Ecclesiastical History. 31 



In consequence of the creation of the Second Precinct, the re- 

 maining inhabitants of Hingham, not included within the limits 

 of Conohasset, composed the First Parish or Precinct, and or- 

 ganized as such, March 6, 1720-21, succeeding to the parochial 

 rights of the town. 



Still another church was formed within the original limits of 

 Hingham during the ministry of Dr. Gay. A meeting-house was 

 erected at what is now South Hingham in 1712. This parish was 

 set off March 25, 1745-46. This church was the " Third Church " 

 until the establishment of Cohasset as a separate town in 1770, 

 since which time it has been styled the " Second Church." 



The second and third churches were not formed as separate 

 organizations without the earnest protests of the parent church. 

 Perhaps, like a fond mother, she could not bear the thought of 

 trusting her children alone, separated from her protecting influ- 

 ence. But she could not restrain or control the independent de- 

 termination of her children, and, in spite of all her opposition, 

 they forced her to accede to their wishes. 



Undoubtedly this sentimental view had much influence, but our 

 ancestors were in a great degree matter-of-fact people, and there 

 was a practical side to this opposition to the foundation of new 

 parishes, which had more weight than any sentiment. All real 

 estate within the territorial limits of a parish was in those days 

 taxable for the support of preaching. Much of the real estate 

 lying within the limits of the proposed Conohasset and South 

 Parishes was originally granted to residents of the more thickly 

 settled portion of the town, and had been inherited or purchased 

 by those who would still remain residents of the First Parish ; and 

 naturally enough there was strong objection to being taxed for the 

 support of preaching in parishes from which no direct benefit 

 would be derived. 



The fourth minister of the First Parish was Rev. Henry Ware. 

 He was born in Sherborn, Mass., April 1, 1764, was graduated at 

 Harvard College in 1785, and was ordained minister of the church 

 and congregation Oct. 24, 1787. In 1805 he was chosen Hollis 

 Professor of Divinity in Harvard University, and his request for 

 a dismissal from his pastorate was granted. He delivered his 

 valedictory discourse May 5, 1805, in the eighteenth year of his 

 ministry. In 1806 he received the degree of S. T. D. from Har- 

 vard College. Dr. Ware died July 12, 1845. He was a man of 

 liberal views, admirably adapted to follow up the sentiments of 

 Dr. Gay in religious matters, of logical mind, sound judgment, 

 and large attainments. 



After the close of Dr. Ware's ministry, several candidates were 

 heard. A majority of the Parish preferred Rev. Joseph Richard- 

 son, and he was invited to become the minister. The call was not 



