Hingham Town (part 1 of 9)

Hingham Town

The Third Parish, in Hingham, was set off March 25, 1745, and a meeting-house had already been erected in 1742. It comprised the southerly portion of the town. There was much opposition in the town to the setting off of this as a separate parish, and bitter controversouth hingham meeting-house. sies arose in consequence ; but by persistent efforts the inhabitants of the south part of the town at last succeeded in carrying out their wishes.

" Nov. 20, 1746. The church in the south parish, in Hingham, was embodied by the rev*? Nathanael Eelles, of Scituate, and the rev1? William Smith, of Weymouth."

" We, whose names are hereunto subscribed, apprehending ourselves called of God into a sacred fellowship with one another in the profession and practice of the holy christian religion as a particular Church of the Lord Jesus Christ, do solemnly covenant with God and with one another as follows : -

" In the first place, We avouch the Lord this day to be our God, yielding ourselves to him to be his servants, and chusing him to be our portion forever.

walk in his ways, and to keep his statutes, and his commandments and his judgments, and to hearken unto his voice. We declare our serious belief of the christian religion, as it is taught in the Bible, which we take for a perfect rule of faith, worship, and manners.

" We acknowledge the Lord Jesus Christ as the head of his people in the covenant of grace, and accept him as our prophet, priest, and king, and depend on him in the way which he hath prescribed for instruction, pardon, and eternal life.

" We profess our serious resolution to deny, as the grace of God teacheth us, all ungodliness and worldly lusts, and to live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world, to endeavor that our conversation may be such as becomes and adorns the gospel.

" We promise to walk together in all ways of holy communion as brethren in the family of Christ and children of our Father, who is in heaven, to keep the faith and observe the order of the gospel, chearfully to support and conscientiously to attend the public worship of God in all the instituted duties thereof ; and to submit to the discipline of his kingdom, to watch over one another with christian tenderness and circumspection, to avoid sinful stumbling blocks and contentions, and to endeavor our mutual edification in holiness and comfort.

" Farthermore, We dedicate our offspring, with ourselves, unto the Lord, engaging to bring them up in his nurture and admonition, to serve him with our household, and command them to keep the way of the Lord ; and, as far as in us lieth, to transmit the ordinances of Christ pure and entire to them who shall come after us.

" All this we do in the presence and fear of God, with a deep sense of our unworthiness to be admitted into covenant with him, and to enjoy the privilidges of the evangelical Church state, and our own insufficiency to perform the duties of it, and do therefore rely on and pray to the God of grace and peace, who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus Christ, that great Shepherd of the Sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, to pardon our many sins and to make us perfect in every good work, to do his will, working in us that which is well pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen."

The following letter, sent on the day before the ordination, by Rev. Ebenezer Gay to the Third Church in Hingham, indicates the state of feeling in the town towards the new parish : -

I communicated to the Church under my pastoral care the letter you sent to us desiring our presence and assistance at the Ordination you are proceeding to. By withholding the vote of compliance with your request, the greater part of the Brethren by far signified their unwillingness to grant it : whence, and by what I can since learn, 't is plain to me that I cannot attend the ordination of your minister as a Delegate from the Church, it being the mind of the generality of them not to send any. I am sorry that matters are so circumstanced betwixt you and your brethren here that they are not free to countenance and assist you more in the settlement of the Gospel Ministry among you. I meddle not with what has been in controversy between you and them, being of a civil nature. Therefore shall be ready to serve you all I can in your religious affairs and interest as a Christian neighbour and Gospel Minister. Tho' I now may not in the particular you have desired as the Messenger of a Church - than whom an Elder in an Ecclesiastical Council is nothing more, - since the important affair before you may be as well managed without as with us, I pray you to be content that this Church should not be active in it, and explicitly encouraging of it, since they have not sufficient sight therefor.

I believe it seems hard to you to be refused what you have asked of your mother, . . . but you know it has been a day of temptation and provocation in the town, and angry resentments, whether just or unjust, are not wont soon to be quite laid aside after the strife between contending parties is at an end, and the conquered, when they submit, are not presently so loving friends as afterwards they sometimes prove.

If you patiently and silently pass over the conduct of the Church towards you, I hope there will be a comfortable harmony of affections between you and us. On the walls of a new meeting-house were once engraven these words, "Build not for faction nor a Party, but for promoting Faith and Repentance in communion with all that, love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity, ." May this be verified in the House you have erected for Divine Worship. I wish you God's presence in it at all times, and especially on the morrow at the Ordination of a Pastor over you, and I pray God to make him a great blessing to you and to your children. I am your sincere and affectionate friend,

In the face of the facts indicated by the above letter, one can hardly suppress a smile at the very first vote in the records of the first meeting of the church after the ordination of Mr. Shute, on Jan. 13, 1746-7, which is as follows : -

" That the church will choose a committee to request of the First Church, in Hingham, some part of the furniture of their communion table, provided the Rev? Mr Gay shall think proper to advise to it."

It is almost needless to state that, at a meeting held on the twenty-fifth of the same month, the committee reported " that upon their application to Mr. Gay he did not advise to it."

The principal facts concerning the formation of the Third Church and Parish, and Dr. Shute's ministry, are contained in an excellent memoir prepared by the father of the writer in 1863. It would be an affectation of an ability not possessed by his son to attempt any improvement upon, or addition to his accurate statements relating to the history of affairs in this town, or his estimate of its leading men, and it is a pleasure to be able to give his words as prominent a place as possible in this " History of Hingham." The accomplishment of such a work was his hope, but that hope, though long entertained, he was not destined to see fulfilled.

Memoir Of The Rev. Dr. Shute By Solomon Lincoln

Daniel Shute, a son of John and Mary (Wayte) Shute, was born in Maiden, the residence of his parents, on the 19th of July, 1722. He entered Harvard College in 1739, remained there for the whole term of four years, and was graduated in 1743. Among his classmates were the Hon. Foster Hutchinson, of the Supreme Court of the Province of Massachusetts ; Major Samuel Thaxter, of Hingham, a distinguished officer in the war against the French and the Indians ; the Hon. James Otis, father of the celebrated Revolutionary patriot and orator ; and the Rev. Gad Hitchcock, D.D., a distinguished divine of Pembroke.

Mr. Shute, having chosen the profession of Divinity, was invited in April, 1746, to commence his professional career as a candidate in the South Parish of Maiden. In June of the same year he was invited to preach as a candidate in the recently formed Third Parish in Hingham. This Parish was set off from the First Parish (Dr. Gay's) in that town, March 25, 1745, and at that time was designated the Third, as Cohasset," which was the Second Precinct, had not then been incorporated as a separate district or town. This was done in 1770, and the Third Parish of Hingham has since been known as the Second Congregational Parish. The inhabitants composing this Parish, which embraced territorially the south part of the town, had contended zealously for nearly twenty years for sejmrate parochial privileges, which were denied to them. Some alienation of feeling naturally grew out of a controversy so long protracted. Confident of ultimate success in their efforts, the inhabitants of the south part of the town had, in 1742, erected a commodious meeting-house on Glad-Tidings Plain, which is now standing in a good state of preservation.

Mr. Shute declined an invitation to settle in Maiden, and in September, 1746, accepted the call at Hingham. In the following November a church was embodied by the Rev. Nathaniel Eelles, of Scituate, and the Rev. William Smith, of Weymouth. Mr. Shute was ordained their pastor, December 10th, 1746. The Rev. Messrs. Eelles of Scituate, Lewis of Pembroke, Emerson of Maiden, Bayley and Smith of Weymouth, were invited, with delegates, to form the Ordaining Council. The part performed by each on that occasion is not known. The exercises were not printed. Mr. Gay of the First Church was also invited to be present with delegates, but he declined the invitation in behalf of his church, and did not himself attend. He wrote a very conciliatory letter to the new church. . . .

But a short time elapsed before the most friendly relations were established between the two parishes and their pastors. In May following the settlement of Mr. Shute, he exchanged pulpit services with Dr. Gay, and continued to do so until the death of the latter. Mr. Shute was a frequent guest at the hospitable table of Dr. Gay, and they enjoyed many a frugal repast and rich intellectual feast together.

There was entire harmony in their religious opinions ; and it has been said that there was great unanimity of sentiment between all the members of the Association to which they belonged, of which Drs. Gay, Shute, Hitchcock, Barnes, Smith, Brown, Rand, and others were members. At a subsequent period of their lives, Gay and Shute took opposite views of the great political questions which agitated the country, - the former being a moderate Tory and the latter an ardent Whig. Their political differences, however, caused no interruption to their friendship. During a severe illness of Mr. Shute, Dr. Gay manifested the most anxious solicitude for his recovery, and expressed the warmest feelings of attachment. The first marriage of Mr. Shute was solemnized by Dr. Gay, and at the funeral of the latter, Mr. Shute, in his discourse on that occasion, paid a most affectionate tribute to the memory of his distinguished friend.

The ministry of this venerable man covered more than the last half of the last century. During that period pastors and people were severely tried by the French and Revolutionary wars. In both, Mr. Shute entered warmly into the feelings of the great body of the people, and used an active influence in forming and guiding public opinion. In 1758, he was appointed by Governor Pownall chaplain of a regiment commanded by Col. Joseph Williams, raised " for a general invasion of Canada."

In 1767 he delivered the Annual Sermon before the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company, from the text, Ecclesiastes ix. 18 : " Wisdom is better than weapons of war." In 1768 he preached the Election Sermon from the text, Ezra x. 4: "Arise, for this matter belongeth unto thee ; he will also be with thee ; be of good courage and do it." Both these discourses were printed, and bear marks of careful composition, sound views, and strong common sense. His sermon at the funeral of his venerated friend, Dr. Gay, in 1787, was also published, and was a most impressive and fitting memorial of the character of that eminent divine, in whose footsteps he delighted to tread.

No discourse of his has been published which presents any discussion of points of controversial theology. Indeed, tradition informs us that his public performances were remarked for the absence of all such topics; yet it is well understood that he sympathized with those who entertained what were termed " more liberal views " than those entertained by the great body of the clergy. In this respect there was great harmony of opinion in the whole town, and in all the parishes which it then contained.

The sound judgment and knowledge of the human character possessed by him were often called into requisition on Ecclesiastical Councils. From his papers, which have been carefully preserved by his descendants, who hold his memory in veneration, he appears often to have been a peacemaker, and to have aided, by his moderation and discreet advice, in composing unhappy differences in parishes quite remote from his own, but to which his reputation had extended.

His salary was a moderate one. His parish was not large, and was composed chiefly of substantial farmers and mechanics. To procure the means of a more independent support, he took scholars to prepare them for college and the pursuits of business. His pupils being generally sons of wealthy patrons, he derived a considerable income from their board and tuition, whereby he enlarged his library, and acquired a respectable amount of real estate, which is now held by his descendants. Among his scholars are recollected the Hon. Thomas H. Perkins and the Hon. John Welles of Boston, and sons of General Lincoln and Governor Hancock.

In 1780 he was chosen by his townsmen a delegate to the convention to frame a Constitution for the State, - such was the confidence reposed in his abilities and patriotism.

in the Convention of Massachusetts which ratified the Constitution of the United States, and on this occasion voted and took an active part in favor of adopting the Constitution. In the brief sketches of the debates which have been preserved there is the substance of a speech which he delivered on the subject of a Religious Test, which strikingly illustrates his liberality and good sense. It is characterized by a vigorous and manly tone, taking the ground that to establish such a test as a qualification for offices in the proposed Federal Constitution, would be attended with injurious consequences to some individuals, and with no advantage to the community at large.

After the close of the Revolutionary war, Mr. Shute devoted himself almost entirely to his parochial duties, indulging occasionally, by way of recreation, in agricultural pursuits.

In November, 1797, on account of the infirmities of age and a failure of his sight, he wrote to his parish, " Whenever it shall become necessary for you to settle and support a colleague with me, I will relinquish my stipulated salary, and I will do it as soon as you shall supply the pulpit after I must resign preaching." In April, 1799, he renewed the proposition in a letter to the parish, in which he remarks : "This relinquishment of my legal right in advanced age, in the fifty-third year of my ministry, I make for the Gospel's sake, - persuading myself that, this embarrassment being removed, you will proceed in the management of your religious concerns with greater unanimity and ardor."

Dr. Shute relinquished his public labors in March, 1799, from which time he retained his pastoral relation until his decease ; but gave up his salary, as he had proposed. The Rev. Nicholas Bowes Whitney, a native of Shirley and a graduate of Harvard College in 1793, was ordained as a colleague of Dr. Shute, January 1, 1800. Dr. Shute died August 30, 1802, in the eighty-first year of his age and the fifty-sixth of his ministry. At his funeral a sermon was delivered by the Rev. Henry Ware (senior), the successor of Dr. Gay as pastor of the First Parish. In that sermon Dr. Ware represents him as having enjoyed a distinguished rank among his brethren for talents, respectability, and public usefulness ; as having possessed a quick perception and clear discernment, and been capable of tracing a thought in all its various relations ; as having aimed in his preaching at enlightening the understanding, impressing the heart, and improving the life ; as having framed his discourses in such a manner that they were level to common capacities, while yet they furnished food for the more reflecting and intelligent ; as having united great solemnity with great pertinence in his addresses at the throne of grace ; as having mingled with his people with great freedom and kindliness, and sought to promote their advantage, temporal as well as spiritual, by every means in his power. In short, he represents him as a fine model of a clergyman, and as having enjoyed in an unusual degree the confidence of the community in which he lived. And I may add that tradition is in full accordance with Dr. Ware's statements.

Dr. Shute possessed an excellent constitution, and lived to the age of fourscore years in the enjoyment of an uncommon degree of health until near the close of his life. The partial loss of sight was borne with patience and serenity, and the approach of the end of life did not deprive him of his usual cheerfulness.

Rev. Nicholas Bowes Whitney, the second minister, was born in Shirley, March 21,1772, and was graduated at Harvard College in 1793. He was ordained colleague pastor Jan. 1, 1800, and after the death of Dr. Shute continued as sole pastor until April 15, 1833, when his connection with the parish was dissolved in the thirty-fourth year of his ministry. He died Nov. 26, 1835.

"Mr. Whitney had much ill health. Circumstances of constitution led him to struggles which few could have more valiantly sustained. With nerves tenderly strung, and a depression of spirits at times weighing mountain-heavy upon him, he was not fitted to make speedy progress among the sharp angles of life. He was naturally a diffident man. That press-forwardness which offensively pushes itself into public observation, which has no rest till it is seen, acknowledged, and admired, was no part of his character. At a time when many seem striving for office with twice the zeal they strive for heaven, it was comforting to find one who courted neither place nor power. His home and his parish were the centre, however wide the circumference. His ideas were clear, natural, and practical. He loved no warfare. He was willing that others should venture out upon the boisterous sea of controversy and bear the pelting of sectarian storms ; and wherever the waves of polemic strife ran high, we found him mooring his bark far up in some quiet haven."

Rev. Warren Burton, a graduate of Harvard College in 1821, succeeded Mr. Whitney. His ministry extended from May, 1833, to the latter part of 1835.

Rev. John Lewis Russell was the minister for one year, beginning in 1836 ; from May, 1842, to June, 1849 ; and rather irregularly in 1853 and 1854. Mr. Russell was born in Salem, Dec. 2, 1808, and died there June 7, 1873. He was a graduate of Harvard College in 1828. He was a man of eminent talents. The various branches of natural history afforded him abundant scope for the gratification of his tastes, and he was widely known among students for his scientific knowledge. He was somewhat eccentric, at times blunt and extremely outspoken, and was distinguished more as a scientist than as a divine. It has been said of him in a memoir by Rev. Edmund B. Willson, of Salem : -

" Mr. Russell's chosen profession was that of the ministry. Though he did not spend the greater part of his active years in permanent pastoral relations with any religious society, his heart was in this calling. He was interested in theological study, and marked its progress with a keen attention. He had great respect for good learning, and never failed to pay due honor to true scholarship. Though his personal tastes led him persuasively to the study of nature, and his deep moral convictions and humane feelings impelled him strongly to certain forms of philanthropic discourse and action, he set none the less value upon patient research, sound criticism, and the fruits of thorough professional culture.

study. Side by side with his ministerial work it held its place in his regard, without, however, causing his earnestness in the minister's work to flag. He was an earnest and uncompromising opponent of American slavery, at a time when slavery had many and powerful apologists in the Northern States. Although a ' hard hitter ' in the field of theological controversy, he was no sectarian."

" With a deep sense of our need of improvement and with a desire of performing all our religious duties through the means of grace provided for us in the mission of Jesus Christ, whom we receive as the Messenger of Truth from God, we enter into the communion of his disciples ; earnestly praying that by imitating his example, and by imbibing his spirit, we may walk together in the fellowship of the Gospel."

During the interval between the first and second terms of Mr. Russell's ministry, Rev. Mr. Pickering was the settled minister from August to November, 1837, and Rev. Lyman Maynard from April, 1838, to May, 1842.

Rev. "William T. Clarke was minister for four years from 1855 to 1859. The Church and Parish were reorganized and united under Mr. Clarke's administration, the following covenant being adopted:

" Acknowledging our dependence upon the Infinite Father and the obligations that rest upon us as rational, moral, and immortal beings, earnestly desiring to perform all our duties and extend the reign of truth and righteousness among men, with Jesus for our teacher and guide, we unite with this church, that by mutual assistance and co-operation in spiritual things we may make that improvement and accomplish that good in the world which as individuals we cannot effect."

Rev. Jedediah J. Brayton was minister for two years ending in 1860, Rev. Robert Hassel for three months, Rev. J. L. Hatch for two years, from 1862 to 1864, Rev. Mr. Sawyer for one year, and Rev. John Savary, a graduate of the Harvard Divinity School in 1860, for two years until 1868.

Rev. Allen G. Jennings was ordained minister of the Parish June 9, 1870, and continued in the office until 1881, a period of eleven years. Mr. Jennings was a faithful and energetic pastor, and was, during the last nine years of his ministry, the Superintendent of the public schools of the town. By his labors in the cause of education the schools of the town were much improved, and he laid the foundation for that further development which has brought them to a high rank among others in the Commonwealth.

Rev. William I. Nichols, a graduate of Harvard College in 1874, was engaged as minister, and took charge of the parish Sept. 4, 1881. After a year's service he was ordained pastor Oct. 4, 1882, and continued as such until Oct. 7, 1883, when he resigned. It was his first settlement. Mr. Nichols had previously been the preceptor of Derby Academy.

After the pastoral relations of Mr. Cross had been dissolved, the parish was for four years without a settled minister. In the meantime the pulpit of the Third Congregational Society had become vacant, and arrangements were made to settle a minister, who should have both these parishes under his charge, services to be held in the New North Church on Sunday mornings and at South Hingham in the afternoon. This plan was satisfactory to the members of both parishes and Mr. Charles T. Billings became the minister. He was born in Fitchburg, Mass., Feb. 27, 1863, and was graduated at Harvard College in 1884. After teaching two years at the Adams Academy in Quincy, Mass., and studying a year in Europe, he pursued his theological studies at the Harvard Divinity School, where he was graduated in 1890. He was ordained minister of the two parishes July 2, 1890, the ordination services being held in the New North Meeting-house.

The meeting-house was raised June 22, 1742, on the lot on Main Street, where it now stands. The parish was set off March 25, 1745. The original front of the building was on the southerly side, having an entrance there, and another entrance to the galleries on the westerly side. The pulpit was on the northerly side, with a sounding-board over it ; the floor was occupied by square pews, and long seats were in the galleries.

Extensive repairs were made in 1756, but the house remained substantially as it was built until about 1792, when a porch was built on the westerly side ; a tower was built on the easterly side, and additional pews and seats were constructed. In 1793 a bell was placed on the meeting-house. Stoves were introduced in 1822. In 1829-30 the southerly and westerly entrances were abandoned ; the tower was widened to the roof ; the easterly end under the tower became the main entrance, with two doors ; a larger bell was purchased ; the old square pews were removed and new long ones took their places ; the pulpit was removed to the westerly end.

In 1869 extensive improvements and changes were made. An organ gallery was built in the westerly end in the rear of the pulpit and an organ was placed in it ; the pew doors were removed, and the interior was quite generally renovated. In 1881 the clock was placed in the tower.

The New North Meeting-House, Hingham

The circumstances which gave rise to the formation of the Third Congregational Church and Society in 1806 have alreadybeen alluded to. This society was incorporated by an Act of the Legislature, Feb. 27, 1807. The church was organized under the name of the Third Church in Hingham, June 16, 1807. The meeting-house was built, upon the same lot of land on which it now stands, at the time of the formation of the society by the proprietors, who were incorporated by an Act of the Legislature under the name of the New North Meeting-House Corporation, and was dedicated June 17, 1807. The two corporations exist the same to-day.

Rev. Henry Colman, the first minister, was born in Boston, Sept. 12, 1785, and was graduated at Dartmouth College in 1805. He was ordained pastor of this society June 17, 1807, and was dismissed, at his request, March 14, 1820, in the thirteenth year of his ministry. He died in Islington, England, Aug. 17, 1849. After leaving Hingham he opened an academy in Brookline, continuing it for a few years, when he became the pastor of the Independent Church in Salem, holding that office from Feb. 16, 1825 to Dec. 7, 1831. He then became almost exclusively a farmer, having purchased a farm at Deerfield, Mass. Influenced by this pursuit and commissioned by the State, he visited Eng- land, France, and other foreign countries, and fell ill in London, with a fatal disease. Mr. Colman possessed excellent abilities, was very fascinating in person and manners, and is said to have been more hospitably received by the aristocracy of England than any other private American citizen. In a letter in the writer's possession, he says : -

" I have spent three days at the Duke of Richmond's, at Goodwood, and have now promised positively that I will go to Gordon Castle in September to spend at least a fortnight, when he says he will show me the whole county."

" I never knew any foreigner so identified with us and our habits and so entirely adopted by the country. And yet there was no lack of independence of thought and action, and he avowed preference of most things both in civil and social life in his own country. Yet he was so candid and true and honest, and so fond of those qualities in others, and with great talents there was so charming a simplicity of character, that he won on everybody he approached. There is no exaggeration in his printed letters, in which he so often spoke of the innumerable solicitations he received from persons in every part of England to visit them. All who had once received him wished a repetition of the pleasure, and their report caused him to be courted by others."

Rev. Charles Brooks, the second minister, was born in Medford, Oct. 30, 1795, and was a graduate of Harvard College in 1816. He was ordained pastor Jan. 17, 1821.

" Upon his settlement Mr. Brooks entered at once upon active duty? engaging with great earnestness in all the measures which he thought would be useful to his parish or the community. He established a Sunday School in his society in 1822; a parish reading society; and, during the first year of his ministry, he wrote a Family Prayer Book, intended for his people, which was afterwards published in Hingham. Eighteen editions of it were issued, many having 4,000 copies each.

" Mr. Brooks took an active interest in the Peace cause, he was an ardent friend of the American Colonization Society, by his influence the Savings Bank was established in Hingham, he was an early advocate of the Temperance cause in the Old Colony, he was the first person to introduce anthracite coal into Hingham, and he started the project of a line of steamboats between Boston and Hingham.

" Mr. Brooks was an early and constant friend of popular education, serving as a member of the school committees of Hingham and Medford for nearly forty years, and he was also a Trustee of Derby Academy.

" The various employments in which Mr. Brooks engaged with great readiness, and in which he worked with enthusiasm and perseverance, besides the discharge of his parochial duties, bore heavily upon his strength. He sought relief and rest by a change of scenes and occupation. He visited Europe in 1833, and made the acquaintance of many distinguished persons, among them Rogers, Campbell, Wordsworth, Jeffrey, Cousin, Arago, Schlegel, Mrs. Hemans, Miss Martineau, and many others of note.

" It was during the voyage to Europe that he became interested in the Prussian system of education. His room-mate was Dr. Julius, of Hamburg, who was sent to this country by the King of Prussia, to collect information respecting our prisons, hospitals, and schools ; so that Mr. Brooks, in a passage of forty-one days, had a fine opportunity of becoming acquainted with the Prussian system, and of enlarging his European correspondence. In 1835 he addressed his people on Thanksgiving Day on the subject of Normal Schools ; and from that day forward, on every opportunity, he lectured before conventions to advance the cause into which he had entered with so much enthusiasm. He lectured in nearly one hundred different towns and cities, - in every place where he was invited. By invitation of the legislatures of Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, he delivered to crowded assemblies, in each, two or three lectures, besides speaking in most of the capitals between Boston and Washington. The results were the establishment of Boards of Education and Normal Schools. A distinguished educator, who is entirely competent to judge in this matter, says that Mr. Brooks, for his long, disinterested, and unpaid labors in the cause of education, is entitled to be considered, more than any other individual, what he has been called, the ' Father of Normal Schools.'

" The citizens of Plymouth County owe him a debt of gratitude for the influences which he set in motion resulting in the establishment of the Normal School at Bridgewater. It was in 1838 that the celebrated meeting of the ' Plymouth County Association for the Improvement of Common Schools ' was held at Hanover, where brilliant speeches were made by Horace Mann, Robert Rantoul, George Putnam, John Quincy Adams, and Daniel Webster, and a powerful impression was made upon the public mind. It was on this occasion that Mr. Adams, after speaking of what monarchs had done to establish Normal Schools through their realms, exclaimed, 'Shall we be outdone by kings?' and closed a very eloquent speech amid the acclamations of the assembly. Mr. Webster spoke also, with his accustomed simplicity, directness, and power. ' If,' said he, ' I had as many sons as old Priam, I would send them all to the public schools.'

" Mr. Brooks was present at this meeting ; took the lead in the measures proposed, and was deferred to as the engineer of the work to be done to create a correct public sentiment.

"In 1838 he was elected professor of Natural History in the University of the City of New York, and proposed to visit Europe to qualify himself for the duties of his new office. He accepted the office with the concurrence of his parish, and it adopted resolutions on the dissolution of the connection, expressing gratitude for his past services, and wishes for his future success.

of importance to him in the professorship. On his return to this country the failure of his sight compelled him to resign his professorship, and to retire to private life. Always engaged in some philanthropic object, he turned his attention to the condition of aged and destitute clergymen. He collected statistics, and formed a society for their relief. It has been eminently useful, dispensing its blessing with a liberal hand. He devoted much of his time to Sunday-schools, and was an efficient officer of the Sunday-school Society.

" Mr. Brooks was sincere in his friendship, candid in his judgment, genial, cheerful, and affable. He was averse to all controversy ; he avoided theological polemics, and was a peace-maker, adding to a life of practical benevolence the graces of a Christian character."

Mr. Brooks's pastoral connection was dissolved Jan. 1, 1839, after a ministry of a few days less than eighteen years. He died in Medford, July 7, 1872.

My Friend, - Knowing you are the only person who could pardon me for sending a bill of coal,1 dated Nov. 15th, 1825, I would let my explanation be my apology.

In 1825 all anthracite coal was called Lehigh coal. The difficulty of igniting it gave rise to grave objections and nimble wit. One person proposed to bore a hole into the centre of the mine, then to creep in and be perfectly safe in the general conflagration. I read something about the coal and believed it would be just the thing for my study ; I therefore purchased of Messrs. Lyman & Ralston, of Boston, a sheetiron pyramidical stove, lined with fire-brick, and one ton (then 2,000 lbs.) of coal. That good-natured captain, Peter Hersey, Jun., brought the stove and coal to Hingham in his packet, on the 15th day of November, 1825, and arrived about 4 o'clock, p. m., of that day. I have the impression that this was the first piece of anthracite coal introduced into the town, and perhaps into the county.

Like most strangers, on first introductions, my ton of coal met with some singular treatment. The passengers on board the packet interested themselves in handling it ; breaking it, or rather in trying to break it ; in guessing about its properties ; in wondering how heat could be got out of it ; and finally in concluding to try to burn some in the open cabin fireplace. The packet had a light head-wind, and therefore the curious and inquisitive passengers had time enough to try their experiment. They took three or four pieces and put them upon the live coals, and expected them to blaze very soon. Fifteen minutes passed, and the coal was as black and almost as cold as ever. The bellows were brought and began to do their best, but no signs of ignition. Another pair of old bellows was pressed into the service, and two strong young men began to blow. The fun now commenced. Out of twenty passengers, half of them at least proposed some new way of setting fire to the queer stuff. Every way that promised the least success was faithfully tried, and yet not the slightest appearance of fire could be discovered in the black masses ! The experimenters reasoned rightly about it. They said, if it was capable of ignition, fire would ignite it ; and as they had fire enough to melt iron, they could ignite that coal, and several of them resolved to work upon it till they arrived at the wharf ; and they did so. The fun which these operations produced was great indeed, and ought to have been saved by some historian as part of the queer triumphal entry of Lehigh coal into Hingham. The tardy packet at last reached its wharf in the Cove, and as the passengers went down to take a last look at the undisturbed blackness of their inexplicable subjects, there was a general verdict against the wisdom of the minister, and as general a desire to see the coal burn, if that phenomenon could ever be witnessed. This matter became a town talk, and was better for Lyman & Ralston than all their advertisements. If those three or four pieces of irresistible Lehigh had been saved, I should certainly put them into the Cambridge Museum.

On the next Monday morning, the tinman came with a few pieces of new funnel, and my stove was properly prepared for the great event. First shavings, then charcoal, then Lehigh and then a match, and the thing was done. In one hour I had my stove full of ignited coal, and I kept it replenished a week without its going out. The news spread, and visitors enough I had ; and such laughable exclamations and raw wonder as my experiment elicited were truly refreshing to me. One anxious friend, after examining the fire, lugubriously said, " Those red-hot stones may give out some heat, but I am afraid they '11 set fire to your house." A gentleman said, " I '11 not take any insurance on your house." Another asked, " Do you think you can cook with your red stones ? " A good neighbor said, " We shall not sleep contentedly while we know you have such a fire going all night." A brother minister from another town came to see it, and though he liked it, he could not help saying, " It is lucky for you that you have a good salary ; for if you hadn't, you'd find that eight dollars a ton for such stuff would empty your purse before April."

Thus, my dear sir, you see what fiery trials I went through ! My Lehigh, in the mean time, burnt itself into popularity - and you know the rest.

Rev. Oliver Stearns, the third minister, was born in Lunenburg, June 3, 1807, and was graduated at Harvard College in 1826. Mr. Stearns was ordained at Northampton, Nov. 9, 1831, and after short terms of ministerial service in Northampton, New- buryport, and Boston, was obliged to give up preaching for a time on account of illness. His pastoral connection with the Third Congregational Society in Hingham began July 1, 1839, under an engagement for one year, and he became the settled pastor April 1, 1840. On the first Sunday of April, 1840, he preached a sermon recognizing the permanency of his pastoral relation with the Society, which was the only form of his installation in Hingham. His pastoral relation was dissolved Oct. 1, 1856, in the eighteenth year of his ministry here.

From the time of his leaving Hingham in 1856, to 1863, he was President of the Meadville Theological School, and from 1863 to 1878 he was a Professor in the Harvard Divinity School at Cambridge. He received the degree of S. T. D. from Harvard College in 1857. He died July 18, 1885.

Dr. Stearns was a learned divine and a fine writer. He was not of a rugged constitution. Lack of physical strength and endurance prevented him from undertaking much outside the lines of his pastoral and professional duty, yet by his patient industry and constant application he accomplished a surprisingly large amount of work during his long life. He was of a mild and amiable temperament, a man of positive convictions, a stanch advocate of the abolition of slavery in the United States, and fearless in expressing his opinions. Although the life of Dr. Stearns does not present as many marked characteristics for biographical notice as many others of the clergymen of Hingham, yet the candid critic will credit him with being one of the most scholarly and learned of those who have been settled in the town. Under his ministry the society prospered, and he was much respected.

Rev. Daniel Bowen, the fourth minister, was born in Reading, Vt., Feb. 4, 1831, and was a graduate of the University of Rochester. His theological studies were pursued at the Theological Seminary of Rochester and at the Harvard Divinity School. He was ordained pastor of the Third Congregational Society, Dec. 21, 1859, and this connection was dissolved Sept. 24, 1863. Mr. Bowen discontinued preaching in 1867, and removed to Florida.

Rev. Joshua Young, the fifth minister, was born in Pittston, Maine, Sept. 29, 1823, was a graduate of Bowdoin College in 1845, and of the Harvard Divinity School in 1848. He was pastor of the " New South Church " in Boston from 1849 to 1852, and was settled in Burlington, Vt., from 1852 to 1862. Having preached to the society in Hingham for a short time previously, he began his services under engagement as pastor in April, 1864, and continued in that office until Dec. 20, 1868.

cal School in 1869. He was settled over this parish in September, 1869, and was ordained Jan. 20, 1870. He resigned Dec. 31, 1872, to accept a call from the Church of the Messiah, in St. Louis, Mo.

Rev. Henry A. Miles, D. D., was living in Hingham at the time of Mr. Todd's resignation, and was invited to preach on the first Sunday in January, 1876. He continued for the following Sundays, and received a call to become the settled minister, March 13, 1876. He was installed April 9, 1876, and resigned his active duties Sept. 30, 1883, but continues his parochial connection to the present time as pastor emeritus.

Dr. Miles was born in Grafton, Mass., May 30, 1809. He was graduated at Brown University in 1829, and at the Harvard Divinity School in 1832. He was ordained at Hallowell, Me., Dec. 14, 1832, and was settled there as minister until 1836, when he accepted a call from the Unitarian Society in Lowell, Mass. His ministry in Lowell continued from 1836 to 1853. After varied services in the line of his profession, but without any long continued parochial connection with any religious society, he removed to Hingham, and shortly afterwards became connected with this society as already stated. He received the degree of D. D. from Brown University in 1850.

It is not the part of the historian to be the eulogist of the living, yet the writer cannot forbear to say that Dr. Miles has the affectionate regard and universal respect of the people of his parish and the town.

After the relinquishment of active duties by Dr. Miles, Rev. Alexander T. Bowser, born in Sackville, New Brunswick, Feb. 20, 1848, and a graduate of Harvard College in 1877, received a call to become the minister. Mr. Bowser's first year in the ministry, after graduation from the Harvard Divinity School in 1880, was devoted to mission work in St. Louis, Mo. He was ordained there, in the Church of the Messiah, May 2, 1881, Rev. John Snyder, pastor of that church and a former minister of this society in Hingham, giving him the right hand of fellowship. After two years spent in Evansville, Indiana, as the representative of the American Unitarian Association, he received the call from Hingham, Jan. 24, 1884. He was installed June 11, 1884, and continued as pastor until Jan. 2, 1887, when he resigned to accept the position of pastor of the First Unitarian Congregation of Toronto, Canada.

and entered upon his pastorate at that time. A more detailed account of Mr. Billings and his settlement over the two parishes has been given in the history of the Second Parish.

The " New North " meeting-house was erected, as has been stated, in 1807. No material change in the exterior of the building has been made. New pews were placed in the galleries about 1833, at the time of the purchase of an organ. March 18, 1833, John Baker, Jairus B. Lincoln, Martin Lincoln, and Jairus Lincoln were chosen a committee " to purchase a church organ for the society, the expense of which shall not exceed the sum of twelve hundred dollars." This organ was formerly the property of the Handel and Haydn Society in Boston. In 1849 a contract was made with George Stevens for a new organ, to cost twelve hundred dollars. This latter instrument is the one in use at the present time.

In 1852 the appearance of the interior was much changed by the removal of the draperies back of the pulpit, and the painting of the walls and ceilings in fresco, which included upon the wall over the pulpit a tablet bearing the inscription, " Sanctify them through thy truth." A commemorative sermon was preached by Rev. Oliver Stearns, Dec. 12, 1852, on reopening the meetinghouse after these expensive repairs and alterations.

In the spring of 1890 still further changes were made in the interior of the meeting-house. The fresco painting gave way to tinted walls and ceiling of a less ornate character, some of the front pews were removed to give additional open space in front of the pulpit, new pulpit stairs were built, a background of drapery was put upon the wall behind the pulpit, and the organ was thoroughly repaired and improved by the addition of new pipes and stops.

The First Baptist Society Baptist Meeting-House

There is nothing to indicate that any persons professing Baptist sentiments lived in Hingham previously to the year 1814. In that year Mr. Nathaniel T. Davis made this town his place of residence, and he, with his wife and Miss Hannah Beal, were the only Baptists here for several succeeding years. A few others subsequently joined them in the same religious belief, and the first prayermeeting was held at the house of Mr. Davis in 1818. Mr. Asa Wilbur, of Boston, was visiting in town, and was invited to be present at the meeting. He became much interested in the efforts of this small band of worshippers, and was afterwards often present at their meetings. For his earnest labors and financial aid to the Baptists of this town, through many succeeding years, he is held by them in grateful remembrance.

In this same year, 1818, the first sermon by a Baptist was preached in Hingham by Mr. Ensign Lincoln, and a Sundayschool was organized. This was the first Sunday-school in 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, Betsey Lincoln (afterwards Mrs. Rufus Lane), and Hannah Kingman, and there was an attendance of ninety scholars on the first Sunday. 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, and Rev. Mr. Column of 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 number of scholars ; and when the Baptists, in 1828, became a branch of the Second Baptist Church, of Boston, the school became a Baptist school, and has so continued to the present time.

tain worship according to their faith were great. Services were held at private houses until August, 1828, when a hall was secured for the purpose in the building next south of the blacksmith-shop on North Street, near the harbor. It was a rough room, in strange contrast to the elaborate 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 held for nearly a year, and in spite of opposition and disturbance, both outside and inside the building during the services, the worshippers increased in number.

A building was found in a more quiet location, which could be purchased ; but on account of the objection likely to arise if it should be known that it was to be sold to the Baptists, 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 not be suspected. Mr. Ebenezer Shute was willing to purchase the building, costing about $450, provided some individual could be found who would arrange the bargain with discretion. Capt. Laban Hersey, a Unitarian, consented to take the deed in his own name, and subsequently conveyed the property to Mr. Shute. This building was the one now occupied by M. & A. McNeil, near Hobart's Bridge. The upper story was suitably arranged for meetings, 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, who was engaged to come and labor here as often as his other engagements would permit, Deacon Wilbur becoming personally responsible for : the expense thus incurred.

As an illustration of how earnest these Baptists were in such days of struggle and sacrifice to maintain preaching, it is related that on learning late on 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 from the woods, seized her horse by the bridle and demanded her money.

The highwayman released the bridle for a moment, thinking his booty now secure, when she struck her horse a sharp blow ; he sprang away, and the rider reached Mr. Conant's house in safety, engaged him to preach the next day, and rode quietly home to Hingham, some six miles, the same evening.

In this year Deacon Caleb S. Hunt removed from Boston to Hingham. He organized and for many years led an efficient choir in this church. March 7, 1829, the society voted to purchase a bass-viol, and made an appropriation of five dollars to pav for it, " if a sufficient sum cannot be otherwise obtained ; " and May 10, 1833 it was

" Voted, To pay arnnt of eighteen dollars for a clarionet, which had been previously purchased by some individual and used in the Baptist Meeting-house, and that the clarionet shall be the property of the church, and shall be under their direction."

Sept. 21,1828, Rev. Harvey Ball was ordained as an evangelist, and served as pastor of this church for two years. Under his encouraging ministry a house of worship was built. A day of special prayer was set apart that a location might be agreed upon, and soon after the lot upon which the meeting-house now stands, upon Main Street, was purchased for $500. This was conveyed July 1, 1829, to Asa Wilbur, of Boston, and Quincy Hersey, of Hingham. The meeting-house was erected, costing $ 3,300, and dedicated Dec. 3, 1829, amid much rejoicing. In May, 1875, the house and land were conveyed to the deacons of the church and their successors forever, in trust for the benefit of the church and society.

After Mr. Ball's resignation in August, 1830, Mr. Timothy R. Cressey, a student at the Newton Theological Institution, often preached to the society. Mr. Cressey was a graduate of Amherst College in 1828. He was ordained pastor, May 5, 1831, and the church recognized as an independent body with fifty-one members. Mr. Cressey 's ministry continued for three years and a half, during which a vestry was built in the basement of the meeting-house, and twenty-eight were received into the church, twenty-one of these by baptism.

Sept. 29, 1836, Mr. Waterman Burlingame was ordained pastor, and continued as such for nearly five years, until Aug. 5, 1840. During his pastorate twenty persons were received into the church, seventeen by baptism.

For an interval of more than two years the church was without a regular pastor. Rev. Charles M. Bowers frequently preached and labored here during this interval.

July 22, 1842, Mr. Sereno Howe accepted a call with the understanding that he was not to enter upon the full discharge of his duties until after the completion of his theological studies ; but in order that he might be qualified to administer the ordinances of the church, he 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. His resignation took effect July 8, 1849. During 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 were ministered 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, he received a call to become the minister, which he accepted on the completion of his theological studies in the following August. His labors began September 28, and he was ordained November 5, of the same year.

During the summer of 1851, the meeting-house 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, a new pulpit took the place of the former one, and new 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 a quarter of a century. He received into the church one hundred and fiftysix persons, of whom one hundred and twenty -five were by baptism. During his long period of service, Mr. Tilson interested himself in the affairs of the town as well as the church, and was much respected.

Rev. A. Stewart McLean, of Charlestown, was installed pastor June 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 baptism.

In December, 1878, Rev. Henry M. Dean, of Dayton, Ohio, entered upon the duties of minister, and continued until June 30, 1887. During his pastorate twenty-seven persons were received into the church, of whom twenty-one were by baptism.

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, 1889. During his pastorate twenty- six persons were admitted to the church, twelve of them by baptism.

Rev. Sylvanus E. Frohock was the next minister. He was graduated from Brown University, in 1889. His first settlement was in Old Warwick, R. L, where he was ordained in 1886. He was pastor of this church from April 6, 1890, to Feb. 14, 1892. During his pastorate, in the winter of 1891-92, extensive improvements were made in the interior of the meeting-house. New pews, a baptistery, and an organ were put in and the interior otherwise made attractive and convenient.

Rev. Irving Eugene Usher entered upon the duties of pastor August 28, 1892. He was graduated at Madison (now Colgate) University, Hamilton, N. Y. in 1887, and took a partial course in the theological seminary there. He was first settled in Charleston, N. Y., where he was ordained in 1887, and remained there two years. From June, 1889, to June, 1892, he was at McGranville, N. Y. Since his settlement here four persons have been admitted to the church, two of them by baptism.

All the settled ministers, with the exception of Mr. McLean, Mr. Ufford, and Mr. Usher, have been graduates of the Newton Theological Institution.

Deacon Joshua Thayer died Feb. 26, 1874. By his will, he devised his homestead, on Elm Street, near the meeting-house, to the deacons of the church and their successors forever, in trust for the church and society, for the purposes of a parsonage. The first deacons to receive a deed of this property were Joseph Ripley and Levi Hersey.

The first deacons were chosen in 1835. The following persons have held that office : Joshua Thayer, Nicholas Litchfield, Issacher Fuller, Joseph Ripley, Levi Hersey, Walton V. Mead, Martin T. Stoddard, and George W. Horton.

This society has never been large, and its growth has not at any time in its history been rapid, yet an earnest purpose to adhere unswervingly to evangelical truth has always prevailed among its members ; and from a small beginning amid opposition which amounted to persecution, the growth has been healthy and full of promise to those who have felt that they were devoutly " contending for the faith once for all delivered to the saints."

Methodist Episcopal Church Methodist Episcopal Meeting-House

The town of Hingham was included in what was known as the Scituate circuit from 1807 to 1826. From the latter year until 1828 it was included in the Weymouth Society, and in 1828 it became a separate society. In 1807 Rev. Thomas Asbury, on the Scituate circuit, was the first Methodist minister who preached in Hingham. He was an Englishman, said to have been a cousin of the celebrated Bishop Asbury. He married Rachael Binney of Hull, and subsequently removed to Ohio, purchasing land on the present site of the city of Columbus. In 1809, Moses Tower, of Hingham, married Mary Binney, of Hull, who was a member of the Methodist Church, and their house, and that of Robert Goold, were opened to Methodist meetings for many years. Methodist ministers occasionally preached in these houses. One of the Sabbath appointments for the Scituate circuit was Cohasset, where a house of worship was erected, and where the Methodists of Hingham worshipped until 1826, when they attended church services in Weymouth for about two years.

The following ministers preached occasionally in Hingham before 1828, when, on the formation of a separate society, a regular pastor was stationed here : Thomas Asbury, George Pickering, John Broadhead, Joseph Snelling, Joseph A. Merrill, Benjamin F. Lambord, Stephen Baily, Edward Hyde, Aaron Lummus, Richard Emery, Bradbury Clay, B. Otheman, Orin Roberts, Benjamin Hazelton, Jotham Horton, Isaac Jennison, F. Upham, A. D. Sargent, Stephen Puffer, Benjamin Jones, John Adams, Moses Sanderson, L. R. Sutherland, Samuel Norris, Jared Perkins.

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 Goold, George Lincoln, Abigail Goold Tower, Jane Goold, Mary Goold Pratt,, and Isaiah Wilder.

The early meetings of this little band were attended with opposition and disturbances from outside the houses in which they were held, but their number gradually increased. In 1828 Rev. Stephen Puffer, who was a local preacher residing in Hingham, gave funds for the erection of a meeting-house, which was dedicated July 3, 1828, and the 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 was built Hingham became a station, and has been supplied by travelling and local preachers down to the present time. The following is a list of the ministers : -

The society now numbers about seventy members. The first record of a Sunday-school is on July 29, 1844, when the school numbered a superintendent, seven teachers, and fortyfive scholars, with three hundred and thirty books in the library.

In 1863 Rev. William H. 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 a record of the opinions of the author, but his statement of one cause of weakness is so subtle and entertaining, and so complimentary to the attractions of the " devoted sisters," that it is quoted : -

" The following preachers, R. W. Allen, Amos Binney, P. W. Nichols, Francis Messeur, J. M. Carroll, William Hambleton, and E. M. Anthony, in some way learned that we had talented and devoted sisters suited to become valuable help-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 prosper them wherever they go in their work of love and self-denial. Their sphere of usefulness has 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 man, but also by the Spirit of God to so glorious a work."

Extensive alterations were made in the meeting-house in 1845, and in 1867 the building was moved back about thirty feet, raised, vestries built, and a new front and spire added, at an expense of nearly $4,000.

At the time of the latter extensive repairs, interesting services were held at the laying of the corner-stone, and a box containing many interesting mementos was deposited beneath it.

In 1882 the lot on the opposite side of North Street, at the corner of Thaxter 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-house, a parsonage was built upon the land belonging to the society, in the rear of the meetinghouse, and it was furnished by the exertions of the members of the church.

The record of this church is not one of large membership and numerous accessions, 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 salvation of souls.

First Universalist Society Universalist Meeting Housk

On Nov. 1, 1823, there was a meeting of several members of the First Universalist Society, of Scituate, at the house of Capt. Charles W. Cushing, in Hingham. With them also met a number of persons of the Universalist belief, from Hingham, and, under the inspiration of a mutual sympathy and the desire of spreading their faith, these latter organized as the First Universalist Society of Hingham.

" We whose names are hereunto subscribed, being sensible of the unchangeable and universal love of God to mankind, exhibited in the Redeemer, and in humble thankfulness to Him for disposing our hearts to unite together in the bonds of Christian love and fellowship, think it our duty, as tending to the good order of society in general, and the improvement and edification of each other in particular, to form ourselves into a church of Christ, which, we conceive, consists of a number of believers united together in the confession of faith of the gospel."

The meeting-house was erected in 1829, and was the same now occupied by the society, on North Street. The corner-stone was laid May 18, 1829, and the house dedicated to the worship of God Sept. 19, 1829, on which occasion the sermon was preached by Rev. Hosea Ballou.

Chapter 90 of the Acts of the Legislature of 1829 is " An Act to incorporate the Proprietors of the First Universalist Meeting-house in Hingham." " Moses L. Humphrey, Henry Nye, Marshall Lincoln, Ensign Barnes, Jr., Jairus Thayer and others who have associated or may hereafter associate with them and their successors " were the persons named in the Act as the members of the corporation.

Among the ministers have been the following : Thomas J. Greenwood, Joseph P. Atkinson, Albert A. Folsom, John F. Dyer, Samuel A. Davis, Jeremy H. Farnsworth, Josiah W. Talbot, M. M. Freston, Albert Case, John D. Cargill, Emmons Partridge, John E. Davenport, Phebe A. Hanaford, Daniel P. Livermore, and S. R. H. Biggs.

Mr. Atkinson was born in Gloucester, Mass., Nov. 17, 1809, and died in Boston, Dec. 27, 1888. He studied theology with Rev. Thomas Whittemore, D. D., and was ordained in 1829. He was installed in Hingham April 30, 1830. His pastoral settlements were in Hingham, Dover, N. H., Weare, N. H., Marblehead, Mass., Westbrook, Me., Orleans, Mass., and Orange, Mass. During the last thirty-six years of his life his residence was chiefly in Laconia, N. H. After his retirement from his settled pastorates he administered for a time the affairs of the Universalist Publishing House in Boston with success. His funeral services took place in the Unitarian Church, Laconia, N. H., and were conducted by Rev. A. A. Miner, D. D., of Boston, assisted by several of the local clergymen.

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 he received a call to become the settled pastor. His services as such began in March, 1889, and continued until July 1, 1891. He 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 all who have felt its helpfulness, and in 1856, during the ministry of Rev. Mr. Cargill, a distinct church was organized, consisting of members who subscribed to the Winchester Confession of Faith.

The installation of Mr. Atkinson, and the ordinations of Rev. John Nichols and Rev. Phebe A. Hanaford have taken place in this meeting-house.

The Sunday-school of this society has been in a flourishing condition during these many years, having had at times a membership of one hundred and twenty-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 numbers than might have been the case had they found themselves surrounded by other ecclesiastical neighbors.

Evangelical Congregational Society Evangelical Congregational Meetinghouse

The first minister of this church and society was Rev. Ebenezer Porter Dyer. Mr. Dyer was born in South Abington, Aug. 15, 1813, entered Amherst College in 1829, where he remained one year, and was graduated at Brown University in 1833, after which he pursued his theological studies at the Andover Theological Seminary. He was licensed to preach in 1838, at Carlisle, and was ordained by the wayside at Stow, Sept. 25, 1839. He was for a time pastor of the Evangelical Congregational Church in Stow, from which he was dismissed in March, 1846. He served as city missionary in Boston from February, 1846, to October, 1847. While city missionary, in August, 1847, upon invitation of the Norfolk Conference of Churches, he visited Hingham with a view to establishing Evangelical Congregational preaching 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 engagement 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 was organized. Dec. 21, 1847, a church was formed, with eleven members, of which Asa H. Holden was chosen deacon.

At the close of Mr. Dyer's engagement of a year he became the settled minister, and his installation took place on Jan. 4, 1849, the day of the dedication of the meeting-house.

Mr. Dyer was dismissed from his pastorate Nov. 17, 1863, after sixteen years' service, during which he served the church faithfully, and he was a good citizen of the town as well.

Rev. Henry W. Jones, a graduate of Amherst College and Hartford Theological Seminary, who was installed in May, 1866, and dismissed June 7, 1871.

Rev. Austin S. Garver, educated at Pennsylvania College and a graduate of Andover Theological Seminary. He was ordained as pastor Oct. 31, 1872, and his pastorate ended in July, 1875.

Rev. Edward A. Robinson, a graduate of Harvard College in 1879, and of Union Theological Seminary, who was ordained July 11, 1883. His pastorate ended July 29, 1888.

Rev. Frank L. Goodspeed, acting minister, from June 1, 1889, to June 1, 1890. Mr. Goodspeed was a graduate of the School of Theology, Boston University, and during his year of service in Hingham was pursuing his studies as a member of the senior class in Harvard College, from which he was graduated in 1890.

Rev. Albert H. Wheelock, the present minister, a graduate of Bangor Theological Seminary, in 1888. He was ordained July 3, 1888, as pastor of the Congregational Church in Topsham, Maine, where he remained until he came to this parish in November, 1891.

The deacons of the church have been Asa H. Holden, Caleb S. Hunt, Samuel G. Bayley, Jacob 0. Sanborn, Tobias 0. Gardner, George E. Kimball, and Charles Bates.

During the pastorate of Mr. Hood the meeting-house was extensively repaired, . a new organ purchased and placed by the side of the pulpit, and a piano purchased for use in the vestry. 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 from the Home Missionary Society. In 1878 the system of raising money for parish expenses by weekly offerings was adopted. By a vote of the parish, May 17, 1882, self-support was assumed, and it has been self-sustaining since that time.

In another part of this chapter it has been stated that the parishes in Hingham did not divide upon denominational lines, 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 became Unitarian. Doubtless the inclination of the sons to follow in 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 has not been extremely aggressive, but tolerant of others' opinions, and it is not strange that, in a town but little subject to changes in the characteristics of its inhabitants, it has not grown to a very large membership. It should be credited, however, with an earnest, self-respecting, and constant devotion to the principles of its faith.

The Free Christian Mission Free Christian Mission Chapel

This Church and Society was organized Jan. 29, 1873, under the name of "The Free Christian Mission " by those holding the belief in the " Second Advent," and it has continued under the same faith to the present time.

Prominent among those who were instrumental in establishing the society, or who have contributed largely for its support, have been John Tuttle, Henry W. Sinclair, William H. Searles, William H. Crockett, Alonzo Manuel, and Joseph H. Hackett. Others also have aided according to their means and ability, with money and work, to keep alive the Christian work in the vicinity of the church. The society has always been self-sustaining, and an independent body in its relations to any denomination, conference, or mission.

The chapel, situated near the junction of High and Ward Streets, was built in 1873 with contributions of money collected! by a committee. The following extract from the Town Records will explain the manner in which a permit to build a chapel was obtained from the town : -

"March 4th, 1872. Voted, That the report of the Committee to whom was referred the request of John Tuttle and others, to build a Chapel to be used for the purpose of religious worship, at the junction of High and Ward Streets, be amended by striking out the words 'thirty feet,' and ' Selectmen,' and adding ' Road Commissioners,' and as amended be accepted.

Report

The Committee to whom was referred "the question of the town granting consent to John Tuttle and others, to build a Chapel to be used for the purpose of Religious worship, on land near the junction of High and Ward streets, with instructions to take into consideration all the facts in relation thereto," have given to the subject a careful examination and respectfully Report. The advantages which follow an attendance upon public worship are apparent to nearly every candid and thinking person. A community is not only improved in intelligence, virtue, and happiness thereby, but with these characteristics come a more earnest recognition and maintenance of law and order, as well as an increased interest in the prosperity and general welfare of society.

From our local history, we learn that the early settlers of the town were a godly and law-abiding people ; and to a considerable extent their characteristics have been sustained by their descendants.

The first church in Hingham was formed in 1635. From it have sprung ten 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.

On 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 the 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 benefit to any one. Your committee have sought in vain for any title in the premises other than that of the town.

They have also carefully searched the records of Suffolk County, beginning with the time when the lot was first occupied by James Hayward, and thus far have been unable to find any conveyance of the property, either by will or deed.

In view of these circumstances, and of the benefits which the town may receive from an increase of taxable property in that locality, your committee recommend : -

Second. That the petitioners have liberty to enclose a lot for the purposes of erecting a 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 attendance at the services has been from fifty to one hundred. Rev. William H. Crockett has been the minister since 1879.

Parish Of St. John The Evangelist

In 1824, the first services of the Episcopal Church were held in Hingham, and continued for a time, with good attendance, in a hall Bassett, an ardent Epis-

Episcopal Church

The number of those interested for any length of time was so small, however, that no attempt was made to establish a church on 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 Rt. Rev. Alexander Viets Griswold, S. T. D., Bishop of the Eastern Diocese, preached in Hingham on an evening in June, 1828, which was probably the first visitation of a Bishop to Hingham.

About the year 1841 Rev. Samuel Cutler, of Hanover, held services in Bassett's hall, being assisted by clergymen 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 ascertained, at that time identified with the church.

In 1843, services were again held in the same hall by Rev. John P. Robinson, of Quincy. The hall was loaned for the purpose, seats were put in, and prayer-books purchased, which were marked upon the covers, " Episcopal Church, Hingham." Some of these books are now in use. The services were abandoned after a short time, as the number interested in them was small.

May 30, 1869, an evening service was held in Loring Hall, and through the following summer continued regularly. The Rt. Rev. Manton Eastburn, S. T. D., LL.D., Bishop of Massachusetts, preached at one of these evening services, which were conducted mostly by Rev. Mr. Street, of Weymouth. There were occasional services during the summer of 1870 and 1871.

Finally, in 1879, a successful effort was made to establish permanent Episcopal services. July 6, 1879, services were conducted, in Southworth's hall, on Broad Bridge, by Rev. Julius H. Ward, of Boston, and they were continued regularly through the summer, and as often as twice in each month in the following winter, under the charge of Rev. Thaddeus A. Snively, of Quincy, and Rev. George S. Bennett, of Dorchester. In November, 1879, a Sunday-school was organized.

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 Mr. Sherrard 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 Water 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.

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 generously contributed his services. The church was finished and consecrated June 5, 1883, by the Rt. 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 seating capacity for about one hundred and fifty. Its cost was about $3,000.

The chancel window was the gift of Miss Blanche Shimmin in memory of her grandmother, Mary George Parkman. The large window in the west end of the church was the gift of Mrs. George S. Glover and Governor John D. Long in memory of Mary Woodward Long, the daughter of Mrs. Glover and wife of Governor Long.

The chalice and paten of silver and gilt, engraved and inscribed, enclosed in a case of polished oak, were sent from St. Andrew's Church, of Hingham, England, and still further gifts of a lectern and bishop's chair, of oak, massive and elaborately carved, which had been in use in that ancient church, were sent across the ocean and presented as a sign of Christian brotherhood and intimate church relationship between the old and the new Hingham. The following extracts from " The Hingham Deanery Magazine," of April, 1883, are interesting in connection with these latter gifts from St. Andrew's Church, of Hingham, England : -

" Hingham in America. - The Rector has received a, letter from New York from an American lady, who visited our parish last summer, in the hope of gaining some information concerning an ancestor,

Thomas Joy, ' who left Hingham, England, with a band of Puritans about the year 1630, and after a short stay in Boston, Massachusetts, founded a town near by, which they named Hingham, in tender memory of their English home.' The lady's letter enclosed a letter addressed to herself by the ' Minister in charge of the Mission of St. John the Evangelist,' dated Hingham, March 5, 1883. He gives an account of a small church which is in course of building there, and which it is hoped to open for Divine service in the beginning of May. This church is to cost about £600, and there seems little doubt of the money being forthcoming.

Alluding to a request for aid which he had heard of having been made a year ago to the Rector of our Hingham, the Minister says : ' I should prefer not to receive money from there, even if he were able and inclined 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 do 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 find 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."

Hingham Rectory, Attleborough, March 21, 1883. 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 and 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."

Hingham Rectory, Attleborough, April 12, 1883. My dear Sir, - ... I think our means would suffice to procure a chalice and paten suitable for your little church, - if that is what your congregation would like. The chair which I offered is large and rather unwieldy, but if you think it worth being carried across the Atlantic, I am sure the church-wardens would be 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 your 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 your people of the new.

Hingham, Attleboro', July 27, 1883. My dear Sir, - ... The committee of ladies of which I told you have made a collection among their friends here, to which I hope to be allowed to make an addition, and I may say that we thus have a sum of £20 (twenty pounds) to be devoted to the procuring of something for your church which would be acceptable to you and your congregation as a token of the sympathy and brotherly regard felt by the Church people of the Old Hingham for the Church people of the new. It occurs to me that 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. ... I have not forgotten the wish you expressed to have some furniture that had been in use in the old church. ... I will write you again about the chair, and if it is not too big for you and you wish to have it, I feel sure our church-wardens will offer no objection to my sending it. . . .

Rev. and dear Sir, - Your favor of the 27th ult. is at hand, and I thank you heartily for the kind and cordial feeling which it expresses. We are delighted with the exceedingly generous expressions which it promises us of the brotherly regard of the Church-people of Old Hingham for us of the New. Above all, we thank you for your interest in bringing about a happy result ; it will be a joy and an inspiration to us for many years to come. Nor can we conceive of a more desirable, more acceptable, or more appropriate form in which to express the Christian love 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, but also to remind us, continually, in a beautiful and significant manner of our communion with our Mother Church across the sea, " to which," as the preface to our own Prayer Book so truly and so beautifully says, " the Church in these States is indebted under God for her first foundation and long continuance of nursing care and protection." May the union be strong and lasting, ministering to the glory of God and to the prosperity of His Church. . . . Believe me, with the greatest respect and esteem,

The silver chalice and paten were ordered from Messrs. Keith & Son, Denmark Street, Soho, 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 side. On the paten is added the text, " We being many are One Bread and One Body."

April 24, 1883. My dear Sir, - Before leaving home for a few weeks I ordered the chair and lectern, both of which have stood in our old Parish Church, to be sent to you. . . .

Hingham Rectory, Attleboroug-h. St. Luke's Day, 1883. My dear 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 Chalice 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, shall then be sent up to London for transmission to Boston. I trust that they will arrive safely, and I know that your people will receive 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 I. T. Coolidge, D. D., was in charge from 1885 to Nov. 1, 1888, his first sermon being on Whitsunday, 1885. He was graduated at Harvard College in 1888, and received the degree of Doctor of Divinity from Hobart College in 1870.

Rev. Alsop Leffingwell, the present rector, was born July 23, 1858, in Fairfield, Conn. 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 October, 1889, and since that time he has been regularly in charge.

United Social Society Of South Hingham

In 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 Mrs. 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 only in the formation of a Sunday-school, but also in establishing regular Sunday services, a room was engaged in a building erected by Leonard Gardner for a wooden-ware manufactory, situated on Gardner Street, and the first meeting was held and a Sunday-school organized on the first Sunday in May, 1890, Rev. Jacob Baker, of South Weymouth, officiating, and I. Wilbur Lincoln being Superintendent of the Sunday-school. The meetings continued with unabated interest during the summer and autumn 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 the Sunday-school was held in different houses during the winter. The enthusiasm which first prompted and had so successfully carried on the good work during the season continued to increase, and the project 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 " United Social Society of South Hingham," with the following officers : -

It was decided to proceed at once to the erection of a chapel ; a building committee was chosen ; a lot of land at the junction of Gardner and Derby streets was given to the society by Lewis Gardner, and work upon the building was immediately begun. Owing to the cold winter,, however, it was not completed until the following spring. It is a tasteful building, twenty-two by forty feet, with an alcove for the minister and choir. The total cost, exclusive of labor perforhied by various members of the society, was over $800. To a small society of twenty-two members the erection of this chapel seemed quite an 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 an appeal was made to the congregation by one of the visiting speakers, for aid to reduce the debt incurred in building the chapel, and $151 were contributed. The 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 adjoining 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-house, 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 has been previously stated there had been occasional religious meetings and Sunday-schools 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 on 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 religious 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.

Church Op St. Paul

At the time when services of the Roman Catholic Church were first held in Hingham, the town was within the limits of the Q u i n c y parish. This was soon after 1850. Afterwards it was attended from Randolph, then from Aldington, until 1867, at which time Weymouth became a separate parish. Hingham was then attached to the Weymouth parish and so continued until it was itself made a separate parish in 1876. The first organization of Catholics in Hingham was in 1850, when the "Hingham Catholic Association " announced a course of eight weekly lectures, beginning Feb. 5, 1850, upon subjects connected with the history of the Roman 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."