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The First MeetingHouse:
On November 5th, 1644, forty-one (41) men and women organized a church and the same year erected a meetinghouse. The names of the persons who organized it are not among existing records, but four years later forty members were recorded as brothers and sisters of the "Church of Redding," now First Parish.
In 1686 payment was rendered and a deed recorded to several Indian owners of the tract comprising the Lynn and Redding settlements in the amount of 10 pounds 16 shillings. One of the signers was James Quonopohit, a member of John Eliot's praying band and for whom Lake Quannapowitt is named. Samuel K. Hamilton, in a commemorative address in 1919, commented: "It is pleasant to know that this Parish holds the land on which this building stands by right of purchase from its lawful owners."
Original Parishioners:
The following is the earliest known list of First Parish members compiled in 1648, four years after the church was
established. There well could be others who came earlier and left before 1648. The date after the name indicates the
time of arrival in "Redding" as listed in Eaton's History of Reading and Wakefield.
Francis Smith, 1647
Mrs. Frances Smith Green, 1645, widow of first minister
Deacon William Cowdrey and wife Joanna, 1642
John Pearson and wife Maudlin (one of earliest settlers)
Brother Dunton, 1647, probably Robert was selectman
George Davis, prior to 1648
Deacon Thomas Kendall and Rebecca, an original settler
Deacon Thomas Parker and Amy, prior to 1644
William Hooper, very early settler
Mary Swain, wife of Jeremiah, very early settlers
Joan Marshall, wife of Thomas Marshall, arrived before 1648
Sister Martin, no records
Thomas Hartshorne and wife Susanna, prior to 1648
Edward Taylor and wife, no record of arrival
Lieutenant Thomas Marshall, before 1648
Elizabeth Wiley, wife of John, one of the earliest settlers
Elizabeth Hart, wife of Isaac, 1647
Lidia Larkin, no records
Eliza Hooper, no records
Deacon Zachery Fitch and wife Mary, 1644
William Eaton and wife Martha, probably prior to 1648
John Batchelder and Rebecca, prior to 1651
William Martin, one of earliest settlers
Lieutenant Thomas Bancroft, prior to 1648
Jonas Eaton and Grace, prior to 1644
Judith Pool, no records
Abigail Damon, wife of Deacon John Damon, arrived early
Lieutenant John Smith and wife Catherine, prior to 1648 |
| This church was the 23rd church established in the Massachusetts Bay Colony.
Thirteen of these churches are still active congregations.
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