56 History of Hingham. 



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 build- 

 ing 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 Lin- 

 coln 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 meeting- 

 house 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 clock, procured by private subscription, was placed in the 

 tower in 1845. 



