LIfe in the Third Meeting House

In December of 1665 Anthony Morse was employed to ring the bell and also “to see that the meetinghouse be cleane swept and the glasse of the windows be carefully lookt unto, if any should happen to be loosed with the wind, to be nayled close again.” In 1668 the selectmen granted liberty to a select few to build pews for their wives, which led to the building of others under the direction of the selectmen. Seats or benches, however, were in general use. Sitting in pews belonging to others was considered an offense and fines would be ordered.

In 1663 Lydia Wardwell, to answer those who had accused her of teaching false doctrine, arrived at the meeting house naked. She was subsequently ordered to be whipped and pay a fine.

In the same year, Elizabeth Webster was ordered by the county court to stand at the meeting house door from the ringing of the first bell until the beginning of the prayer, wearing a paper on her head, reading “For taking a false oath in court.”