70 History of Hingham. 



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 wor- 

 ship are apparent to nearly every candid and thinking person. A com- 

 munity is not only improved in intelligence, virtue, and happiness thereby, 

 but with these characteristics come a more earnest recognition and main- 

 tenance 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 laud 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 corresponded and conferred with people who have been 

 familiar with the locality for the past seventy years. 



They have also carefully searched the records of Suffolk County, be- 

 ginning 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 com- 

 mittee recommend : — 



First. That the town reserve thirty feet of the said lot, fronting on 

 High Street, for widening and otherwise improving that street; and 



Second. That the petitioners have liberty to enclose a lot for the pur- 

 poses 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. 



George Lincoln, ) 

 Ckocker Wilder, >- Committee. 

 Elijah Siiute, ) 

 Hingham, March 4, 1872. 



The membership at the present time is thirty, and the usual 

 attendance at the services has been from fifty to one hundred. 

 Rev. William II. Crockett has been the minister since 1879. 



