sons profes 'aptist sentiments liveil in Hingham previously to file year 1814. Ill that year Mr. Nathaniel T. Davis inqde this town his place of residence, and lie, with his wife and Miss flannah Beal, Avere the only Baptits
here for several succeeding years. A few others subsequently joined them in the same religious belief, and the first prft-VCI~ meeting was field at the house of Mr. Davis ill 1818. Mi.. Asa Wilbur, of Boston, was visiting in town, and was invited to be present at the meeting. He ta~caine much inter", led in the eff(rts of this small band of worshippers, and was afterwarib, offV11 present at their meetings. For his carnest labors and rinan-
cial aid to the Baptists of this town, through unany succeeding years, be is held by them in grateful remembrance,
In this same year, 1818, the first sermon by it Baptist was preached in Hingliam by Mr. Ensign Lirieoln:and a Sijuda~- .school was organized. This was the first Suilday-school ill Hingham. Its meetings were held in the schoolhouse which stood on the hill in front of the Derby Academy. It was collected and organized by Nancy Studley, Polly Barnes, BeGey Lincoln (afterwards Mr;. Rufus Lane),'and Ilarinah Kiugma~, and there was an attendance of Dinet, v scholars oil the first Sonday. This school was not under the patronage of any religious society, but was an independent school. The first three named ladies were connected with a few Baptists who held meetings, as before stated, at the house of Mr. Davis. Not long afterwards, Rev. Mr. Richardson of the First Parish, find Rev. Mr. Colman OL the Third Congregational Society (both Unitarian), thinking the instruction in the school too evangelical, withdrew the children connected with their parishes and formed schools of their own. The original school continued, however, though with a diminished ,lumber of scholars; and when the Baptists, in 1828, became a branch of the Second Baptist Church, of Boston, the school becalue a Baptist school, and has so continued to the present time.
In 1820 the first baptism took place, making a strong impression upon many of those who witnessed it.
The early struggles of this little band to establish and maintain worship according to their faith were great, Services were held at private houses until August, 1823, when a hall was se~ cured for the purpose in the building next south oi the blacksmith-shop on North Street, near the harbor. It was a rough room,in strange contrast to the claborato churches of the present time. The walls were not plastered, the seats were simply boards nailed upon blocks of wood, which together with a small pine table and chair constituted the furniture. In this room meetings were brief for nearly a year, and in spite of opposition and disturbance, both outside and inside the building during the services, (lie worshippers increased in number.
A building was found in a more quiet location, which could be purchased i but on account of the objection likely to arise if it should be known that it was to be sold to the Baptista, it was deemed prudent to obtain the assistance of some person outside the denomination to make the purchase, that the purpose for which it was to be used might Dot be suspected. Mr. EbeuMr Shiite was willing to purchase the building, costing about $450, provided some individual could be found who would arrange the bargain with discretion. Capt. Laban Horsey, a Unitarian, consettled to take the deed in his own name, and subsequently con. voyed the property to Air. Shute. Thiq building was the one now occupied by At. & A. McNeil, near Hobart's Bridge. The upper story was suitably arranged for ineetings, and for more than two years afforded a convenient and pleasant place for worship.
Up to this time the pulpit had been supplied by many different ministers, among them Rev. Thomas Conant, wbo wag engaged to come and labor bore as often as his other ellgagelleCIAS WOUld permit, Deacon Wilbur becoming personally respoiv~,iOlc for the expense thus incurred.
As an illustration of how earliest these Baptista were ill Such days of struggle and sacrillice to maintain preaching, it is related that on learning late an a Saturday that the preacher expected from Boston was unable to come, Aunt Polly Barnes, as she was called, mounted her horse in the early evening and set out for Scituate to engage Mr. Conant for the next day's services. As she went on her way over a lonely road, a man suddenly sprang front the woods, seized tier horse by the bridle and demanded her illonOv.
" Von must wait until I can get it she said, 'If or I have but one hand." (She had lost her left hand by amputation.)
The highwayman released the bridle for a moment, thinking his booty now secure, when she struck her horse a sharp blow ; lie sprang away, and the rider reached Mr. ConanVs house in safety, engaged him to preach the next day, and rode quietly home to Hinghain, some six miles, the same evening.
March 9, 1828, twenty persons were publicly recognized as a branch of the Second Baptist Church, of Boston, Mr. Nathaniel T.
" T-oted, To pay anint of eigliteea dollars for a clarionet, which had lw, 'a previously purchasod by soine. iodividual and used hi the Baptist ,Ih-ctite,housc, iiad that the ~iarionet shall be tit" property of the church, aed shall be under their direction."
reiisev a student at the Newton Theological InOltution o'fien prvocbe~ to the society. Mr. Creasey was it graduate of Ainherst U,,1h,ge in 1828. He was ordained pastor, May 5, 1831, and the
'honch recognized as an independent body with fifty-one members. .Ih. Cressey's 2ninistry continued for three years and a half , during which a vestry was built in the basement of the niecting-hollse ' :iu(I twenty-eiglit were received into the church, twenty-orai of hese by baptism,
-NI r . Cresse ' y was born at Pornfref, Conn., Sept. 18, 18190, andFor the two succeeding years the church was without a pastor, Rm" John G. Naylor supplying the pulpit much of the time.
July 22,1842, Mr. Sereno Howe necepted a call with the understundinL that Tic was not to enter upon the fail discharge of his ditties until after the completion of !its theological studies -1 bit' in order that he iuiOt be quatified to administer the ordinances of the church, be was ordained as an evangelist at Charlestown. Sept. 28, 1842, he was installed as pastor of this church, and continued as such for nearly seven years. Ilia resigimilon took effect July 8, 1849. Durin., his pastorate, seventy-five persons were received into the church, fifty-seven of them by baptism.
Again, for a period of more than two years, the church was without a regular pastor, during which their spiritual needs wcre nainistered to by many different clergymen and students from the Newton Theological Institution. Among the latter was Mr. Jonathan Tilson, who first preached here Dec. 22,1850. May 3, 1851, lie received a call to become. the minister, which lie accepted on the completion of his theological studies in the following Angust. Ilia labors began September 28, and be was ordained November 5, of the same year.
During the summer of 1851, the meeting-bouse was moved forward eighteen feet and raised three feet, the vestry removed, and a larger one built with a committee room in the rear of it; the interior was improved, it new pulpit took the place of the former one, and now furniture was procured.
Mr. Tilson's pastorate was the longest, in the, history of the church, ending Sept. 24, 1876, after a fruitful service of it quartur of a century. lie received into the church one hundred and fiftysix Persons, of whom one hundred and twenty-five were by baptism. Dui ing his long period of service, Air. Tilson interested himself in the affairs of the town as well a,.; the. church, and was much respected.
Rev. A. Stewart McLean, of Charlestown, was installed pastor Juno 28, 1877, and resigned July 7, 1878. During his pastorate the house was extensively repaired, at a cost of $1,500, and the church received ten persons, of whom seven were by bapti,
In December, 1878, Rev. Henry M. Dean, of Dayton, C, (in' ' entered upon the duties of minister, and continued until June 30, 188T. During his pastorate twerdy-seven persons were received into the church, of whom twenty-one were by baptism.
In 1886, still further repairs were made upon the meetinghouse, and colored glass substituted for the former plain glass windows.
The next minister was Rev. Edward S. Ufford, a graduate of Bates Theological Institute, of Lewiston, Maine. He entered upon his pastorate Nov. 1, 1887, which continued until Nov. 1, 18S9. During his pastorate twenty-six persons were admitted to the
Rev. Sylvanus E. Frohock was the next minister ' 110 was graduated from Brown University, in 1889. Ilia first settlement " ~ks in Old Warwick, R.I., where lie was ordained in 1886. Ile wits pastor of this church from April 6, 1890. to Peb ' 14 1892.
costs's linDuring his pastorate, in the winter of 1891-'92, ext provernents were made in the interior of the mecting-house. New pows, a baptistery, and an organ were put in and'dic fittorior otherwise made attractive and convenient.
Rev. Irving Eugene Usher entered upon the duties of pistor August 28, 1892. Ile was graduated at Madison (now Colgate) I'niversity, Hamilton, N.Y. in 1887, and took a partial course in thc theological seminary there. Ile was first settled in Charleston, N. Y., where lie was ordained in 1887, an(] retnained there two years. From Juno, 1889, to June ' 1892, lie was at AlcGran%ille, N. Y. Since his settlement here Jour persons have been admitted to the church, two of them by baptism.
All the settled ministers, with the exception of Ali. McLean Mr. Ufford, and Mr. Ushor, have been graduates of the Newton T11cological Institution. A church library was established as carly as 1830.
Deacon Joshua Thayer died Feb. 26, 1874. By his will lie dcvi~cd his homestead, on Elm Strect, ricar the iiiecting-house, to
(it(, deacons (if the church and their successors forci er, in trust 1~c- flic church and s(ciety, for the purposes of it parsorage* The
fir.~t deacons to receive a deed of this property were Joseph llipley and Levi Ifersey.
The first deacons were chosen in 18.35. The follooving perswis have field that office: Joshua Thaver, Nicholas Litch(iold, 1-acher Fuller Joseph Riplov, Levi ll~rsily, Walton V. Alead, .%birtin T. Stothiard, and Ocinic W. Horton.
This society has never been large, and its growth has not atally time in its history been rapid, yet an earnest purpose to :1,1here ansWerVingly to evangelical truth liar always prevailed A111(ag its inciabo7s; and froin a small be~iiming ~inid oppositi~a which amounted to persecution, the growth bas been healthy :tl I full of promise to those who have felt that they were devoutly 1, contending for the faith once for all delivered to the saints." MFTHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
The town of Hinghall) was included in what was known as tile Scituate circuit from 1807 to 1826. From tire latter year until 1828 it wag 41 eluded in the Weymouth Society, and in 1828 it became a sep aratesociety. 10807 Rev. Thoinus Asbury, oil the Scituate circuit, was the first Methodist millister who preached in Hingham. He wag an Englishman, said to have been a couSill
of the celebrated Bishop Asbury. Ile married Rachael Binney or Hall, and subsequently rumovea to Ohio, purchasing land on tire present site of the city of Columbus. In 1809, Moses Tower, of Hingham, married Afar), Binney, of Hull, who wag a member of the Methodist Church, and their house, and that of Robert Goold, were opened to Methodist meeting.% for mail), years. Methodist mirdsters occasionally preached in these houses. One of the
bath appointments for the Scituate circuit was Cobasset, where ii house of worship was crected, and where the Methodists of Hingbam worshipped until 1826, when they attended church service% in Weymouth for about two years.
The following ministers preached occasionally in Hingham bapfore 1828, when, on the formation of a separate society, a regular pastor was stationed here: Thomas Asbury, George Pickeriln" John Broadhead, Joseph Snelling, Joseph A. Merrill, Benjamin F. Lambord, Stephen Baily, Edward Hyde, Aaron Lurturnis', Richard EmerY, Bradbury Clay, B. Otheman, Oriii Roberts, Bell
jamin Hazelton, Jotbarn Horton, Isailic Jennison, F. Upham, A. D. Sargent, Stephen Puffer, Benjamin Jones, John Arbins. Moses Sanderson, L. R. Sutherland, Samuel Norris, Jared Perking.
The first class of Methodists was formed in 1818, by Rev. Edward T. Taylor, of Boston (Father Taylor), and consisted of seven members, namely : Robert Goold, Mary Gould, Gcor~v Lincoln, Abigail Goold Tower, Jane Goold, Mary Goold Prilit, and Isaiah Wilder.
The early meetings of this little build were attended with oppo~ sition and disturbances from outside the houses in which they were held, but their number gradually increased. Ili 1828 Rev. Stephen Puffer, who was a local preacher reeidiing in Ithigharn,
cated July 3, 1828, and tile lot and building were conveyed to a board of trustees. Mr. Puffer built the house at his own expense, and sold the pews to cover the cost of building and furnishing. The amount expended was $1,820.
After the meeting-house wag built Hingham becarne a station, and has been supplied by travelling and local preachers down to the present time. The following is a list of the ministers: -
1828 1428 1829 18:30 18:11 1832 18:13 14:11 I S 35 Mill, 1 ~37 18:38 1839 18 lo
18 13-44 I 115 1315 18 ill lihi 1819 I ~.-'o 1~51
1855 1856 1857 1858-3!) IBUO-61 18G2 .
1863-05 1866-68 1869-71 1872-73 1874-75 1S76 1877 1878 1879 1880 1881 1882 1883 1884 1885 1886 1887 1888-8f) 1890 .
1891-92Lyinan Leffingwell. Anios Binney. F. A. Loomis. Robert Clark. Fdward 13. Hinckley. William HenrY Starr. George E. Fuller.
Aterritt P. Alderman. James 11. Nutting. Charles Hammond. James 0. Thnuipson. Annie Howaid Shaw. Charles M. Comstock. George It. Huffman.
Henry It. Cole,Wingeld W. Hall. Angelo Canol, W. F. Lawford.
Arthur Thompson. W. 1). Woodwird. 13. F Jackson.
Georgo. B. Norton. Johu 11. Newlaud. SamuO F. Joliuson. Edwin G. Babcock.
In 1863 there were a superintendent, ten teachers, and sevent.v scholars, and over six hundred books in the library.
lit 1863 Rev, William 11. Starr. the pastor, wrote an interesting historical sketch of the society, in which he attempts to account for the slow growth of Methodism in Hingham. It is chiefly it record of the opinions of the author, but his statement of ~ue cause of weakness is so subtle and entertaining, and so compliancillary to the attractions of the 11 devoted sisters," that it is quoted: -
11 One more circumstance I will mention which has taken strength from this socletv
11 The 1~ltowirlg preachers, R. W. Allen, Amos Binney, F. W. Nichols, Francis Messeur, J. M. Carroll, William Ilambleton, and E. M. Antholtv, in some way learned that we had talented and devoted sisters suited to become valuable belp-mates in their ministerial labors, and have come, once and again and taken those loved and useful sisters from the bosom of this society to other fields of labor and usefulness. May God bless and proqper them wberever they go in their work of love sual self-denial. Their sphere of usefulness lilts been enlarged, and you who were so closely connected with them ought to thank God that you have had daughters and sisters called, I trust, not only by mail, but also by the Spirit of God to so glorious it work."
Extensive alteration-, were made in the meeting-house in and in 1861 the building was inoTed back about thirty feet, raised, vestries built, and a now front and spire added, at oil expense of nearly $4,000.
This building Stood at the corner of North Street and Marsh's Bridlge, facing west.
At the time of the latter extensive repairs, interesting services were held -lit the laying of the corrier-stone, and a box containing many interesting mementos was deposited beneath it.
lit ISA2 the lot oil the opposite side of North Street, at the corner of Tbaxter Street, where the meeting-house now stands, was purchased and the building moved to the new location.
In 1883, with the aid of gifts amounting to $1,000 from Mrs. Stephen Puffer, the widow of Rev. Stephen Puffer, who aided in the original building of the meeting-liouse, a parsonage was built upon the land belonging to the society, in the rear of the meetinghouse, and it was furnished by ill(,. exertions of the rrcmber~, of the church.
The record of this church is not one of large membership and numerous Iteeessiomi, but rather that of an earnest band of Christians, zealously striving for the cultivation and promulgation of those principles which, according to their faith, lead to the salvatioll of souls.
Oil Nov. 1, 1823, there was a mecting of several members of the First Universalist Society, of Scituate, at the house of Capt. Charles W. Cashing, ill Hingliall). With them also met a until. ber of persons of the Universalist belief, from Hingham, and, under the inspiration
meeting-house was erected in 1829, arid was the same "MV occupied by the society, oil North Street. The corner-stone N%as laid May 18, 1829, and the house dedicated to the worship of God Sept. 19, 1829, oil which occasion the sernion was lo'euchod by Rev. Hosea Billion. Chapter 90 of the Acts of the Legislature of 1829 is "An
.%I , t to incorporate the Proprietors of the First Universalist II'viing-hollse ill ffilloarn, " " Moses L. flumplirey, Henry Nye, NlatAiall Lincoln, Ensign i3arnes,Jr., -fairus Thayer and others Niho have associated or may hereafter associate with them and l1wir successor.%" were the persons named in the Act as the nivillbers of the corporation.
, Alllolig the ministers have been the following : Thomas J. 4.1,-Ii%vood, Joseph P. Atkinson, Albert A. Folsom,Jolin F. Dyer, onliel A. Davis Jeremy IT. Farnsworth, Josiah W. Talbot, M. Freston, Albe'rt Case, John D. Cargill, Emmons Partridge, 11 E. Davenport, Pliebe A. Hailaford,Daniel P. Lkerinore, ind t. H. llig.'s.
66 History of Hingham.Mr. Folsom's pastorate was of about seven years' duration, and Mr. Livermore was the minister for eleven years.
Mr. Biggs began to preach for the society in September, 1888, having charge of a parish in the neighboring town of Norwell at the same time. After a few months lie received a call to become the settled poster. His services as such began in March, 1889, and continued until July 1, 1891. lie was a graduate from the Tufts Divinity School.
From a time almost as early as the formation of the society the ordinance of the Lord's Supper has been administered to ail who have felt its helpfulness, and in 1856, during the ministi-) of Rov. Mr. Cargill, a distinct church was organized, consistialg of members who subscribed to the Winchester Confession ol Faith.
The installation of Mr. Atkinson, and the ordinations of Rev. John Nichols and Rev. Pluebe A. Hanaford have taken place in this rneeting-liouse.
The Sunday-sebool of this society has been in a flourishing condition during these many years, having had at times a inionbership of one hundred and twenly-five scholars.
The Universalist denomination has not found in Hingham a very productive field for its growth. Enthusiasm and determination have not been wanting among those of this faith in Hingham, especially in the early days of the society, but the predominant strength of the Unitarians, existing in the older parishes, has given the Universalists less opportunity for increasing their minibers than might have been the case had they found themselves surrounded by other ecclesiastical neighbors.
The first minister of this church and society was Rev. Lbenczer Porter Dyer, Mr. Dyer was born. in South Abington, Aug. 15, 1813, en. tered Amherst College in 1829, where lie remained one, year, and was graduated at Brown University in 1833,,ifter which he pursuQd his theological studies at the Andover Theological Seminary. Ile was licensed to preach in 1838, at Carlisle,and was ordaintU by the wayside at Stow, Sept. 25, 1839. Bo was for
a time pastor of the Evangelical Congregational Church in Stow, front which lie was dismissed in March, 1846. He served as vity missionary in Boston from February, 1846, to October, 1847. While city missionary, in August, 1847, upon invitation ,if thu Norfolk Conference of Churches, lie visited Hingham with a % iow to establishing Evangelical Congregational preac~iiig here.
Religious services according to this faith had previously been held by Rev. Mr. Loring, in the Town Hall, and in September, 1847, with financial aid from the Norfolk Conference, an on-a-ement was made for Mr. Dyer to preach in the Town Hall for a, period of one year. In October of the same year a Sunday-school %x*as organized. Dec. 21, 1847, a church was formed, with eleven members, of which Asa 11. Holden was chosen deacon.
In 1848 the present meeting-house was erected, at the junction of Main and Pleasant Streets, and on Jan. 4, 1849, it was dedicated.
At the close of Mr. Dyer's engagement of 'it year lie became the settled minister, and his'in%tallation took place on Jan, 4, 1849, the (lay of the dedication of the meeting-house.
Mr. Dyer was dismisse from his pastorate Nov. 17, 1863, after sixteen years' service, during which lie served the church faith rally, anq he was a good citizen of the town as well.
T1 e ministers of this church who succeeded Mr. Dyer have been the followl'u.
Rev.Auburn (N. Y.) Theological Seminary, who supplied the pulpit for over a year, commencing in March, 1864. Rev U --- W T-.. Of Annherstt Colle"P oJ
Hartford Theological Seminary, who was installed in May, 1866, and dismissed June 7, 1871
Rev. Austin S. Garver, educated at Pennsylvania College a' a graduate of Andover Theologival Seminary. He was ordaintI'd m; pastor Oct. 31, 1872, and his pastorate ended in July, 1875.
Rev. Edward C. Hood, a, graduate of Princeton College in([ Union Theological Seminary, from September, 1875, to Septemher, 1882.
Rev. Edward A. Robinson, a graduate of Harvard College in 1879, and of Union Theological Seminary, who was ordained Juh 11, 1883. His pastorate ended July 29, 1888.
Rev. Frank L. Goodspeed, acting minister, from June 1, 1889,Rev. Albert I]. Wheelock, the present minister, a graduate of Bnngor Theological Seminary, in 1888. He was ordained July 3. 1888, as pastor of the Congregational Church in Topsham, Maine, where lie remained until lie came to this parish in November, 1891.
The deacons of the church have been Asa 11. Holden, Caleh S. Hunt, Samuel G. Bayley, Jacob 0. Sanborn, Tobias 0. Gardner, George E. Kimball, ,end Charles Bates.
During the pastorate of Mr. Hood the inecting-house was extonsively repaired, a new organ purchased and placed by the side of the pulpit, and a piano purchased for use in the vestr3. Further alterations and repairs were made in the winter of 1886-87, and stained-glass windows were put in. The clock was placed in the tower and started April 19, 1887.
For about thirty years the church received financial aid front the Home Missionary Society. In 1878 the system of raising money for parish expenses by weekly offerings was ttdoptl~d' By a vote of the parish, May 17, 1882, self-support was assumed, and it has been self-sustaining since that time.
III another part of this chapter it lais been stated that thp parishes in Hinglutin did Hot divide upon denominational liters, as was common in the latter part of the last century. For nearly two centuries after the settlement of the town there were no other churches within its original limits, except those which bvcame Unitarian. Doubtless the inclination of the sons to follow fit the footsteps of their fathers in matters pertaining to religious faith and church allegiance will account for the fact that no earlier effort was made to establish an Evangelical Congregational Society here. The policy of this denomination in Hingham 11119
% laruc membership. It should be credited, however, with ail I-RI'llust, self-respecting, and constant devotion to the principles of its faith.
This Church and Society was organized Jan. 21), 1878, under the name of "The Free Christian Mission" by those ]told- III
. g the belief in the "'SecondAdvent," nrid it has continued under the same faith to the present time.
Three years before the organization of the
Society, a little Sunday-school and meetings were started fly two sisters.
Prominent among those who were instrumental in establishing the society, or who have contributed lan~ely for its support, have ls-t-ii John Tuttle, Henry W. Sinclair, William 11. Searles, William 11. Crockett, Alonzo Manuel, and Joseph 11. Hackett. Others also lune aided according to their means and ability, with money and work, to keep alive the Christian work in the vicinity of the ,-hurch. The society has always been self-sustainin 'g, and an indi-pendent body in its relations to any denomination, conference, or mission.
The Chapel, situated Hear the junction of High and Ward '4ieets, was built in 1873 with Contributions of inoney Collected bY ;I committee. The followire, extract from the ToN~n Records
ill explain the manner in which a permit to build I chapel was obtained from the town: -
March 40), 1872. Voted, That the report of the Committee to whom referred the request of join, ruttle and others, to build a Chapel to 1,e u,ed for the pnrpose of religious worship, at, the junction of 11i,gh mol Ward Streets, be amended by striking out the words Ithirty feeW and ' Selectmen,' and adding I Road Commissioners,' and as amended be accepted.
'rhe Committee to whom was referred "the question of the town grant 111,nr (misent, to John Tuttle and others to build a Chapel to be used for ill(! 70 History of Hingham.
streets, with instructions to take into consideration all the facts in relation thereto," have given to the subject a careful examination and respectfully
ship are apparent to nearly every candid and tbinking person. A community is not ouh- improved in intelligence, virtue, and happiness thereby, but with these characteristics come a more earnest recognition and maiatentince of law and order, is well as all increased interest ill the prosperity and geaeral welfare. of society.
Front our local histerv, vve learn that the early settlers of the town were % godly slid law-abi(ling people; and to a considerable extent their characteristics have been sustained by their descendants.
The first church in Ilbighain was formed in 1635. From it have sprung tell other religious societies, all having places for public worship within the original limits of the town, which included Cohasset. At the present time a number of our fellow citizens desire to establish another church. With their associates they number about one hundred persons. a majority of whom reside on Ward and High Streets, or in that vicinity. They have held meetings during the past year at their residences, and these meetings, we learn, have been well attended. In many instances the house Occupied was not sufficiently large to accommodate all who were present.
Oil account of the interest thus manifested, the erection of a Chapel is contemplated. To this end several hundred dollars have already been Pledged or subscribed; but the amount does not at present meet flip, necessary requirements. By renewed exertions, however, those interested in the movement expect soon to overcome this difficulty.
The piece of land which the petitioners ask the town to permit them to build upon is eligibly situated and well adapted for their purpose. It has laid unimproved for the past fifty years without berallit to any one. Your committee bave sought in vain for any title in the premises other thqu that of the town.
They have corresponded and conferred with people who have been familiar with the locality for the past seventy years.
They have also carefully searched the records of Suffolk County, beginning with the time v%hen the lot was first occupied by James Hayward, slid thus far leave been unable to find any conveyance of the property, either by will or deed.
lit view of these circumstances, and of the benefits which the town ma ' vFirst.. That the town reserve thirty feet of the said lot, fronting on High Street, for widenin'- and otherwise improving that street; and
Second. That the petitioners have liberty to enclose a lot for the purlic, ses of crecting :% chapel thereon as requested, within such limits as the Selectmen shall fix and determine upon ; and that a plan of the same shall be filed in the Town Clerk's office.
The membership at the present time is thirty, and the usual rittendanco fit the services but; been froin fifty to one hundred.
Before the organization of any Episcopal mission or church in Hingham, there had been. for many years intermittent services in the town.
III 1824,the first services of the Elliscopal Church were held in Hingham, and continued for a time, with good attendance, in a hall
fitted lip for the purpose by Mr. Daniel Bassett, all ardent Epis(olialian.
The number of those interested for any length of time was So small, however, that no attempt was made to establish a church oil a permanent foundation.
From the Hingham Gazette we learn that Rev. Mr. Cutler preached on the Sunday following Christmas, 1827 ; and from a private letter that the lit. Rev. Alexander Viets Griswold, S. T. D., Bishop of the Eastern Diocese, preached in Hingham oil an evelf iie, in June, 1828, which was probably the first visitation of a Bishop to Hingham.
About the year 1841 Rev. Salmiel Cutler, of Hanover, held sorvices in Bassett's hall, being assisted 1)), clerg) men who chanced to be in the vicinity during the summer season.
The families of Daniel Bassett, Atherton Tilden, and Edward Wilder were the only residents of the town, so far as can be ascortained, at that time identified with the church.
In 1843, services were again held in the saloo hall by Rev. John 1'. Robinson, of Quincy. The hall was loaned for the purpose, .seats were put in, and prayer-books purchased, which were inarked
:1)(iii the covers, 11 Episcopal Church, Hingham." Some of these (Oks are now in use. The services were abandoned after a short I ime, as the number interested in them was small.
Rev. Theodore W. Snow, it missionary in 1844, ,visited many lilaces in the Diocese, and among others held one of more services i~l Hingham."
May 30, 1869, an evenin,, service was held in Loring Hall, andpreached at one of these evening services, which were conducted mostly by Rev. Mr. Street, of Weyinouth. There were occasional services during the sumnier of 1870 and 1871. Finaliv- in 1RV) n soeno,kkfol off.yt. oy,-,I~
The apostolic rite of Confirmation was administered, for the first time in Hingham, by the Rt. Rev. Benjamin Henry Paddock, S. T. D., Bishop of Massachusetts, June 13, 1880, to six persons.
Through the summer of 1881 the services were in charge of Rev. Percy C. Webber, and during the following winter, of Air. Slierrard Billings, as lay reader, then a candidate for holy orders, and a student at the Episcopal Theological School at Cambridge.
July 1, 1881, a lot of land on Main Street, opposite Witter Street, was purchased for $1,000, and a fund for the erection of a church was started.
At Easter, 1882, a mission was organized ; and July 1, 1882, Rev. Charles L. Wells was placed in charge. Mr. Wells was a graduate of Harvard College in 1879.
Services continued in Southworth's ball until 1883.With the proceeds of a sale, the efforts of the Women's Guild, and amounts subscribed by generous friends, sufficient funds Were procured to justify the building of a church on the lot already purchased,and ground was broken for it in November, 1882. Mr. Edgar A. P. Newcomb, of Boston, was the architect, and generouslv contributed his services. The church was finished still coriso~cratcd June 5, 1883, by the Rf. Rev. Benjamin Henry Paddock, S. T. D., Bishop of Massachusetts. The occasion was one of much interest. Over two hundred persons were present at the services of consecration, in which about thirty clergymen assisted.
The dimensions of the church are sixty-four by twenty-four feet, and it has a setting capacity for about one hundred and fifty. Its cost was about $3,000.
The chancel window was the gift of Miss Blanche ShimminThe chancel furniture and font were gifts as well as the organ, the latter presented by St. Paul's Church, of Stockbridge, Mass.
The brass jewelled receiving basin came from London, England, and was also a gift.
The chalice and pa tell of silver and gilt cm-,ra%ed and in scribed, enclosed in
Case of polished oak Were sent from St Andrew's Church, If llinghain, England and still further gift of a lectern and bish op's chair, of oak HVIsgive and elaboratclN , carved, whic] lUid been in use in that ancient church were sent across the ocean and presented 'is a sign of Christian brotherhood and inthnate church relationsbip between the old and the new Hingharn. The following extracts from "The flingbain Deanery Magazine," of April, 1883, are interesting in connection with thes, 0 latter gifts f rom St. Andrew's Church, of Hingham, England: -
" HINCPAIT IN AMERICA.-The Rector has received a letter fram New York from an American ladv, who vile ited four tatrisil last Slimflier, in the hope of gaining some information concerning an ancestor
Thomas Joy, I who left Hingham, England, with a laiini of Put Haas about Ili(! year 1630, and after it short stEiY in Boston, Massachusetts, fouli'lud it town near by, which they named Hingham, in tender inemorv of tla~ir English honfe.' The lady's letter enclosed a letter fuldressud to berclf fly the 'Afinister in charge of the Mission of St. John the Evan , olist" dated Hinglaim, March 5, 1883. He ives an account of it sinall church which is in course of building there, 'and which it is hoped to open for Divine service in he beginning of Alay. This church is to cost about Xtitio, and there "'al, little ),~6~ f,~rfl
Alluding to a request for aid which be had heard of having been made a year ago to the Rector of our Hingham, the Minister says: I I should pr~fer not to receive money from there, even if lie were able and in. clined to send it. I will say, however, that a book, or window, or some article of church furniture (if possible something that had been used there) would be a pleasant memorial of our Mother Church. . . . I (to not think we ought to receive aid from Hingham, but some token of Christian brotherhood and Church relations would be of inestimable value.' The wish thus expressed will surely fiDd a response. A committee has been formed of three ladies, to consider in what way the Church people of Hingham, Norfolk, can best manifest their sympathy with the Church builders and worshippers of Hingham, Massachusetts."
DEAR SIR, - I have lately received and read with much interest and pleasure a letter of yours to Mrs. Dyer, in which you give her an account of Church work at Hingham, Mass. I read your letter to-day to a working party of ladies who are employed much in the same way as the Guild that you write of. They will be much pleased to carry out your suggestion Told to make some present to your Church which may be a token to you and your people of the interest felt for them by the parishioners of Old Hingham. . . . There is a fine old chair which has stood in our Church a long time, which, if you have room for it, I think we might send you to represent your Bishop's "cathedra."
MY DEAR SIR.- I think our means would suffice to procure a clialice and paten suitable for your little church, - if that is what your c'Bligregation would like. The chair which I offered is large and rather unwieldy, bill if you think it worth being carried across the Atlantic, I am sure the church-wardens would lie willing to send it. There is a lectern of proportions suitable, I should think, to your church and made of old oak, which would be much at yoAr service. Let me assure you of my appreciation of the sentiments expressed in your letter to Mrs. Dyer, and of the sympathy of the Church people of Old Hingham with you and vour people of the Dew.
0b)"'od to make an addition, and I any say that we. thus have a guru of 120 (twenty pounds) to be devoted to the procuring of something for %wir church which would be acceptable to you and your
t~,ken-of the sympathy and brotfierly rega~d felt b'y the Church people 1~1` he Old Hinghain for the Church people of the lle'w. It occurs to Tile th,u a silver chalice and paten would be an appropriate gift to your church, and a durable memorial of the regard which we wish to express.
REV. AND DEAR SIR, -Your favor of the 27th tilt. is at hand, and I think you heartily for the kind and cordial feeling which it expresses. We are delighted with the exceedingly generous expressions which it proutises us of the brotherly regard of the Church-people of Old Hingham for as of the New. Above all, we thank you for your interest in bringhig about a happy result; it will be a joy and an inspiration to us for Many years to come. Nor call we conceive of a more desirable, more acceptable, or more appropriate form in which to express the Christiall kwe and Church brotherhood than that which you suggest.
The Chalice and the Paten used in celebrating the memorial of the redeeming Passion of our common Lord will thus serve not only, to bring before us our communion with Him and with each other, bill also to re :::i::1 us, continually, in a beautiful and significant manner of our com-
I ion with our Mother Church across the sea, "to which," as the prefi:ce,to our own Prayer Book so truly and so beautifully says, 11 the Church it tl ese States is indebted under God for her flrst foundation and long conthurince of nursing care and protection." May the union be strong and lasting, ministering to the glory of God and to the prosperity of His ClIl:rch. Believe me, with the greatest respect and esteem,
& Son, Denmark Street, Solio, with the following inscription : " Presented by the Church-people of Hingham, England, to the
Church of St. John the Evangelist, Hingham, Massachusetts, U.S.A.," engraved on the under Ride. On the paten is added the text, 41 We being many are One Bread and One Body."
76 History of Hingham.MY DEAR SUR, - Before leaving home for a few weeks f ordered the chair and lectern, both of which have stood in our old Parish Church, to be Scott to yow . . . .
MY ITEAR SIR, - The enclosed extract from our " Deanery Magazine will show you that we have acted on your acceptance of the proposal contained in my last letter.
The Cludice and Paten have been on view for the last ten days. It has been suggested that your congregation would like to think that they had been used in the Mother Church, and I propose to use them on Sunday next in the celebration of the Holy Communion. The vessels, in their box, sliall then be Sent Up to London for transmission to Boston. I trust that they will -arrive safely, and I know that your people will re ceive our gift as a token of the brotherly love which we entertain for our kinsmen across the ocean. . . .
Mr. Wells resigned in the autumn of 1884, and during the following winter the Mission was in charge of Mr. Walter E. C. Smith, a candidate for Holy Orders in the Episcopal Theological School, at Cambridge.
Rev. James 1. T. Coolidge, D. D., was in charge from 1885 to Nov. 1, 1888, his first Sermon being on Whitsunday, 1885. Ile was graduated at Harvard College in 1838, and received the degree of Doctor of Divinity from Hobart College in 1870.
Rev. Alsop Leflingwell, the present renter, was born July 23, 1858,inFairl'teld,Coiiii. He was graduated at Wesleyan University in 1880; entered Berkeley Divinity School, Middletown, Conn., in 1886, from which institution he was graduated, in 1889. He was temporarily connected with the parish from June to Odtoher, 1889, and since that time lie has been regularly in charge.
The organization as a parish took place in June, 1885.III the extreme Southerly part of the town religious meetings had been held occasionally but not regularly for some years previously to 1890. In the vicinity of Gardner and Whiting Streets there is quite a village. In the Spring of 1890, there being no place near enough to that village to enable the inhabitants to attend church, or the children to go to Sunday-school, it occurred to Mi-8. Annie Belcher and her sister , Mrs. Sarah Chubbuck, of Gardner Street, that a Sunday-school could be established there. They consulted with the families in the neighborhood, and finding them all in favor of the undertaking, and willing to assist, not filly in the formation of a Sunday-school, but also in establishinl~ regular Sunday services, a room was engaged in a building vrected by Leonard Gardner for a wooden-ware manufactory, situated on Gardner Street, and the first meeting was held and a Sunday-schGol organized on the first Sunday in May, 1890, Rev. Jacob Baker, of South Weymouth, officiating, and 1: Wilbur Lincoln being Superintendent of the Sunday-school. The meetingS continued with unabated interest during the summer and antumn of 1890, the attendance increased, and during the summer fifteen persons were baptized. Upon the approach of winter the meetings were discontinued, as there was no means of heating the room in Mr. Gardner's building, but tile Sunday-school was held in different houses during the winter. The enthusiasm which first prompted and had so successfully carried on the V:)o~l work during the Season continued to increase, and the p-oject was then conceived of erecting a building suitable for the wants of the society. In the autumn of 1890 twenty-two persons formed an incorporated organization under the name of the 11 United Social Society of South Hingliam," with the following officers
It society of twenty-two menihers the erection of this chapel seemed quite all undertaking; but friends from Hingham and adjoining towns gave encouragement and substantial aid, which, combined with the persistency and faith of the members of the society from its commencement, completed a building which exceeded the expectations of those directly interested in its construction, and which would be a credit to any community. The chapel was dedicated Sunday, May 16, 1891, with appropriate exercises. At the exercise of dedication sit appeal was made to the congregation by one of the visiting speakers, for aid to reduce the debt incurred in building the chapel, and 8151 were contributed. Tile society is now free from debt. The organ, chairs, and some other furniture were the gift of the sewing society. Services are held every Sunday. There is no settled minister, but clergymen from Hingham and adjoiuing towns officiate at the services. This society is doing a good work.
Although the original limits of the South Parish extend to the southern boundary line of the town, yet the natural boundary line of Liberty Pole Hill marks the division between Glad Tidings Plain and Liberty Plain and the adjacent country. The thickly settled portion of extreme South Hingham forms a village quite a distance from the Meeting-bouse, and partly from this cause and perhaps also from a diversity of opinion there has been a demand for a nearer place of worship.
As bas been previously stated there had been occasional religious meetings and Sunday-sebools through many years in this part of the town. Beginning some forty years or more before the formation of this society, meetings were held regularly for a number of years in the schoolhouse, which brought together oil Sundays a large congregation, not only from this immediate vicinity, but also from Scituate and Hanover. Rev. George Lincoln preached. There was a large Sunday-school connected with these meetings. In 1859-60 there were religiods services in Liberty Hall, at which Rev. J. F. Dyer preached.
The formation of the United Social Society of South Hingham is the natural outcome of these earlier efforts to maintain regular religious services.
At the time when services of tile B~)_
man Catholic Church W,,re first held in Hingham,
tile town was within the limi~s of the
Quincy parish. This was soon after 1840. Afterwards it was attended
from Randolph, then from Abingtun, until 1867, at which time Wey-
mouth became a separate parish. Hingham was tben attached to tile Weymouth parish and so cortiened until it was itself
niade a separate parish in 1876. The first organization of Cath(lies in Hingham was if' 1850, when 'the "Hingham Catholic Association " announced a course of eight weekly lectures, beginning Feb. 5, 1850, upon subjects connected with the history of tile Roinan Catholic Church, by Rev. Mr. Roddan, of Quincy, " in
the Society's rooms near the depot." These lectures were favorably noticed in the ~' Hingham Journal."
For about twenty years after the first services here, the Catholics of Hingham felt the great need of a suitable edirice in which
to worship God after the form of their own religion. During that time their religious services had been hold in the Town 711all.
Efforts had been made from time to time to erect a church, but no progress was made in that direction until Rev. Hugh P. Smyth, the pastor of the Weymouth parish, which included Hinham, took the matter in hand. Father Smyth determined to have a church in Hingham. He bought a site for it in the commanding position oil North Street, opposite Broad Bridge.
I[c labored indefatigably to build a church for his congregation, and on June 12, 1870, the corner-stone laid with impressive Ceremonies. In the absence of the Bi the Very Rev. P. F.
Lyndon, V. G., officiated as celel)rqnL - d .1141 -----was preached by Rev. Charles Lynch, of North Adams, Mass. The following ~Iergymen also took a part in the ceremonies: Rev. M. Moran, Abington; Rev. Thomas McNulty, North Bridge- water; D _ ~___ - I - I
I.Ov. 011111vall, wulney ; xvev. lulullaci Oupple, Charlestown ; Rev. Michael Lane, and Rev. F. Dolan, South Bostell. The services were conducted in the presence of a large con. grelption.
Th energy of Fattier Smyth was unceasing ill urging on the completion of the church, and it was so far finished as to'6e dedi. cated July 23, 1872, it testimony at once of the pastor's zeal and the people's earnestness.
Among the clergymen present at the dedication were the Right Rev. John J. Williams, Bishop of Boston ; Rev. James A. Healey, St. James Church, Boston: Rev, Sherwood Healey, rector of the Cathedral; and Rev. Peter A. McKenna, of Marlboro'. A choir under the direction of Mr. Lloyd, of St. James Church, Boston, sang with good effect. The ceremony of dedication was performed by the Right Rev. Bishop according to the ritual, which was followed by the Mass, at which Rev. Sherwood Healey officiated. The scrinon was preached by Rev. Peter A. McKenna, of Marlboro'.
Tho church is of wood and its dimensions are one hundred and cloven by fifty-six feet, with a tower and spire one hundred and twenty-eight feet MO. In the basement is a spacious vestry with a number of antoromns connected with it. The interior has a finish of chestnut capped with black walnut. The architect was P. C. Kelley, of Brooklyn, N. Y. It has numerous windows of stained glass, which were contributed by devoted members of the parish.
For some time the pastor, Fattier Smyth, was assisted in his parish work by Rev. Peter J. Leddy. When Hingham was made a separate patlsh, Fattier Leddy was appointed pastor. He was ail affable and genial mail, respected in the town. He died here, much lamented, Jail. 15, 1880.
Father Leddy was followed by Rev. Gerald Fagan, the present pastor.
During a portion of the time Father Fagan was assisted by Rev. Hugh J. Mulligan.
The church is dedicated to Saint Paul.This church has a larger membership than any other in the town, and is active in all matters relating to the work of the Romail Catholics.
In reviewing the ecclesiastical history of New England much has been written about the intolerance of our Puritan ancestors, - those " holy and horrible men of heart " by whom our Colonies were planted. Mr. Winthrop speaks of them as 11 sublime exam-
IAL_ 'f piety, endurance, and heroic valor and says, " We sometintes assume to sit in judgment oil their doings. We often c6licise their faults and failiju,s. There is a special proneness tq hae to deride their superstitious and denounce their intolerallec." The church in Ilingliant began its existence under the spiritual guidance of Rev. Peter Hobart, who was a mail of too large and liberal views tu be a bigot in religious matters. Quoting :I~Zaln from Mather, "his heart was knit in a most sincere and livarty love towards pious men"though they were not in all things ,if hi.~ own persuasion, saying, I I can carry them in my bosome.' " Under the lead of such a mail there appears to have been no miusual intolerance here. Possibly the discipline of the church 1%;Is Ito less severe in Hinlaham than in the neighboring towns, but lie who searches our early church records will find no mention (if such cases of discipline as are found in the records of many chlaches.
It may be that the ecclesiastical history of Hingliani is very much like that of niany other Ninv England towns, but we caiiii(h Audy it, closely without being impressed with one central and pervading principle, - not that of intolerance, but of independence.
That independent spit-it which gave the people of this town the, voora.gc born of their convictions, the boldness to assert their 01,1111011s, the determination to establish and maintain their faith, mid the resolute adherence to the right of search after truth MTOrditu, to the dictates of conscience, is manifest throughout AI their history.
That independent spirit is seen in our Puritan ancestors, who I '-ft their homes, crossed the sca, and settled here to escape persveation ; in Peter Hobart, the bold, fearless, resolute mail, in his controversy with the magistrates ; in Ebe,iczer Gay, who dared to promulgate broader and more progressj~e opinions than most of his contemporaries ; in the inhabitants of the Second Precinct aiel South Parish in their determined efforts to secure for them,vhes independent churches ; in the founders of the Third Con,;-vgational Society in the Baptists and Methodists, w-ho straggled ;i ut persisted in establishing churches of their own faiths, over 4.0111iiur opposition amounting almost to persecution ; and in the
:Holle peaceful, yet none the less loyal efforts of those of other .Iulrelies, whose history has been told.
(ut of ill this independence has come logically ;I spirit of toleration. There call hardly be found in NewmEngland a community ill 1% hich there is iso much liberty of religious opinion as ill flinghmu. Ministers of the various churches have been accustomed to shuld in each others' pulpits and deliver their holy messages to appreciative and sympathizing congregations, and in the spirit of Irm! Christianity are alwa3 a ready to lend a helping hand and ~p~-;ik a consoling word to any who are in trouble, regardless of dk~ ooninational affiliations. Happily for the welfare of the town,
I (".. 1. - (I I