
 question of repairs, " offered the following statement for consideration, 
 viz. : That the under pinning be well secured by a wall without, and 
 the middle to be filled up with earth ; that the northeast end and 
 part of both sides be new silled ; that there be new steps at the south- 
 west door ; and that all the doors be repaired ; that the northeast 
 end be clapboarded and the other repaired ; that there be covings 
 under the eaves of the front, rear, and southwest end ; and also the 
 porch be shingled, and that of the northeast end repaired ; that a 
 new roof be made where it is now leaded, and that there be banisters 
 round it ; and a new frame and wheel for the bell ; the steeple 
 repaired, the roof secured from spreading by two beams being placed 
 across in the garret from front to rear and secured with iron clasps, 
 and one lengthwise in the same manner ; the posts in Jonathan 
 Lincoln's pew secured at the bottom ; the ceiling overhead white- 
 washed, and the walls of the front, rear, and southwest end be 
 painted on the outside." 
 
 The committee estimated the cost and gave as their opinion that it 
 would not exceed £200. 
 
40 
 
 This report was accepted and a committee consisting of "Jacob 
 Leavitt, Hawk Fearing, Noah Hearsey," chosen " to prepare the stuff 
 and to compleat the repairs." This work was done and the ancient 
 edifice saved. 
 
 1793, July 22. It was voted " to build a porch at the southwest 
 door of the meeting-house, and that the porch be ten feet square on 
 the ground, about ten feet post, a false door with a piedmont in front, a 
 door on each side, and finished as is usual for a porch of that kind to 
 be finished." 
 
 It was also voted "to paint the inside of the Meeting-house, (except 
 the body seats,) to include the pew under the pulpit and the Deacon's 
 seat, to whitewash the walls and repair the plastering." 
 
 The whole expense of the repairs and improvements made in 1793, 
 was £278, 5s. Qd. 
 
 1799, March 11. It was voted "to build 4 pews on the women's 
 side in the body of the meeting-house," and a committee was chosen 
 to procure the pews to be built on the best terms they can and 
 conformable to the pews last built, being confined to the 3 hindmost 
 seats." And in November, of the same year, it was voted " to build 
 four pews in body seats on the men's side conformable to those last 
 built on the women's side." At the same time, it was voted to build 
 five pews on each of the side galleries in front. 
 
 In 1804, May, it was voted to erect pews in the galleries back of 
 those already made in said galleries. 
 
 All the alterations, additions and pews which have been mentioned, 
 from 1791 to 1804, were made and constructed during the ministry 
 of Dr. Ware. 
 
 In 1817, May 17, it was voted, "to pew the remainder of the body 
 seats on the lower floor in the Meeting house and to reduce the present 
 Parish pews, in width, so as to erect five tiers of pews on the whole 
 ground." " To be built before the first day of March next." 
 
 1818, March 3, "Voted that the Parish Committee make such 
 alterations in the Elderly seat as will make it convenient for the 
 Moderator and other officers on publick meetings." 
 
 Voted, " That the four front pews on the lower floor be left for the 
 accommodation of the elderly people if necessary." 
 
 1818, March 21, Voted, "That the Steeple of the Meeting-house 
 and Bell frame and all the top of said house be put in thorough 
 repair," and August 31 of the same year. Voted, "That the Spire be 
 raised eighteen inches higher than it formerly was." 
 
 In 1819, the Parish sold two of their pews on the floor of the 
 liouse to members of the Parish. The remainder of the Parish 
 
41 
 
 pews were retained by the Parish, being seventeen on the lower floor 
 and all the gallery pews, which were let from time to time, by 
 auction, to such persons as the Parish approved. 
 
 In 1824, March 9, an alteration was authorized to be made in the 
 front gallery, by making it in the form of an arc of a circle for the 
 convenience of the Choir. In making this alteration, two pews were 
 constructed, one at each end of the front gallery, which were sold to 
 individuals and purchased of them by the Parish, as appears by a 
 report of the Parish Committee made in 1844. 
 
 In 1828, a committee made a report to the Parish, which was 
 accepted, and in which it was recommended, that the pews in front 
 of the pulpit should be removed ; that the house should be painted 
 inside ; the walls and ceiling whitewashed ; that curtains be procured 
 for the pulpit windows ; curtains be placed in front of the singers' 
 gallery ; and new cushions furnished for the pulpit and desk. 
 
 In 1854, the Parish Committee were authorized to cause eight new 
 pews to be built in the Eastern gallery; and in 1855, the same 
 number was ordered to be built in the Western gallery. In 1857, 
 four additional pews were ordered to be built in each of the above 
 mentioned galleries. 
 
 In 1858, March 9, at the a,nnual meeting of the Parish, a 
 communication was received from the "Ladies' Benevolent Society" 
 of the Parish, in relation to repairs on the Meeting-house and 
 tendering donations in money to effect the object. 
 
 The Parish Committee were instructed to confer with the ladies in 
 order to carry their propositions into effect. Several hundred dollars, 
 a part of which was the proceeds of a Fair, conducted under the 
 direction of the Benevolent Society, were given to the Parish which 
 was expended by the Parish Committee in repairing and beautifying 
 the house. At the annual meeting in 1860, it was vjoted, "That the 
 Parish present their grateful acknowledgments to the Ladies' Benevo- 
 lent Society, for the very liberal donations of money which that Society 
 has made on two recent occasions, towards repairing and beautifying 
 the Meeting-house." 
 
 In 1859, four pews had been constructed, by order of the Parish 
 Committee, in the front gallery; and in 1868, four more pews had 
 been built in the same gallery, making the whole number of gallery 
 pews, thirty-two. 
 
 We come now to a period in the history of the Meeting-house of 
 unusual interest and importance. 
 
 6 
 
42 
 
 NEW PEWS AND EXTENSIVE REPAIRS. 
 
 At the annual Parish meeting, held March 10, 1869, it was voted, 
 " That a committee be chosen to consider the matter of reseating 
 the lower floor of the Church," and ascertain the probable expense of 
 a new floor and new pews, and report to the Parish at their next 
 meeting. 
 
 Voted, That said committee consist of five, and that the same be 
 nominated by the moderator, (Gen. Luther Stephenson, Jun.) 
 Warren A. Hersey, Ebed S. Ripley, William Fearing, 2d, E. Waters 
 Burr and Henry C. Harding were named by the moderator and 
 accepted by the Parish as said committee. 
 
 Voted, That the members of the Parish Committee be added to 
 the above committee. The members of the Parish Committee were 
 John K. Corthell, Israel Whitcomb and Quincy Bicknell. 
 
 1869, April 7, at an adjourned Parish meeting, the foregoing 
 committee presented a report on the subject committed to them. In 
 this report, the committee stated that the floor of the Meeting-house 
 was " in a very advanced state of decomposition," and that it was the 
 unanimous opinion of the committee, that for its preservation, a new 
 floor was expedient, that the construction of a new floor involved the 
 necessity of removing the old pews and constructing new ones ; and 
 that the prosperity and growth of the Society required that a Vestry 
 be constructed under the " Church." The estimated cost of doing the 
 work, materials, value of the old pews, repairing foundation and 
 contingencies, was $7,500, without a Vestry ; and with a Vestry, 
 $10,0U0. 
 
 This report was accepted excepting that part of it which recom- 
 mended a Vestry. 
 
 A committee was chosen to carry the report as amended and 
 accepted into effect. The following named gentlemen were chosen 
 to compose the committee, viz: Israel Whitcomb, John K. Corthell, 
 Quincy Bicknell, E. Waters Burr, Warren A. Hersey, Ebed S. 
 Ripley and William Fearing, 2d. 
 
 The committee were directed " to have the old pews appraised and 
 also the new ones when completed." 
 
 1869, June 11, a special Parish meeting was called to consider the 
 subject of repairs and alterations with a view to a more detailed 
 
43 
 
 report of those which should be regarded as necessary or expedient, 
 also on the subject of furnishing and heating the Meeting-house, — 
 with estimates of the cost of the same. 
 
 The whole subject was referred to the committee of seven 
 appointed at the last meeting, with a request that they report to the 
 Parish at the earliest day practicable. 
 
 1869, June 21, a special meeting of the Parish was held to hear 
 the report of the committee and to act thereon. 
 
 The report was very full and elaborate, and was arranged in 
 eighteen sections, of which the following is an abstract : 
 
 Section 1. The committee deem it expedient that the Choir and 
 Organ be located upon the platform on the Easterly side of the 
 pulpit. 
 
 Sect. 2. The South-eastern porch to be repaired, new sills, 
 floor, stairs and doors. A chimney to be built from the basement to 
 the chimney in the "attic." Stairs from the porch to basement 
 under the gallery stairs. 
 
 Sect. 3. The walls of the whole house to be clapboarded anew. 
 
 Sect. 4. New windows with plain glass, (10x15) and blinds, or 
 with stained glass, without blinds. 
 
 Sect. 5. The outer walls to be painted with two coats of paint. 
 The painting of the spire and the gilding of the vane and ball to be 
 included. 
 
 Sect. 6. Three sides of the roof to be shingled. The committee 
 are unable to state the extent to which repairs should be made. 
 
 Sect. 7. The lower and unfinished part of the posts in the 
 interior of the " Church " should be finished in such a manner as to 
 conform in appearance to the upper part of the same. 
 
 Sect. 8. The committee state their objections to stoves for 
 heating the house ; and propose two furnaces in brick, having two 
 registers or one register each: or two portable furnaces with two 
 registers, or one i-egister each. An estimate of the expense was given. 
 
 Sect. 9. The purchase of new carpets for the lower floor of the 
 house, cushions of uniform character for the pews, and such pulpit 
 furniture and drapery as may be deemed necessary, is recommended. 
 
 Sect. 10. A flight of stairs on each side of the pulpit is proposed. 
 
 Sect. 11. If section 1 is approved, the committee ask for authority 
 to place seats or erect pews in the gallery recently occupied by the 
 Choir, and to dispose of the same for the best interest of the Parish. 
 
 Sect. 12. The committee recommend that the grounds around 
 the " Church " be graded to conform to the foundation of the same. 
 
44 
 
 Sect. 13. The committee proposed that the expenses incurred by 
 repairs on the outside of the Meeting-house, viz. : clapboarding, 
 painting, shingling the roof, and necessary repairs on the spire, and 
 also the cost of windows be paid by a Parish tax to be levied and 
 paid in five equal annual instalments. 
 
 At the said meeting, the report was taken up and considered by 
 sections with the following result: 
 
 Sections 1, 2 and 3 were severally accepted without amendment. 
 Section 4 was accepted with an amendment " that there be 37 new 
 windows with diamond sashes and plain .glass." Sections 5, 6 and 7 
 were severally accepted without amendment. Section 8 was 
 referred to the committee to act in the premises as they think best. 
 Sections 9 and 10 were accepted without amendment. Section 11 was 
 accepted after striking out the clause in relation to the disposal of 
 pews. Section 12 was accepted and referred to the committee to 
 act as they may deem best. Section 13. Voted that no action be 
 taken thereon at this meeting. 
 
 At this meeting the Parish Committee offered a report in relation 
 to the sale of pews which was read for information and laid on the 
 table for future consideration. 
 
 At a special meeting of the Parish held August 9, 1869, the report, 
 read for information at the last meeting, in relation to the appraisal of 
 the pews, their sale by auction and the conditions of sale, as well as 
 the conditions to be inserted in the deeds of the same by the Parish 
 Committee, was considered and accepted with an amendment limiting 
 the sale to those now being erected on the lower floor of the house. 
 The conditions to be inserted in the deeds of pews, being printed in a 
 form prepared by the Parish Committee, are in the possession of every 
 pew-holder and are therefore not reprinted. 
 
 It was also voted, that the Committee on Repairs be requested to 
 carry out the provisions of the vote of the 7th of April, last, in 
 relation to the appraisal of pews, and which directed the committee to 
 have the old pews appraised, and also the new ones when completed. 
 
 A plan of the old pews is here inserted with their numbers, by 
 which, and their position, persons interested can recall to their minds 
 their occupants and the general appearance of the congregation. 
 
 1869, August 17, a Parish meeting was held, at which it was voted 
 that the pews in the galleries be offered for sale at the same time as 
 those on the lower floor and on the same terms and conditions. It 
 was also voted, that the Treasurer be requested to offer the pews for 
 sale on Wednesday, the eighth day of September next. 
 
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45 
 
 It was also voted tliat the Parish Committee be requested to open 
 the Meeting-house for public worship as soon as it shall be completed 
 and dedicated. 
 
 The work on the Meeting-house was completed before the day 
 appointed for its rededication and the sale of the pews. 
 
 The following extracts are taken from an article published in the 
 Hingham Journal, written by a member of the Committee on Repairs, 
 and contain some facts which have not been mentioned in the preceding 
 pages. 
 
 From the Hingham Journal of July 7, 18 69. 
 
 By a notice in our advertising columns, it will be seen that the 
 pews in the Meeting-house of the First Parish, in this town, will be 
 sold by auction, on Wednesday next, at two o'clock in the afternoon. 
 If any apology be necessary for calling more particular attention to 
 this sale than is given by the advertisement, it must be found in the 
 interest which not only the members of this Parish but many people 
 beyond the limits of this Parish have felt in the matter since the work 
 of repairs was commenced upon this ancient edifice. This interest 
 has had something more than a local character, for wherever the 
 descendants of those who nearly two centuries ago erected this house, 
 are scattered throughout the whole of our wide-spread domain, there 
 is some knowledge, traditional or otherwise, in relation to the peculiar 
 history of this old house ; and the thousands of strangers who have at 
 different times visited us have carried away lasting impressions of the 
 unique style of building once familiar to the fathers, but now of rare 
 occurrence. 
 
 There is no other house for public worship now standing in New 
 England, which was built for that purpose, and which has been in 
 constant use for so long a period of time ; perhaps none in the whole 
 country. 
 
 Several articles have appeared in the columns of this paper during 
 the time the work of repair has been going on, evincing no small 
 degree of interest in relation to the manner in which the committee, 
 who had the work in charge, proposed to accomplish it, and it is not 
 surprising that therein fears were expressed that something would be 
 done in the progress of the work to mar the general character of the 
 building ; and the committee ought to feel under some obligation to 
 this expression of public feeling, in restraining any tendency in this 
 direction, if unhappily it had any foothold among them. It was no 
 
46 
 
 mere desire for change or to conform to modern fashion of architecture 
 which led to the work of repair, but an apparent necessity for making 
 essentia:! repairs had been felt for some years. This at last led to an 
 examination of the floor of the house, and this examination revealed 
 the fact that if the Parish wished to preserve their house they must 
 forthwith commence the work of repairs, and that nothing short of an 
 entire new floor would answer the purpose. This rendered the 
 removal of the pews necessary, and the removal involved their 
 destruction. 
 
 ********** 
 
 There were many associations connected with those old pews, full 
 of the deepest interest to those occupying them, and nothing but the 
 sternest necessity could have reconciled the owners to their sacrifice. 
 Those old square pews were not put in the house when it was first 
 
 built, but were placed there when the last addition was made in 1755. 
 
 ********** 
 
 It will be noticed that the new windows have the diamond shaped 
 glass, — this, too, approximates to a restoration of the original windows, 
 the remains of one of which were found on removing some of the 
 floors. It was made of leaden bars, crossed in the shape of a diamond, 
 according to the fashion of those times. 
 
 The present condition and aspect of the Meeting-house are 
 something as follows : A cellar has been excavated under the house, 
 of sufficient depth, in which are placed two brick furnaces for heating 
 purposes. The new sills and large floor timbers and the columns 
 supporting the same are of the best Southern pine ; the floor joists 
 are of spruce, and tlie floor boards are of pine. The pews are made 
 of chestnut, with black walnut ends and mouldings ; furnished with 
 cushions, and carpeted uniformly with the aisles, the prevailing color 
 of the cushions and carpets being green. The pews were made by 
 Daymen & Rice, of East Weymouth. 
 
 The pulpit is the one built in 1755, with some alterations. It is of 
 pine, and painted. In 1828 it was repainted by the late Col. Charles 
 Lane, in imitation of mahogany. This painting is preserved, and it is 
 highly creditable to the taste and skill for which, we all remember. 
 Col. Lane was so justl}' celebrated. The alteration of the entrance 
 to the south porch, and the change of the stairway therein, render 
 access to the house and galleries from that direction more convenient 
 than formerly. 
 
 An Organ was placed in the singing gallery about three years ago. 
 This, with the position of the Choir, has been removed to a platform 
 
on the left of the pulpit, and pews haye been put in the singing 
 gallery. 
 
 The ground has been lowered around the house to a depth of about 
 two feet, so as to show the stone foundation. The stone work was 
 laid by Charles E. Colbitth, and it was finished by pointing, in the 
 best style of that art, by Warren A. Hersey. 
 
 Under the south-west corner stone is deposited a leaden box, 
 containing appropriate documents and memorials connected with the 
 history of this parish, and also containing an account of the present 
 work done on this house. These were prepared under the direction 
 of the Hon. Solomon Lincoln. Among the documents are three small 
 books of autographs of the six ministers of the parish, and of men 
 prominent in the history of the town and parish. These were 
 prepared by George Lincoln, and they are correctly and beautifully 
 executed. The external appearance of the house is very little 
 changed, if we except that slight change which a different color to 
 the paint gives it. In the interior the change is more marked, 
 arising from the difference in the style of the pews from that of the 
 old ones. The outside painting was done by Cross & Reed, and the 
 inside painting by J. & S. Sprague, and it seems to be very well done. 
 
 The whole work of repairs and alterations has been carried 
 on under the immediate superintendence of David Leavitt, who 
 furnished the plans, and who has carried the work through in a very 
 thorough and satisfactory manner. 
 
 And now the work being finished and the house ready for use, the 
 Parish and the Pastor propose, on Wednesday forenoon next, in 
 accordance with time-honored custom, to rededicate it to the purposes 
 for which it was erected, and for which it has hitherto been used — to 
 the worship of Almighty God. The circumstances attending the 
 rededication are of more than usual interest. This service should 
 connect and consecrate the work of the present through nearly two 
 centuries of time with all that is holy and sacred in the memory of 
 the past. The footsteps of six generations of holy men and women 
 re-echo to our own as we tkread these ancient portals ; — the very 
 walls speak to us with the entranced sounds of niany voices once 
 joined in hymns of praise to their Maker. 
 
 We can see the very spot where the amiable and pious Norton 
 stood as he exhorted the people. We gaze into the very pulpit 
 consecrated by the wisdom and piety of the venerable Gay, and made 
 memorable by the Christian attainments and learning of the elder 
 Ware ; while at the present time it embraces the labors of two 
 
48 
 
 Pastors, one living at a greater age than even the venerable Gay 
 attained, and the other just completing the three score years and ten. 
 
 In the afternoon, after the dedication, the pews in the Meeting- 
 house are to be sold, from the proceeds of which the quite large costs 
 of all these repairs are to be paid ; and the opportunity is offered to 
 any one of obtaining a pew in this house on very liberal terms — an 
 opportunity not likely to occur again. 
 
 And now the public, which has held this Parish and its committee 
 to the most strict account, to the bar of its opinion, in everything 
 connected with the preservation of all that was venerable and 
 consecrated in their house, will have the means of showing the extent 
 of its interest by a tangible and certain measure, and we trust the 
 result will show that this public sentiment and interest will be found 
 true to all the just and honorable tests to which it may be subjected ; 
 and we wish the Parish may realize an amount from the sale of their 
 pews exceeding their most sanguine expectations. 
 
 REDEDICATIO^. 
 
 At the meeting held August 17, 1869, the Committee on Repairs 
 and the Rev. Mr. Lincoln were appointed a committee to make 
 arrangements for the dedication. It was also voted, that an addition of 
 three be made to the above named committee; and Hon. Albert 
 Fearing, Hon. Solomon Lincoln and Henry C. Harding were added. 
 
 This committee made arrangements for the rededication in con- 
 formity to a previous vote of the Parish. 
 
 We subjoin the Order of Services on that occasion : 
 
49 
 
 ORDER OF SERVICES 
 
 AT TFJE 
 
 BE-OPENINO 
 
 OF THE 
 
 Meeting-house of the First Parish, 
 
 IN HINGHAM, 
 On Wednesday, September 8th, 1869. 
 
 I. ANTHEM. 
 
 " Beautiful arc tliy towers, O Zion, 
 
 Lovely in their strength thy walls and stately palaces 
 
 For thy Shepherd loveth thee, 
 
 He shall comfort thee in every danger. 
 
 He shall defend thee in the day of trouble. 
 
 His sun shall direct thee by day, 
 
 His stars shall hold good watch over thee by night. 
 
 Lovely art thou, O Zion, 
 
 Firm are thy towers and thy lofty domes, 
 
 For thy good Shepherd loveth thee, 
 
 He shall guard thee. He shall defend thee, 
 
 Thy foes shall not lead thee captive, 
 
 And thou shalt sing his praise 
 
 Forevermore." Amen. 
 
 IL INVOCATION AND READING OF SCRIPTURES. 
 By Rev. John D. Wells, of Quincy, 
 
 III. HYMN. " The House our Fathers built to God." — Emerson. 
 . Tune — China. 
 (The Congregation are requested to join in singing this hymn.) 
 
 We love the venerable house 
 
 Our fiithers built to God; 
 In heaven are kept tlieir grateful vows, 
 
 Their dust endears the sod. 
 
V. 
 
 50 
 
 Here holy thoughts a light have shed 
 
 From many a radiant face, 
 And prayers of tender hope have spread 
 
 A perfume through the place. 
 
 And anxious hearts have pondered here 
 
 The mystery of life, 
 And prayed the Eternal Spirit clear 
 
 Their doubts and aid their strife. 
 
 They live with God, their homes are dust ; 
 
 But here their children pray, 
 And, in this fleeting lifetime, trust 
 
 To find the narrow wav. 
 
 IV. SERMON. 
 By Rev. Calvin Lincoln. 
 
 ANTHEM. "On opening a Place for Worship."— il/o«/^o/Hery. 
 
 Lord of hosts to thee we raise 
 Here a house of prayer and praise ; 
 Thou thy people's heart prepare 
 Here to meet for praise and prayer. 
 
 Let the living here be fed 
 With thy word, the heavenly bread ; 
 Here in hope of glory blest, 
 May the dead be laid to rest. 
 
 Here to thee a temple stand. 
 While the sea shall gird the land ; 
 Here reveal thy mercy sure, 
 While the sun and moon endure. 
 
 Hallelujah ! — earth and sky 
 To the joyful sound reply; 
 Hallelujah ! — hence ascend 
 Prayer and praise till time shall end. 
 
51 
 
 VI. PRAYER OF DEDICATION, 
 By Kev. Joseph Osgood, of Cohassct. 
 
 VII. ADDRESSES, 
 By Rev. Ezea S. Gannett, D.D., of Boston, and others 
 
 VIII. DEDICATION RYMN.— Bryant. 
 
 O Thou, whose own vast temple stands, 
 
 Built over earth and sea, 
 Accept the walls, that human hands 
 
 Have raised to worship thee. 
 
 Lord, from thine inmost glory send, 
 
 Within these courts to bide. 
 The peace that dwclleth, without end. 
 
 Securely by thy side. 
 
 May erring minds that worship here 
 
 Be taught the better way, 
 And they who mourn, and they who fear. 
 
 Be strengthened as they pray. 
 
 May faith grow firm, and love grow warm, 
 
 And pure devotion rise, 
 While round these hallowed walls the storm 
 
 Of earth-born passion dies. 
 
 IX. CONCLUDING PRAYER. 
 
 X. DISMISSION HYMN. 
 
 TvsE— Old Hundred. 
 
 (In which the Congregation are requested to join.) 
 
 XL BENEDICTION. 
 
52 
 
 The services of i-ededication were of a highly interesting character. 
 Notwithstanding the extreme heat, the house was well filled at an early 
 hour. Clergymen of the town and neighboring towns of different 
 denominations were present. The venerable senior pastor of the 
 society, Rev. Joseph Richardson, then in his ninety-second year, 
 with his aged wife, occupied seats on the platform near the pulpit, 
 facing the congregation. In consequence of the infirmities of age, he 
 had, within a few years, ceased from his ministerial labors, but on the 
 present occasion, although blind and well stricken in years, he 
 determined to be present, and manifested a strong interest in all the 
 services and proceedings. The discourse by Rev. Calvin Lincoln, the 
 associate pastor, is printed in this pamphlet and needs no encomium 
 of ours. It is not improper to say that it was characteristic of its 
 author. It was a plain, simple, frank exposition of sentiment, appro- 
 priate in its historical allusions, and delivered in an effective style of 
 eloquence. It gave great satisfaction to those who enjoyed the 
 privilege of hearing it, and will be read with equal pleasure and profit. 
 The prayer of dedication by the Rev. Joseph Osgood, of the former 
 " second precinct of Ilingham," was comprehensive, appropriate and 
 impressive. Rev. Ezra Stiles Gannett, D. D., and Rev. George W^^ 
 Hepworth were present by invitation, and addressed the audience. 
 Dr. Gannett threw his whole soul into the occasion. He was full of 
 life, energy and spirit. He entered into all the feelings of his friend and 
 classmate, the associate pastor, and spoke in that flowing and fervent 
 style of eloquence which seemed almost like inspiration. The fact 
 that his honored father. Rev. Caleb Gannett, was ordained in this 
 house more than one hundred years ago, to be pastor of a church in 
 Nova Scotia, was spoken of with a tenderness and pathos which is 
 seldom surpassed. 
 
 Mr. Hepworth also was exceedingly animated and interesting. He 
 spoke with great rapidity and it seemed almost impossible to catch his 
 ideas in their rapid flow, yet expressed with great felicity and power. 
 
 It is matter of regret that a reporter was not employed to take 
 down the language of the eloquent speakers. 
 
 The performances were all interesting and not so prolonged as to 
 be tedious. The beautiful poetry of Emerson, JNIontgomery and 
 Bryant was sung in strains which were appropriate, and with fine 
 musical effect. 
 
 At noon, refreshments were served to the audience, in Loring Hall, 
 which presented an attractive scene. Ample tables were loaded with 
 an eh'gant collation, embellished with choice fruits and flowers, and 
 
m 
 
53 
 
 gracefully distributed by a select committee of young ladies of the 
 Parish. Such was the enthusiasm of the occasion that Dr. Gannett 
 could not, if he would, suppress another burst of his burning eloquence, 
 and he was followed by others who had caught his spirit and gave 
 utterance to their best thoughts expressed with unusual spirit and 
 eloquence. The services of that day will long be remembered by 
 those who had the good fortune to be present. 
 
 At the close of the day, some solicitude was felt for the safety of the 
 ancient edifice, when a severe hurricane arose which prostrated 
 buildings and many ornamental trees in this and other sections of the 
 country, but its frame of oak sustained it throughout the violence of 
 the tempest with very slight injury. 
 
 SALE OF PEWS. 
 
 In the afternoon of the same day, those interested in the sale of pews 
 assembled at the Meeting-house, and Col. Charles W. Seymour 
 having been selected as auctioneer, the sale over appraisal commenced. 
 The bidding was spirited, and the results of the sale were highly 
 satisfactory. 
 
 On that and a subsequent day, all the pews on the floor of the house, 
 as well as those in the galleries, were sold. The proceeds of the sales 
 exceeded in amount the cost of the repairs and alterations which was 
 a little more than thirteen thousand dollars. There were a few 
 changes of ownership after the public sales, but in order that the 
 names of the pew-holders, as finally settled, may be preserved for 
 convenient reference, they are here inserted, together with a plan of 
 the new pews on the floor and in the galleries, with the numbers of 
 the pews corresponding with those prefixed to the names of the 
 pew-holders on the next two pages. 
 
•54 
 
 PEW-HOLDERS 
 
 IN THE 
 
 MEETING-HOUSE OF THE FIRST PARISH IN HINGHAM. 
 
 
 Jdly 1 
 
 , 18 
 
 '3. 
 
 1. 
 
 Parish — for Singers. 
 
 39. 
 
 Joseph W. Philbrook, 
 
 2. 
 
 Ebcd L. Ripley. 
 
 40. 
 
 Hawkes and Morris Fearing. 
 
 3. 
 
 Seth Sprague, 2d. 
 
 41. 
 
 John R. Brewer. 
 
 4. 
 
 Josiali Sprague. 
 
 42. 
 
 Lincoln Jacob. 
 
 5. 
 
 Thomas J. Leavitt. 
 
 43, 
 
 Elizabeth R. Hersey. 
 
 6. 
 
 DaAid A. Hersey. 
 
 44, 
 
 Lydia Sprague, 
 
 7. 
 
 Mary Y. C. Farmer. 
 
 45, 
 
 Lydia and Mary Lincoln. 
 
 8. 
 
 Henry Stephensoii. 
 
 46. 
 
 Nehemiah Ripley. 
 
 9. 
 
 Charles Leavitt. 
 
 47. 
 
 William Fearing, 2d. 
 
 10. 
 
 David Leavitt. 
 
 48. 
 
 E, Waterg Burr. 
 
 11. 
 
 Levi Corthell. 
 
 49. 
 
 Charles Siders. 
 
 12. 
 
 Sidney Sprague. 
 
 50. 
 
 Solomon Lincoln, 
 
 13. 
 
 Quiney Bicknell. 
 
 51. 
 
 John Stephenson, 
 
 14. 
 
 Luther Stephenson, Jr. 
 
 52. 
 
 Henry C. Harding. 
 
 15. 
 
 Elijah C. Corthell, 
 
 53. 
 
 Caleb B, Marsh. 
 
 16. 
 
 Warren A. Hersey. 
 
 54. 
 
 Isaac Easterbrook. 
 
 17. 
 
 Justin Ripley. 
 
 55. 
 
 Calvin Lincoln. 
 
 18. 
 
 Albert Fearing. 
 
 56. 
 
 Jairus B, Lincoln, 
 
 19. 
 
 Seth L. Burr. 
 
 57. 
 
 Weston Lewis. 
 
 20. 
 
 Alanson Crosby. 
 
 58. 
 
 Alexander Lincoln. 
 
 21. 
 
 John W. Peirce. 
 
 59. 
 
 Emily Fearing. 
 
 22. 
 
 Starkes Whiton. 
 
 60, 
 
 Joshua Leavitt. 
 
 23. 
 
 Fearing Burr. 
 
 61. 
 
 Albert Fearing. 
 
 24. 
 
 Charles Howard. 
 
 62. 
 
 Jason W. and George F. Whitney 
 
 25. 
 
 Ezra Stephenson. 
 
 63, 
 
 Charles T, Burr. 
 
 26. 
 
 John K. Corthell. 
 
 64, 
 
 Mary E. and Adeline L. Riddle. 
 
 27. 
 
 Emma and Arthur A. Burr. 
 
 65, 
 
 Loring Jacob. 
 
 28. 
 
 Peter N. Sprague. 
 
 66. 
 
 Moses Cross. 
 
 29. 
 
 Pyam C. Burr. 
 
 67, 
 
 Henry Trowbridge. 
 
 30. 
 
 Susan and Martha Lincoln. 
 
 68. 
 
 Samuel and I^eavitt Sprague. 
 
 31. 
 
 Parish— for Sin<>ers. » , *^ 
 Parish— for Skigers. M^-'XiVi, 
 
 69. 
 
 Joseph Easterbrook, 
 
 32. 
 
 70. 
 
 Caleb Beal, 
 
 33. 
 
 Albert Leavitt. 
 
 71. 
 
 Charles E. Thayer. 
 
 34. 
 
 David Cushing, 2d. 
 
 72. 
 
 John D. Gates. 
 
 35. 
 
 David Fearing, 
 
 73. 
 
 John 0, Remington, 
 
 36. 
 
 Anson Nickcrson. 
 
 74, 
 
 Abner L, Leavitt, 
 
 37. 
 
 Thomas Sprague. 
 
 75, 
 
 Emeline Hollis. 
 
 38. 
 
 Ebed L. Ripley. 
 
 76, 
 
 Heirs of Martin Fearing. 
 
55 
 
 77. John M. Corbctt. 
 
 78. Thomas Stephenson. 
 
 79. Catherine H. Ilobart. 
 
 80. Charles B. W. Lane. 
 
 81. Bcla H. Whiton. 
 
 82. Scth L. Hobart. 
 
 83. John Todd. 
 
 84. George Lincoln. 
 
 85. Maria Hersey. 
 
 86. Royal Whiton. 
 
 87. Royal Whiton. 
 
 88. Adeline A. Barnes. 
 
 89. Thomas Cain. 
 
 90. Charles F. Hough. 
 
 91. E. Waters Burr. 
 
 92. William P. Kclscy. 
 
 93. Giles H. Gardner. 
 
 94. Ebed L. Ripley. 
 
 95. Eliza Ann Spraguc. 
 
 96. Reuben Sprague. 
 
 97. William Jones. 
 
 98. Thomas C. Humphrey. 
 
 99. Albert Fearing. 
 
 100. Henry Merritt, Jr. and George R. 
 Turner, 
 
 101. 
 102. 
 103. 
 104. 
 105. 
 106. 
 107. 
 108. 
 109. 
 110. 
 111. 
 112. 
 113. 
 114. 
 115. 
 116. 
 117. 
 118. 
 119. 
 120. 
 121. 
 122. 
 123. 
 
 Zenas Loring. 
 Lincoln Fearing. 
 Bela Whiton. 
 Erastus Whiton. 
 Luther Stephenson. 
 Henry M. Hersey. 
 E. Waters Burr. 
 Samuel Sherman. 
 Israel Whitcomb. 
 Allen A. Lincoln. 
 John B. Lewis. 
 Thomas H. Lincoln. 
 Reuben Thomas. 
 Charles Spring. 
 Silas H. Cobb. 
 Henry C. Harding. 
 Russell LeBaron. 
 Parish. 
 
 Sydney Lincoln. 
 Morris Fearing. 
 Reuben Reed. 
 George W. Tilden. 
 Charles Schmidt. 
 
 Public worship, after the alterations, was first held on the Sabbath, 
 September 12, 1869. 
 
 PARISH SEAL. 
 
 At a Parish meeting held October 15, 1869, a committee consisting 
 of Quincy Bicknell and Wallace Cortliell, previously appointed to 
 procure a common seal for the use of the Parish and to prepare a 
 device for the same, made a report, in which they stated that the 
 design was made by Mr. Cortliell, and consists of a picture of the 
 Meeting-house in a centre surrounded by an ornamental circular 
 border, which is itself encircled by another, leaving a sufficient space 
 between the two for the following motto and date : 
 
 "LET THE WORK OF OUR FATHERS STAND,— 1681." 
 
 The committee stated that the motto was selected by Hon. Solomon 
 Lincoln. The report of the committee was unanimously adopted by 
 the Parish. 
 
56 
 
 LIGHTING THE HOUSE. 
 
 At the above meeting, held October 15, 1869, the subject of 
 furnishing apparatus for lighting the Meeting-house was referred to a 
 committee consisting of Quincy Bicknell, John K. Corthell, and Israel 
 Whitcomb, to report at a future meeting. 1870, January 11, the 
 committee made a verbal report stating the number and form of lamps 
 which would be desirable and put in position at a cost of one hundred 
 and fifty dollars. Upon this subject there was a difference of opinion. 
 A proposition to substitute an evening for an afternoon service was 
 negatived ; but after further debate it was finally voted " that lamps 
 be procured for the lighting of the Meeting-house, as recommended 
 by the committee; but the house on no occasion shall be lighted 
 except for public worship, or religious meetings connected with the 
 Society." 
 
 In 1870, July 1, the Parish voted "that an evening service be 
 substituted for the afternoon service during the months of July, 
 August and September of this year." By a subsequent vote, the 
 evening service was continued during the month of October. In the 
 three subsequent years, 1871, 1872, 1873, votes were passed by the 
 Parish, at the annual meetings, to substitute an evening for an 
 afternoon service, from July 1 to November 1, in each year. 
 
 GIFT OF A LOT OF LAND. 
 
 At a Parish meeting held July 1, 1870, information was given that 
 Hon. Albert Fearing had expressed a wish to give a lot of land to 
 the Parish, to enlarge its grounds, if the same would be acceptable. 
 The Parisli Committee were authorized to confer with Mr. Fearing 
 on the subject and to accept any such proposed gift. 1870, October 
 5, the committee presented the following 
 
 EEPORT: 
 
 The Parish Committee who were authorized by vote of the Parish 
 to receive of the lion. Albert Fearing a deed of gift of a piece of land 
 adjoining the Parish land, report that they have received a deed of 
 
67 
 
 said land and herewith present the same to the Parish. And your 
 committee would recommend in the acceptance of this gift the 
 following votes : 
 
 Voted, That the First Parish in Hingham, in Parish meeting 
 assembled, gratefully accept the gift of a piece of land described in a 
 deed of the same by Hon. Albert Fearing, dated August 22, 1870, 
 according to and subject to the conditions and provisions therein 
 mentioned, and return to him thanks of acknowledgment for this 
 munificent gift, recognizing herein another among the many acts of 
 liberality which have marked the life-long interest he has manifested 
 in the prosperity of this ancient Parish. 
 
 Voted, That this gift has a peculiar value to the Parish, found in 
 the recital of the deed, " being a part of the land granted to Robert 
 Peck, Teacher of the First Church in Hingham, in the year 1638," 
 so that land appropriated by the Town, (at that time being identical 
 with the Parish,) for the purpose of furthering religious instruction 
 among the people, has again, through the liberality of a descendant 
 of one of those, for whose benefit among the others, this land was 
 devoted, been returned to complete the purpose of its original grant. 
 
 All of which is respectfully submitted. 
 
 John K. Corthell, ) Parish 
 QuiNCY BiCKNELL. j Committee. 
 
 Hingham, September 30, 1870. 
 
 The above report was accepted, and the Clerk was requested to 
 communicate the same to Mr. Fearing. 
 
 At the same meeting, a committee to whom had been referred the 
 subject of grading the Parish grounds, and for the erection of a 
 building suitable to accommodate horses and carriages, made a report. 
 The committee presented a plan which would enable the Parish to 
 meet the wishes of the citizens of the town, often expressed, for the 
 widening and reducing the grade of Main street in front of the Parish 
 lands. They recommended a release by the Parish to the town, of so 
 much of the land of the former, as was designated, and to establish 
 a new line on the street, provided the town would cause a suitable 
 wall to be built to protect the Parish lands on the said line. The 
 
58 
 
 committee also recommended the erection of a building on the lot 
 given by Hon. Albert Fearing, for the shelter of horses and carriages, 
 ninety feet long, and forty-three feet and six inches wide, with ten 
 feet posts, at an estimated cost of fifteen hundred dollars. 
 
 This report was referred to the Parish Committee and Ebed S. 
 Ripley, Ezra Stephenson and Seth L. Hobart, with instructions to 
 proceed at once to grade the grounds and erect a carriage house as 
 proposed, but if they should deem it advisable to deviate from the 
 plan, thereby materially increasing the expense, to make report to 
 the Parish before proceeding with the work. At the annual 
 meeting held March 13, 1871, the committee reported that the work 
 was finished. The grounds had been graded, a carriage- house 
 erected, suitable fences and walls built, and the platform around the 
 Meeting-house enlarged, the cost of which including certain incidental 
 expenses, amounted to $2,381.49. The report was accepted by the 
 Parish, and provision made for defraying the expense. The stalls 
 in the new building (twenty in number) were let by auction and have 
 since been disposed of in the same manner, or by the "Parish 
 Committee, by virtue of a special vote of the Parish. 
 
 At a Parish meeting held September 18, 1871, a vote was passed 
 giving consent that the wall proposed to be built by the town on 
 the line of the Parish land on Main street, or such part of it as is 
 necessary, be built upon the Parish ground, the face of the capping 
 of the same to be on the line of the street ; the style of the capping 
 to be referred to a committee consisting of the Parish Committee 
 together with Seth L. Hobart, James S. Lewis and Caleb B. Marsh, 
 with authority to act in the premises as they may deem advisable, 
 and also to grade the grounds to conform to the wall. 
 
 At the same meeting it was voted, that a fence be built upon the 
 wall such as the same committee may deein suitable. 
 
 At the annual meeting, held March 6, 1872, the committee 
 appointed September 18, 1871, to take charge of capping to be 
 placed upon the wall on Main street, to procure a suitable fence to 
 surmount said wall, and to complete the grading of the grounds 
 around the Meeting-house, reported to the Parish that they had 
 completed the work so far as practicable, on account of the severity 
 of the season, at an expense of $846.80, but that to complete the 
 work of grading, painting the fence, and setting out suitable trees on 
 the grounds and on the edge of the side-walk in front, a further 
 expenditure would be necessary, estimated at $275. The report was 
 accepted ; the committee continued and authorized to carry out their 
 
59 
 
 plan. Twelve maple trees were planted on the edge of the side-walk, 
 in May, 1872, under the direction of George Lincoln. 
 
 1873, March, the Parish appointed a committee consisting of John 
 Todd, George Lincoln and Seth L. Hobart, to take into consideration 
 the improvement of the grounds on the south side of the " Church 
 edifice," and report a plan and the estimated expense of the same, 
 at a meeting to be held in April. At the April meeting, the 
 committee reported a plan for improving the grade of the Parish 
 grounds at an estimated expense of one thousand dollars. John Todd, 
 George Lincoln, Seth L. Hobart, Albert Fearing and Solomon 
 Lincoln, were chosen a committee with full powers to carry out the 
 improvement recommended by the committee. The work on this 
 improvement is now in progress; and when completed, will doubtless 
 add to the convenience and beauty of the grounds. 
 
 We have thus presented such facts respecting the Meeting-house 
 as we have collected from various public records, private manuscripts 
 and authentic traditions, in chronological order, to enable those who 
 are interested in its history, to know what has been done for its 
 preservation and what are its present appearance and condition. 
 
 The whole house has been put in a thorough state of repair from 
 spire to basement ; the outside has been clapboarded and painted. 
 New windows have been inserted and glazed with diamond glass, 
 which, so far, is a restoration of the form of the original sashes. The 
 foundation has been rebuilt, and the grounds graded. Inside we find 
 much that is old and some work that is new. The floor is new, so 
 also are the pews or slips, and the organ. The substantial columns 
 which sustain the gallei'ies and roof remain as formerly. The 
 galleries are untouched. The pulpit, built in 1755, still remains in 
 the same position, and the ancient sounding-board over it, is also 
 preserved. The curious frame of oak which sustains the roof, belfry 
 and spire, and which is as old as the Meeting-house itself, remains as 
 our fathers left it. A spacious basement has been constructed for 
 the reception of two large furnaces set in brick by which the whole 
 house is comfortably heated. Lamps have been suspended for light- 
 ing the house, for evening worship, which diffuse a cheerful and 
 mellow light throughout the house. The Old and the New are most 
 judiciously harmonized in all the arrangements ; and there is no 
 reason why the fabric, which has stood firmly through the storms and 
 tempests of nearly two centuries, should not stand for two centuries 
 to come. In the words of the motto on the Parish Seal, 
 
 " LET THE AVORK OF OUR FATHERS STAND." 
 
60 
 
 Having given so much of tlie history of the Meeting-house as 
 seemed to be desirable to preserve in a permanent form, we thinlc it 
 proper to give other information, derived from the records and other 
 authentic sources, intimately connected with that history, and conven- 
 ient also for reference. 
 
 MmiSTEES. 
 
 In connection with notes upon the history of the Meeting-houses 
 of the First Parish, it seems proper to give the names of the Pastors 
 who have officiated in them. The town was formally settled in 1 635. 
 In September of that year, house lots were drawn by thirty persons, 
 most of whom came from Hingham and its vicinity, in the County of 
 Norfolk, England. Among them was Rev. Peter Hobart, who 
 became their Pastor, and remained with them until his death. 
 
 "We give the subjoined list of Pastors, with a brief notice of 
 prominent facts in their history, not designing to give any extended 
 sketches of their lives, which may be found elsewhere. We do not 
 include in the list, Rev. Robert Peck, who came over in 1638, was 
 ordained " Teacher " of the Church, and returned to Hingham, 
 England, in 1641. 
 
 I. REV. PETER HOBART, son of Edmund and Margaret 
 (Dewy) Hobart, was born in Hingham, England, where he was 
 baptized October 13, 1604. He was educated at Magdalen College, 
 Cambridge, where he received the degree of Bachelor, in 1625, and 
 of Master of Arts, in 1629. He was married in England, and came 
 to this country with his wife and four children, and arrived in June, 
 1635. He settled in this town in September, of that year. He was 
 twice married, the last wife being Rebecca, daughter of Richard 
 IbTook. Mr. Hobart had a large family of children. He names 
 fifteen in his will, five of whom were educated at Harvard College. 
 Two of his grandsons were also educated at the same institution. 
 Four of the sons and the two grandsons were ministers. Mr. Hobart 
 was Pastor of the church until his decease, January 20, 1678-9, in 
 the seventy-fifth year of his age, and forty-foui'th of his ministry. 
 
61 
 
 II. REV. JOHN NORTON was the second minister of Hingham. 
 He was a son of William and Lucy (Downing) Norton, of Ipswich, 
 in which town he was born, about 1650. He was educated at Har- 
 vard College, and was graduated in 1671. He was a nephew of 
 Rev. John Norton, the distinguished minister of Ipswich and Boston. 
 He was ordained Colleague Pastor with Mr. Hobart, November 27, 
 1678, less than two months before the decease of the latter. Mr. 
 Norton was married to Marj, a daughter of Arthur Mason, of Boston, 
 and left two children, — Elizabeth Norton, who married Col. John 
 Quincy, and Capt. John Norton. The descendants in both male and 
 female lines have been prominent in politics, theology, and literature. 
 Mr. Norton died October 3, 1716, in the sixty-sixth year of his age 
 and thirty-eighth of his ministry. 
 
 III. REV. EBENEZER GAY, D. D., the third minister, was 
 a son of Nathaniel and Lydia Gay, of Dedham, and was born in 
 that town, August 15, 1696. He was graduated at Harvard College 
 in 1714. He had four classmates from Hingham, viz.: Samuel 
 Thaxter, Nehemiah Hobart, Adam Cushing and Job Cashing. Dr. 
 Gay began to preach in Hingham in 1717, and was ordained Pastor, 
 June 11, 1718. He was married November 3, 1719, to Jerusha, 
 daughter of Samuel Bradford, of Duxbury, the son of William 
 Bradford, and the grandson of Governor Bradford. They had eleven 
 children, of whom seven died before their father, and two sons and 
 two daughters survived him. Some of the descendants have been 
 well known in the professions of law and medicine, as well as in 
 literature and art. Dr. Gay died on Sabbath morning, March 8, 
 1787, when he was preparing for the usual public services of the day. 
 He was attacked by a sudden illness, which terminated fatally within 
 an hour. He was ninety years old, and the length of his ministry 
 was sixty-eight years nine months and seven days, and including the 
 time of his preaching before his settlement, his ministry falls short, 
 by a few months only, of seventy years. 
 
 IV. REV. HENRY WARE, D. D., the fourth minister, was a 
 son of John and Martha Ware, of Sherborn, and was born in that 
 town, April 1, 1764. He was graduated at Harvard College, in 
 1785, and ordained Pastor, October 24, 1787. In 1805, he was 
 chosen HoUis Professor of Divinity, in Harvard College ; the 
 appointment was confirmed by the Overseers on the 14lh of February 
 
62 
 
 of that year. In consequence of this appointment, he asked a 
 dismission from the pastorate, which was granted by the Parish, and 
 he delivered his valedictory discourse, May 5, 1805, in the eighteenth 
 year of his ministry. 
 
 Dr. "Ware discharged the duties of his professorship until 1840, in 
 which 3'ear he resigned the position, on account of a failure of eye- 
 sight, after a laborious and acceptable service of thirty-five years. 
 
 Dr. Ware was thrice married. In 1789, March 31, he was married 
 to Mary, daughter of Rev. Jonas Clark, of Lexington, who died July 
 13, 1805, having been the mother of ten children, — seven daughters 
 and three sons. He was married a second time, to Mary, daughter 
 of James Otis, and widow of Benjamin Lincoln, Junior. She died 
 on the 17th of the same month. He was married a third time, in 
 September, 1807, to Elizabeth Bowes, daughter of Nicholas Bowes, 
 of Boston, who became the mother of nine children, five sons and 
 four daughters. Six of Dr. Ware's sons were graduated at Harvard 
 College, and his sons and grandsons have been distinguished in the 
 professions, and in the walks of literature and science. Dr. Ware 
 died at Cambridge, July 12, 1845, aged eighty-one. 
 
 V. REV. JOSEPH RICHARDSON, fifth minister, was a son 
 of Joseph and Patty (Chapman) Richardson, of Billerica, and was 
 born in that town, February 1, 1778. He was graduated at Dart- 
 mouth College, in 1802, and ordained Pastor, July 2, 1806. During 
 his ministry, he was chosen to fill various public offices. He was a 
 member of the convention called to revise the State Constitution, in 
 1820-21. He was a member, by repeated elections, of the Senate 
 and House of Representatives of Massachusetts, and was elected to 
 Congress for the term commencing March 4, 1827, and re-elected for 
 that commencing March 4, 1829. 
 
 At the close of his Congressional service, he resumed and attended 
 to his parochial duties, without interruption, except from ill health, 
 when the Parish relieved him by temporary supplies of the pulpit, 
 until the spring of 1855, when, with his consent and approval. Rev. 
 Calvin Lincoln, was settled as Associate Pastor. The servi<*es of 
 inducting Mr. Lincoln into this office were performed May 27th, 1855, 
 on which occasion, Mr. Richardson and Mr. Lincoln each preached 
 an appropriate sermon. 
 
 After this date, Mr. Richardson occasionally preached, and per- 
 formed other parochial services. We mention some of his discourses 
 and sermons on special occasions. 
 
63 
 
 1856, June 28. He delivered a discourse on the close of the fiftieth 
 year of his ministry, which was printed. 
 
 1862, February 2. He preached a sermon on the Sabbath after 
 the eighty-fourth anniversary of his birth. 
 
 1863, February 1. A sermon written by Mr. Richardson the pre- 
 ceding week, for the occasion of the eighty-fifth anniversary of his 
 birth, was read by the Associate Pastor. His text was from Joshua, 
 XIV, 10. ^'And now, lo I am this day four score and Jive years 
 old." Dr. Gay preached his celebrated sermon entitled " The Old 
 Man's Calendar," from the same text, at the same age, from the 
 same pulpit. Both the sermons were printed. Mr. Richardson also 
 prepared discourses for the Sabbaths after the 86th and 87th anniver- 
 saries of his birth, which were read by the Associate Pastor. He was 
 present at the re-opening of the Meeting-house, September 8, 1869, 
 as has been mentioned ; and attended public worship, for the last time 
 on Sabbath morning, October 3, 1869. The infirmities of age 
 increased, he had become blind, yet his strong constitution did not 
 yield, until September 25, 1871, when he died at the age of ninety- 
 three years seven months and twenty-four days, and closing a pastoral 
 connection of sixty-five years, two months and twenty-three days. 
 
 Mr. Richardson was married May 23, 1807, to Ann, daughter of 
 Benjamin Bowers, of Billerica. She was born in that town, March 
 14, 1785, and died September 16, 1870, aged eighty-seven years six 
 mouths, and two days. They had no children. 
 
 VI. REV. CALVIN LINCOLN, the present Pastor, is the" 
 sixth minister of the Parish. He is a native of Hingham, a son of 
 Calvin and Linda (Loring) Lincoln, and a lineal descendant of 
 Stephen Lincoln, one of the early settlers of the town. Mr. Lincoln 
 was graduated at Harvard College, in 1820, was ordained over the 
 First Parish in Fitchburg, June 30, 1824; his active ministry there 
 terminated June 15, 1850; and his pastoral connection was dissolved 
 May 5, 1855, a short time before his induction to the pastoral office 
 in this Parish. The length of his ministry here exceeds that of Dr. 
 Warfe. We forbear, for obvious reasons, to enlarge upon the personal 
 history of our respected Pastor, and leave to others, at some future 
 time, more appropriate than the present, to speak of his life and 
 character. 
 
 We close these brief minutes respecting the ministers of the Parish, 
 with a list of their names, with the years in which their pastoral 
 connections befiran and terminated. 
 
64 
 
 I. Peter Hobart, 1635-1679. 
 
 11. Jobn Norton, 1678-1716. 
 
 III. Ebenezer Gay, 1718-1787. 
 
 IV. Henry Ware, 1787-1805. 
 
 V. Joseph Richardson, 1806-1871. 
 
 VI. Calvin Lincoln, 1855. 
 
 This is a remarkable statement ; we think no similar one can be 
 presented by any other Parish or Society in New England. Four pf 
 the ministers died in this town, and their remains repose in the 
 Hingham Cemetery. One only, (Dr. Ware,) died out of this town ; 
 and the last is still living, actively engaged in the discharge of his 
 pastoral duties. It is proper, in this connection, to state that after 
 the decease of Mr. and Mrs. Richardson, the Parish purchased a lot 
 in the Hingham Cemetery, and have caused an appropriate marble 
 monument to be erected therein, to the memory of all their deceased 
 Pastors : Hobart, Norton, Gay, Ware and Richardson, — and a marble 
 memorial stone, appropriately inscribed, at the graves of Rev. Mr. 
 Richardson and his wife. 
 
 SINGING; CHOIR; HYMN BOOKS 
 AND ORGAN. 
 
 Intimately associated with our ancient Meeting-house, are the 
 services which have been performed in it. Of them, the singing of 
 songs of praise to Almighty God is an interesting part, and we have 
 felt a strong desire to know more of what our fathers did to promote 
 an interest and cultivate a taste for this important part of public 
 worship. The voices of at least seven generations have sounded 
 within its sacred walls. We are aware of the intense feelings which 
 prevailed in relation to Psalmody at the settlement of the country, 
 and what bitter controversies arose at every stage of improvement. 
 
66 
 
 The Pilgrims of Plymouth brought over music to enliven the 
 solitude of the wilderness. It is believed that they had but one 
 book, and that was the Manual of Henry Ainsworth. It was entitled 
 '•'•The Book of Psalms Englished both in Prose and Meeter." The 
 prose was printed on the left-hand page ; the poetry, with the music 
 over it, on the right. This manual was used in Plymouth, so late 
 as 1692. 
 
 The Puritans, who settled Massachusetts, undoubtedly used the 
 version of the Psalms by Sternhold and Hopkins, " done into verse 
 and set to music," and this version was used by many churches. It 
 should be remarked, that the early settlers of New England always 
 sang congregationally ; and continued to do so for more than a 
 century, and in some places, until the Revolution. In a few churches 
 singing was excluded altogether. 
 
 In 1640, five years after this town was settled, Stephen Daye 
 printed, at Cambridge, a new translation of the Psalms. Cotton 
 Mather says that " the chief divines in the country took each of them 
 a portion to be translated ; among whom were Mr. Weld and Mr. 
 Eliot, of Roxbury, and Mr. Mather, of Dorchester." Its popular 
 title was the " The Bay Psalm Book" but the title-page of the first 
 edition is '■'■The Whole Book of Psalms Faithfully Translated into 
 English Metre" etc. In this edition there were no hymns or spiritual 
 songs. A second edition, in 1647, contained a few spiritual songs. 
 In the same year Rev. John Cotton wrote his " Singing of Psalms 
 a Gospel Ordinance" which had an influence to extend the use of 
 the Bay Psalm Book, which gradually made its way into the public 
 services. A third edition of it, revised by President Dunster, was 
 published in 1650. This version went through numerous editions, 
 was reprinted in England and Scotland, and used by many of the 
 English dissenting congregations. It was added to several English 
 and Scotch editions of the Bible. This edition contained additional 
 scriptural songs. 
 
 Rev. Thomas Prince revised the Bay Psalm Book, in 1758, several 
 editions of which were published, and used in churches even up to 
 the commencement of the present century. The title-page of the 
 first edition of Prince's revision was ^'■The Psalms, Hymns ^ Spiritual 
 Songs of the Old and New Testament Faithfully Translated into 
 English Metre, — Being the New-England Psalm Book, Revised 
 and Improved," etc. 
 
 Prior to this publication of the Bay Psalm Book, by Pnnce, the 
 version of the Psalms by Tate & Brady, had been published in 
 
 9 
 
66 
 
 London. The title-page of the first edition of this well known 
 version was as follows : "A New Version of the Psalms of David 
 Fitted to the Tunes used in Churches. — By K Tate and N. Brady, 
 London, 1696. 
 
 In the second edition also, the name of Tate precedes that of Brady, 
 but the Royal license for printing, of December 3, 1696, is granted 
 upon the humble petition of Nicolas Brady and Nahum Tate, and in 
 subsequent editions, the names are printed in the same order. 
 
 An edition of Watts's Psalms and Hymns, was published in Boston, 
 in 1741. 
 
 We have thus given a brief account of the principal versions of 
 the psalms and hymns which were used for the first century and a 
 half after the settlement of the country. For many of these facts 
 we are indebted to Charles Deane, Esq., of Cambridge, who has a 
 rare collection of the early Psalm and Hymn Books ; and also to 
 Rev. Elias Nason, of North Billerica, by whose kindness we have 
 enjoyed the privilege of perusing his interesting Lecture, in manu- 
 script, on New England Psalmody. 
 
 We have made diligent inquiry for a copy of either of the collections 
 which we have mentioned, and have not succeeded in finding a single 
 one of the early editions of either of them in the possession of any 
 person in this town, excepting that of Tate & Brady, of which there 
 are several copies in existence, to which we shall hereafter make 
 more particular reference. 
 
 The mode of performing the exercise of singing was generally the 
 same in all churches. As books were few, while ruling elders were 
 continued, one of them read a single line and such of the congregation 
 as could sing arose in different parts of the Meeting-house and sung it, 
 and then another line until the psalm or hymn was finished. In later 
 times, when no such officers were chosen, a deacon and sometimes the 
 minister performed tlie same duty. 
 
 We have no records of an early date to show how the subject of 
 Psalmody was regarded in this Parish. We have reason to believe, 
 however, that Peter Ilobart, the first minister, was not indifferent to 
 it, for Cotton Mather, in his appreciative biographical sketch of Mr. 
 Hobart, says, that during his last illness, " the singing of psalms was 
 an exercise wherein he took a particular delight ;" saying " that it was 
 the work of Heaven, which he was willing to anticipate." 
 
 It is quite probable that the versions of the psalms by Sternhold 
 and Hopkins printed with the Bible, to which we have alluded, may 
 have been used. 
 
67 
 
 Nothing with reference to the musical part of the service occurs in 
 the records of the Parish, until 1763, when, on the 8th of April, a 
 meeting was held " in order to see whether the said Parish will assign 
 any perticular place, seat or seats where a number of persons skilled 
 in Musick may set together that so that part of Religious exercise may 
 be performed with decency and order." 
 
 At this meeting it was voted " that Mr. Gay be desired to invite 
 one or more to set in ye seat behind the Deacons' to strike first in 
 singing," and further " that a part of the womans' front seat and ye 
 second seat, not exceeding one half of each, be seperated for ye use 
 of the singers." 
 
 No mention is made of the persons selected by Mr. Gay. That the 
 request, however, was complied with, is confirmed by the fact that the 
 Parish, at a meeting held in the following June, declined to add one 
 or more " to the number of singers already in ye seat, behind the 
 Deacons' seat." 
 
 Fifteen years afterwards, in May, 1778, it was voted "that the two 
 hindermost seats in the body of the Meeting-house, both men's & 
 women's, be appropriated to the use of the singers ;" and in the 
 following September, the portion thus set off was further enlarged by 
 a vote " that the three hindermost seats in the Meeting-house be 
 appropriated to the singers and that they have liberty to make doors 
 & flaps of bords to each seat. " This arrangement, from some 
 unexplained reason, was of brief duration ; for in the year following, 
 on the 8th of November, the Parish voted "to indulge the singers a 
 Liberty to set in the front gallery where it best suited them." 
 
 The permission thus granted was probably accepted on the part of 
 the choir, and at or near this time the removal of the singers from the 
 body of the house to the gallery took place. 
 
 With the exception of a few unimportant votes relating to the 
 alteration of the seats and the appropriation of a small sum of money 
 for the benefit of the singers in the Parish for procuring fire-wood, 
 candles, etc., for their accommodation at their meetings, nothing of 
 interest occurs in the records, until 1799, when, on the 11th of March, 
 a committee of seven was chosen for the purpose of laying " some plan 
 that will best accommodate & promote the singing & unite the 
 singers." At a subsequent meeting in April, this committee was 
 continued with additional instructions with regard to procuring a 
 " room, fireing and candles," and also witli the further provision that 
 if it should be found " that the school-house will not accommodate 
 
68 
 
 them the committee might provide some other room at the expense of 
 the Parish." 
 
 On the 10th of March of the next year, 1800, the committee 
 submitted a report which was accepted, " with this addition, that the 
 15 singers are to procure a teacher." 
 
 There can be little doubt that from 1763, the time of the selection 
 by Dr. Gay of three persons "to strike first in singing," to 1800, the 
 number who participated in this part of the service gradually increased, 
 until, as appears from the foregoing vote, fifteen persons were included 
 in the choir. 
 
 In 1801, March 9, it was voted "that the Parish be at the expense 
 of purchasing a Bass-viol and commit it to Barnabas Lincoln, to be 
 used by him or his family in the Meeting-house to assist the melody, 
 and that Mr. Barnabas Lincoln be invited to assist in leading the bass." 
 
 This is the first record we find of any action by the Parish to 
 encourage the introduction of any musical instrument to aid in the 
 performances by the choir. 
 
 The bass-viol (violoncello) was continued in use from its first 
 introduction until 1867. Various other musical instruments were 
 used from time to time, and among them were the clarionet, double 
 bass-viol, tenor-viol, violin, bassoon and flute. The flute and bass-viol 
 were principally relied on to give harmony and effect to the musical 
 performances. 'These were in the hands of several persons in 
 succession, who voluntarily assumed the charge of performing upon 
 them. 
 
 1809, March 24, the Parish voted "that the singers have the use 
 of the whole of the front gallery." 1825, March 8, voted " that the 
 leader of the singers have the use of pew No. 67, on the lower floor." 
 
 It was not customary for the Parish, until a later period, to make 
 any formal election of a chorister. The singing was regulated by the 
 members of the choir, in conjunction with the Parish Committee, and 
 sometimes by a special committee. The whole service was voluntary 
 and gratuitous. The Parish occasionally granted aid to singing 
 schools and adojited other measures to promote the " improvement of 
 the singing." 
 
 1858, March 9, the Parish voted "that Rev. Mr. Lincoln be 
 requested to select a liymn, at the close of the forenoon and afternoon 
 services of the Sabbath, adapted to be sung in a familiar tune, that the 
 congregation may join with the choir in singing." 
 
69 
 
 ORGAN. 
 
 In 1867, the subject of introducing an Organ, as a substitute for 
 other musical instruments, was discussed by those interested in 
 improving this part of public worship, and the proposition met with 
 so much favor, that measures were taken to procure one of moderate 
 cost. At the annual meeting, held March 6, this vote was passed: 
 " That the consent of the Parish is hereby given to the erection of 
 an Organ in the gallery of the Meeting-house." At the same 
 meeting, John K. Corthell, John M. Corbett and Henry Siders, were 
 chosen a committee " to have full charge of the Music, with authority 
 to re-organize the Choir, and make such other arrangements as may 
 seem to them best." 
 
 This proceeding virtually dissolved the old Choir ; and David A. 
 Hersey, who had performed on the bass-viol for nearly half a 
 century, with admirable skill and fidelity, and Sidney Sprague, whose 
 performances on the flute, for thirty-six years, had been so acceptable 
 and gratifying to the Parish, closed their services. The Parish, very 
 properly, recognized the value of their services, by passing the 
 following vote : " Voted, That the thanks of the members of the 
 Parish be given to Mr. David A. Hersey, Mr. Sidney Sprague, Mr. 
 Israel Whitcomb and the other members of the Choir, for their long 
 continued, faithful and satisfactory services," Mr. Whitcomb had been 
 for some time, leader of the Choir. 
 
 1867, March 10, was the last Sabbath, on which the old Choir 
 performed their services. On the 24th of the same month, a small 
 Organ was used, which was loaned for the purpose, by the Old Colony 
 Lodge of Freemasons ; and on the next Sabbath, the Organ, which 
 had been purchased and placed in the gallery, was used for the first 
 time. Reuben Sprague officiated as organist. 
 
 1868, March 11, the Committee on Singing was abolished ; and a 
 Chorister was elected by the Parish, at the annual meeting. Gen. 
 Luther Stephenson, Jun., was elected, and has been re-elected annually 
 to this time, 1873. 
 
 In 1869, that part of the report of the Committee on Repairs 
 was adopted, in which was this proposition : " That the location of 
 the Choir and Organ should be such that they may best serve the 
 purpose for which they were designed and instituted, and we there- 
 fore deem it expedient, that the Choir and Organ be located upon 
 the platform on the Easterly side of the pulpit." This proposition 
 was carried into effect. 
 
70 
 
 1870, January 20, the Parish voted, " That it be recommended to 
 the officiating Pastor to ask the Congregation to adopt the form of 
 Congregational singing, for the closing hymn of the morning 
 service, the tune to be announced and the whole Congregation 
 rising." ' 
 
 1870, July 1, at a Parish meeting, it was voted, that the Parish 
 purchase an Organ, to be placed in the Meeting-house, at an expense 
 not exceeding Twenty-one hundred dollars, provided that all such 
 sum or sums of money as have already been subscribed or which may 
 hereafter be subscribed towards that purpose, be paid into the Parish 
 treasury ; also that the old Organ be sold and the proceeds of such 
 sale be paid into the Parish treasury. Voted, that a committee of 
 three be chosen with full powers to carry out the provisions of the 
 above vote, said committee to consist of E. Waters Burr, Ebed S. 
 Ripley and Luther Stephenson, Jun. In accordance with this vote, an 
 Organ was procured which was built by J. H. Willcox & Co., of 
 Boston, placed in its position in the Meeting-house, and used for the 
 first time, in the services of public worship, on Sabbath day, Septem- 
 ber 11, 1870. The cost of the Organ itself was precisely the amount 
 authorized, $2,100. The incidental expenses of alteration of plat- 
 form to receive it and for sundry other charges, amounted to $108. G6, 
 making the whole cost of the Organ $2,208.66. This amount was 
 paid by subscription. The Parish ordered the list of subscribers to 
 be recorded in the Parish records, which has been done. The 
 organists have been Reuben Sprague, before mentioned, who per- 
 formed on the first Organ, William H. Nash, who performed on both 
 Organs, and Francis 0. Nash, who succeeded him, and is the present 
 organist. The Choir is a double quartette, — two who sing soprano, 
 two, alto ; two, bass ; and two, tenor. 
 
 Having given some account of the earliest editions of psalm and 
 hymn books which were in use in this country in the first century and 
 a half after its settlement, we have diligently sought from tradition or 
 written record for some evidence of the views which were entertained 
 in this Parish respecting them and of the practical use which was 
 made of them. The disputes respecting singing by rote or by note 
 were very violent, nor were they less bitter in relation to the intro- 
 duction of musical instruments. There is no evidence that this 
 Parish participated in these controversies. There is a vague tradition, 
 that one individual only was disturbed, when the bass-viol was first 
 used. Dr. Jonathan Edwards was a lover of music and favored the 
 new way of singing by note, while Dr. Nathaniel Emmons regarded 
 
71 
 
 the use of any musical instrument an abomination. They were both 
 eminent divines. Undoubtedly the hymn book of Tate & Brady was 
 well known to members of this Parish several years before any action 
 was taken to regulate the practice of singing, (1763.) Thus we find 
 that Joshua Leavitt, who for thirty years was so well known as the 
 treasurer of the town, was the owner of a copy of Tate & Brady 
 in 1759, of the edition of 1754, and Caleb Gill, another respected 
 member of the Parish, inscribed his name in a copy of the edition of 
 1757, in 1791. We infer from these facts, that Tate & Brady's version 
 of the psalms, with hymns added, chiefly from Dr. Watts, and about 
 fifty tunes attached, was used for thirty or more years. 
 
 William Billings, a famous composer of music, who was born in 
 1746 and died in 1800, had great influence in causing an entire 
 revolution in sacred music. In 1770, he published his "New 
 England Psalm-singer or American Chorister," containing a number 
 of psalm-tunes, anthems and canons, upwards of 100 in number. 
 
 This " Psalm-singer" came into general use, and during the war of 
 the Revolution, was well known in the army as well as in the 
 churches. It destroyed the practice of "deaconing" the psalm or 
 hymn, and led the way to the singing by choirs. Some of the tunes of 
 Billings are yet occasionally sung, but the compositions of later authors 
 have gradually superseded them as the public taste and sentiment have 
 improved. During the ministry of Dr. Ware, the " Psalms and 
 Hymns" collected by Dr. Jeremy Belhnap were introduced. The first 
 edition of this collection was published, probably, in 1795, as the 
 Preface is dated May 10, of that year. In 1830, April 8, the Parish 
 voted "that this Parish will hereafter, in the services of public 
 worship, make use of the Cambridge Selection of Hymns and Psalms" 
 accordingly, Belknap's collection was used until new books could be 
 procured, and for the last time, April 25, 1830, and the " Cambridge 
 Selection" was used for the first time on Sunday, May 2, 1830. In 
 1844, March 5, at the annual meeting, a committee was chosen on the 
 subject of a change of hymn books, and by their recommendation Dr. 
 Greenwood's ^'■Collection of Psalms and Hymns for Christian Worship" 
 was adopted and continued to be used until April 17, 1870, when the 
 '■'■Hymn and Tune Booh" published by the American Unitarian Associa- 
 tion, was used for the first time, agreeably to a vote of March 21, of 
 the same year. This Collection is now used. 
 
 We are not able to state at what time female singers first became 
 members of the Choir. It was certainly befoi-e the close of the last 
 century. Within the recollection of persons now living they were 
 
n 
 
 so numerous as to fill one-half the front seat in the singers gallery, 
 and also the front seats of the Eastern gallery to the pews. 
 
 We here close our minutes on the subject of music, some of which 
 will, perhaps, afford but little interest to many readers ; but we trust 
 that these gleanings may be regarded in a different light by those 
 who are to come after us. We shall at least enjoy the satisfaction 
 of presenting historical facts and local traditions which will suggest to 
 others that a field of inquiry and research is opened worthy of further 
 investigation. There is no doubt that many interesting facts preserved 
 in private records and in the memories of aged persons remain to be 
 disclosed to us. 
 
 MISCELLANEOUS :N0TES. 
 
 BELLS. We have seen that when the town voted to build the 
 present Meeting-house a vote was also passed to procure a new bell 
 " as big againe as the old one was, if it may be had." That a bell was 
 obtained by authority of that vote is evident from the following copy 
 of a receipt preserved by Daniel Gushing : 
 
 " Boston, January 8, 1C80.(— 81.) 
 Reed of Mr. Daniel Gushing in money five pounds four shillings in full 
 for a hell sold him and Capt. Huhard. I say Reed by me. 
 
 THO. CLARKE. " 
 
 In the Parish records, we find, that in 1731, November 19, 
 " Samuel Thaxter, .Tun., Joshua Hearsee and Joseph Lewes " were 
 impowered to procure the repair of the bell, "if it may be con- 
 veniently done, otherwise to exchange the same for a new one as 
 soon as may be." At the same time, one hundred pounds was raised 
 towards procuring a new bell, if there should be occasion. 
 
 1731-2, March 6. The Parish voted, " That there should be a new 
 Bellfrey erected on the top of the meeting house of the Precinct, 
 and ordered, that the assessors of sd precinct see the work 
 accomplished." 
 
73 
 
 1732-3, March 5. The committee was authorized "to draw from 
 the Treasury what is wanting for the new Bell," £29 2s. At the 
 same time a committee was chosen to obtain a " new toung for the 
 Bell, or to enlarge or lengthen the present." 
 
 From all which, we infer, that a new bell was obtained by authority 
 of the preceding votes. 
 
 1752, May 14. The Standing Committee of the Precinct, viz.: 
 Mr. Isaac Lincoln, Joseph Thascter, and Hezekiah Gushing, were 
 " impowered to treat with, and agree, if they think proper, with Mr. 
 Caleb Barkei*, upon reasonable terms to new cast the Bell." 
 
 In 1765, May, the Parish voted " to New Cast ye bell, and that it 
 be made six hundred weight and that twenty pounds lawful money 
 be raised for doing the same." 
 
 In 1783, May 12, the Parish voted to raise £45 to defray the 
 expense of " New Casting their Bell." 
 
 In 1793, July, it was voted, to "cause an additional weight to the 
 tongue of the Bell." 
 
 In 1818, August 31, the Parish voted to have a new bell. It was 
 also voted, " to choose a committee to dispose of the old bell to the 
 best advantage they can, & procure a new bell that shall weigh not less 
 than eleven hundred weight nor more than thirteen hundred, and 
 that the committee be authorized to draw money from the treasurer 
 to defray the expense." The committee then chosen for the purpose 
 above mentioned, consisted of John Leavitt, Benjamin Thomas, 
 Jedediah Lincoln, Blossom Sprague and Caleb Hobart, Jun. The old 
 bell weighed, when sold, 542 pounds, the new bell weighed 1106 
 pounds. This bell lasted but for a short time ; and it became 
 necessary to procure a new one ; and at a Parish meeting, held May 
 6, 1822, Voted, to choose a committee to inquire if a bell, weighing 
 from twelve to fifteen hundred weight, can be procured, and on 
 what conditions. The committee consisted of Benjamin Beal, John 
 Leavitt, Charles Lane, Charles Gill, and Peter Sprague. Voted, "that 
 the aforesaid committee be authorized to pui-chase a bell of the 
 above description if necessary." They did regard it as necessary, 
 and purchased the present bell, weighing 1537 pounds. It was 
 placed in the belfry, July 26, 1822, and has been in use for more 
 than half a century. 
 
 CLOCKS. Before the Revolutionary War, there was a clock 
 placed in the Meeting-house, in the attic story, the dial of which 
 appeared in the dormer-window on the south-westerly slope of the 
 
 10 
 
74 
 
 roof ; and was thus visible to the public. It was owned by 
 proprietors, and constructed by Dr. Josiah Leavitt, who is said to 
 have built and resided in the house now owned and occupied by 
 George Bassett. It was built in 1773. 
 
 We find the following votes respecting the Clock in the Parish records. 
 
 1774, March 14, at a Parish meeting, "the question was put 
 whether the request of the proprietors of the Clock in the Meeting- 
 house, be referred to next May meeting, passed in the affirmative." 
 
 1774, May 18, the Parish voted, "that the weights of the Clock in 
 the Meeting-house have their course through the ceiling down into 
 the body of the House." 
 
 1775, March 13, at a Parish meeting, "upon a motion made and 
 seconded, the question was put whether Mr. Samuel Thaxter have 
 refunded to him his expenses for the Clock weights and it passed in 
 the affirmative." 
 
 For some cause, unknown to us, the Clock was removed. Dr. 
 Leavitt sold his estate in 1777, to Joseph Blake, of Rutland, and was 
 afterwards an organ builder in Boston. 
 
 A Clock to give the time inside the House, was placed, in 1 835, on 
 the front of the singers' gallery. It was obtained by subscription, 
 and set in motion, on the morning of the celebration of the two- 
 hundredth anniversary of the settlement of the Town, September 28, 
 1835. This Clock was made by Aaron Willard and is now in 
 use. It is a great improvement upon the hour-glass which formerly 
 stood upon the pulpit to mark the hours and indicate the length of 
 the services. The substitution of a marble, for its original face, has 
 improved its appearance. 
 
 HEATING THE HOUSE. The first attempt to heat the 
 Meeting-house was in 1822. A subscription having been made of a 
 sufficient amount of money to purchase suitable stoves and apparatus 
 connected with them, the Parish at a meeting held on January 22d, 
 of that year, voted, " that the Parish give their assent that two stoves 
 with the necessary funnels, may be set up in the Meeting-house in 
 the two front outside body pews, the front of said pews to be taken 
 away, in the winter season, for the purpose, said stoves to be set up 
 under the direction of the Parish Committee." 
 
 The Parish, atthe same meeting, voted to supply fuel and to employ 
 a person to attend to the fires ; subsequently, coal stoves were 
 substituted for those first in use in which wood was used for fuel, and 
 they remained until the extensive repairs were made in 1869, when 
 the mode of heating by furnaces in the basement, was adopted. 
 
75 
 
 TOWN MEETINGS. All the Town meetings were held in the 
 present Meeting-house from 1682, when it was first opened for public 
 use, until October, 1780. After that date, to accommodate the voters 
 residing in the south part of the Town, some of the meetings were 
 held in the Meeting-house of the Second Parish. 
 
 In 1827, March 13, the Parish voted, "that no more Town 
 meetings shall be held in the Meeting-house of the First Parish, 
 from and after the last day of February next." After that date, 
 meetings were held in the Hall of Derby Academy, or in the 
 Meeting-house of the Second Parish, until the erection of a Town 
 House, in 1844. A Town meeting was first held in the Town House, 
 November 11, 1844. It will thus be seen, that the Town meetings 
 for about one century were held exclusively in this ancient edifice. 
 It was erected in the reign of Charles II and stood where it now 
 stands, during the remaining reigns of all the sovereigns of the 
 House of Stuart and the House of Hanover. 
 
 The Society, which has worshipped in it, has literally been " the 
 mother of many people." 
 
 Cohasset now contains four religious societies ; and the Second 
 Parish has two societies within its original limits. And within the 
 present century, there have been formed, within the present territorial 
 limits, of the First Parish, five other societies, viz : the Third 
 Congregational, Universalist, Baptist, Methodist and Evangelical 
 Orthodox Societies, while the venerable old Meeting-house, in which 
 both Puritans and Pilgrims assembled for public worship, still gathers 
 around its altar a large and harmonious congregation of their 
 descendants. 
 
 ANTIQUITY OF THE MEETING-HOUSE. It has been 
 repeatedly stated, that this is the oldest house of public worship in 
 New England. We mean by that, the oldest edifice erected for that 
 purpose, and which has been preserved with reverential care to this 
 day. Fragments and relics of other ancient Meeting-houses may 
 have been preserved elsewhere, which are claimed to have existed 
 before the erection of this Meeting-house. It should be borne in 
 mind, that parts of the first, or '' old house," as it was called, were, as 
 we learn by tradition, used in the construction of this house. 
 
 We have examined with care. Bishop Meade's highly interesting 
 volumes on the " Old Churches, Ministers and Families of Virginia" 
 published in 1857, and from that and other sources of information, 
 we learn, that nothing remains but the ruins of any of those ancient 
 
76 
 
 Episcopal Churches, which were erected in Virginia, before 1681; so 
 that we assert, with entire confidence, that no house for public 
 worship exists within the original limits of the United States, which 
 continues to be used for the purpose for which it was erected, and 
 remaining on the same site where it was built, which is so old as the 
 Meeting-house of the First Parish in Hingham. 
 
 We shall be pardoned for introducing here brief extracts from a 
 discourse delivered in our ancient Meeting-house, September 8, 1850, 
 by Rev. Alonzo Hill, D. D., of Worcester. The thoughts were 
 striking then, and appropriate now. Alluding to his invitation to 
 preach in this House, he remarks as follows : 
 
 " It seemed to me something to be permitted to worship with you 
 in an edifice which has survived the casualties and changes of an 
 hundred and sixty-eight years : — an edifice which dates back to the 
 days of Charles II, and in which strength was obtained to resist his 
 infringement of New England's charter ; — an edifice whose beams 
 were laid in New England's darkest days, by men who were fresh 
 from the desolating wars of Philip, aided by women whose sons had 
 been butchered at their own doors by Indian tomahawks. It is 
 something to stand in the pulpit under which men who had shared 
 in the perils of the winter's passage of the " Mayflower " may have 
 sat and worshipped ; where Eliot may have stood in his old age, and 
 bent himself in prayer ; and where Gay, for nearly seventy years, 
 with strength unabated and eye undimmed, ministered. Associations 
 of this kind must be familiar to you, and must endear this venerable 
 church as no modern edifice, however beautiful and adorned with art, 
 can be endeared. To you, this antique structure must be all written 
 over with the memories of the past ; this pulpit, these walls and 
 pews, must bear to your hearts the history of the men and women 
 who are gone, — the venerated and loved, whose names are recorded 
 in your village annals and on the tombstones of your grave-yards. 
 # # * * * 
 
 " You have done well reverently to preserve, repair, and prop your 
 old venerated Meeting-house. Let it stand a thousand years ; for it 
 must speak as no modern edifice can speak to the hearts of a people. 
 It has its story of bygone days, and communes with you of the 
 invisible and distant. Images arise before you which cannot be seen 
 in our recent structures; and impressions you must receive here, 
 which, if you cherish them as you ought, will sanctify and bless. 
 Your fathers worshipped in this mountain, and it should be holy unto 
 the Lord in the heart of their children. 
 
77 
 
 " The very year in which this church was completed, William Penn 
 made his memorable treaty with the natives, so sacredly observed for 
 more than seventy years. Since then their tribes have all wasted 
 away. Since then have come the French wars, and the vast empire 
 of France on this continent has been lost ; the war of the Revolution, 
 and the empire of England has been dismembered. Since then our 
 free confederacy has been formed and grown to greatness ; extending 
 the shield of its protection, from ocean to ocean, over more than twenty 
 millions of people. Under what varied circumstances have prayers 
 been offered, and sermons been preached, from this pulpit ! Under 
 what emotions of fear and hope have the congregations come here to 
 worship ! The story of New England's joys and woes have all 
 here been recorded ; these silent walls have echoed to the tale of 
 New England's glory and shame ; they have witnessed her mournings 
 for her losses, her fastings and wrestlings in prayer for success, her 
 thanksgivings for her triumphs. 
 
 . "Look also at our intellectual, social, and religious condition. 
 When this church was erected, Newton was living ; but his immortal 
 discoveries had not put to flight the apprehensions which the return 
 of a comet spread among the terror-stricken nations. Locke was 
 then living; but his revelations of the powers of the human mind had 
 not dispelled the delusions which filled New England with mourning, 
 and stained her annals with crime. Milton had been dead seven 
 years ; but it was for the men of another century to comprehend the 
 power of this transcendent genius, and to acknowledge his influence 
 on the popular mind. Then Cook had not circumnavigated the globe, 
 nor had Polynesia and Australia been discovered and reclaimed. 
 The vast possessions of England in the East Indies were then con- 
 fined to a solitary trading-house ; and the vast regions of the West, 
 now the seat of learning, arts, and religion, had but just been trodden 
 by the foot of the solitary traveller. Mahometan arms had penetra- 
 ted Europe, and were then besieging the gates of her central cities. 
 Popery had been aroused by the energies of Luther, and was now 
 making her last fruitless struggle for the annihilation of Protestantism. 
 The year after this church was erected, the heads of Russell and 
 Algernon Sidney rolled upon the scaffold in defence of spiritual 
 freedom ; and, five years later, James II and his creature Jeffries 
 were pouring out the vials of their wrath, and attempting to break the 
 best spirit of England and her colonies, and to trample their bravest 
 and best men in the dust." 
 
78 
 
 PARISH OFFICERS. For convenient reference in connection 
 with the history of the Meeting-house, we give the list of the Clerks 
 and Treasurers of the Parish from its organization, after the act to 
 incorporate the Second Precinct took eflPect. The years of their 
 election are prefixed. 
 
 PARISH CLERKS. 
 
 1721. John Norton, 
 
 1721. Benjamin Lincoln, 
 
 1726. Benjamin Lincoln, Jr., 
 
 1757. Benjamin Lincoln, Jr., 
 
 1776. Samuel Norton, 
 
 1778. Benjamin Gushing, 
 
 1806. Solomon Jones, 
 
 1820. Fearing Loring, 
 
 1821, Solomon Jones, 
 1823. Jotham Lincoln, Jr., 
 1829. Solomon Lincoln, Jr., 
 1834. David Harding, 
 1837. James S. Lewis, 
 1862. Henry C. Harding. 
 
 PARISH TREASURERS. 
 
 1720. 
 
 Thomas Andrews, 
 
 1799. 
 
 Caleb Thaxter, 
 
 1763. 
 
 John Thaxter, 
 
 1802. 
 
 Solomon Jones, - 
 
 1769. 
 
 Joseph Andrews, 
 
 1803. 
 
 Thomas Andrews, 
 
 1772. 
 
 John Thaxter, 
 
 1806. 
 
 Solomon Lincoln, 
 
 1775. 
 
 Thomas Loring, 
 
 1811. 
 
 Jotham Lincoln, Jr., 
 
 1778. 
 
 John Fearing, 
 
 1817. 
 
 Jedediah Lincoln, 
 
 1782. 
 
 Jostuia Leavitt, 
 
 1827. 
 
 Peter Ripley, 
 
 1786. 
 
 Samuel Norton, 
 
 1832. 
 
 Ebed Ripley, 
 
 1787. 
 
 Joshua Leavitt, 
 
 1867. 
 
 Wm. Fearing, 2d, 
 
 1789. 
 
 John Thaxter, 
 
 1870. 
 
 Sidney Spragne. 
 
 1794. 
 
 Heman Lincoln, 
 
 
 
 EXPLANATORY NOTE. 
 
 In printing original papers and extracts from the records in the 
 Appendix, the spelling of words has not been changed. The 
 names of persons stand as they were written. 
 
 It is stated, (page 41,) that a committee recommended that the 
 pews in front of the pulpit should be removed. The Deacons' seat 
 was not specially mentioned ; but was removed at the same time 
 with the pew or Elders' seat. The persons who occupied the 
 Deacons' seat for the last time, were Deacon Caleb Hobart, Senior, 
 and Deacon Nehemiah Ripley. 
 
 Errata.— On page 38, 8th line, for " David " read " Daniel." 
 
 On page 43, 10th line, for " Eighteen" read "Thirteen." 
 
79 
 
 CONCLUSION. 
 
 This narrative of details pertaining to the venerable edifice, so 
 fondly loved and cherished by generation after generation of 
 worshippers, cannot, perhaps, be brought to a more fitting close, 
 than by the insertion of the subjoined lines, virritten thirty years 
 ago, by Mr. James Humphrey Wilder, a native of Hingham. He 
 was, for many years, a constant attendant upon the services within 
 its walls, — a member of the Choir and a teacher in its Sunday 
 School. Although he has ceased to be a resident of Hingham, he 
 still cherishes the same aifectionate regard for the old pile shown 
 in this composition of his early days. It has been sung by the 
 Choir, on more than one occasion ; and the hope has been 
 expressed, that it may be sung in this sacred House of our Fathers, 
 ON THE TWO-HUNDREDTH ANNIVERSARY OF ITS 
 ERECTION, IN 1881. 
 
 A SONG FOR THE OLD CHURCH. 
 
 Tune — "America." 
 
 Old church ! a song to thee, 
 Child of antiquity, 
 
 To thee we sing ! 
 Around thine aged form 
 Sweet recollections swai'm, 
 And with affection warm 
 
 To thee they cling. 
 
 Qf ages past we learn, 
 As to thy face we turn, 
 
 Thou reverend pile ! 
 Thy form and features tell 
 How wisely and how well 
 Our fathers sought to dwell 
 
 Beneath Heaven's smile. 
 
 Those stout old beams of oak, 
 XJnscarred by Time's hard stroke. 
 
 As years have flown — 
 Thy builders' hope declare, 
 "Whose toil it was and prayer 
 That we, their sons, might share 
 
 Blessings their own. 
 
 Their monument art thou, 
 Before whose years we bow 
 
 With love sincere : 
 House, that our fathers made 
 Church, in whose sacred shade 
 Their forms to rest are laid. 
 
 Thee we revere ! 
 
 There, firm and fast, thou'st stood. 
 Through all vicissitude. 
 
 For long gone years — 
 In faith and hope begun. 
 The pride of sire and son, 
 A triumph hast thou won 
 
 O'er all thy peers. 
 
 And there long may'st thou stand. 
 Unharmed by human hand, 
 
 By age unbent — 
 While generations more 
 Than yet have gone before. 
 Shall seek thy hallowed door. 
 
 On Heaven intent ! 
 
CORRECTIONS. 
 
 On a careful examination of these pages, a few errors liave been 
 discovered, which being corrected, the}"" will read as follows : — 
 On pages 42, 58, 70, '• Ebed L. Ripley," instead of " Ebed S." 
 On page 45, " Hinghani Journal of September .'h-d," 1869, instead 
 
 of " July 7." 
 On page 47, eighth line from the bottom, "tread" instead of 
 
 *' thread." 
 On page 52, '' George H. Ilepworth." instead of •' (Jeorg<! W." 
 On page 54, Few No. 32, "Minister" instead of "Singers." 
 On page 56, in the last line nnder the title of "Lighting the 
 
 House," "May 1st," instead of ".July 1st." 
 On page 6o. Mrs. Richardson died " 1872," instead of '• I^iTo." 
 
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