64 History of Hingham. 



In 1863 there were a superintendent, ten teachers, and seventy 

 scholars, and over six hundred 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 compli- 

 mentary to the attractions of the " devoted sisters," that it is 

 quoted : — 



" One more circumstance I will mention which has taken strength from 

 this society 



" 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 daugh- 

 ters 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. 



This building stood at the corner of North Street and Marsh's 

 Bridge, facing west. 



At the time of the latter extensive repairs, interesting services 

 were held at the laying of the corner-stone, and a box contain- 

 ing 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 meeting- 

 house, 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 Chris- 

 tians, zealously striving for the cultivation and promulgation of 

 those principles which, according to their faith, lead to the sal- 

 vation of souls. 



