Our roots…
The beginning of what would become “The Sea Captains’ Church” began in 1765, when the Rev. Nathaniel Stone (then pastor of the North Parish Church), began to hold religious services for the residents of the South Parish – mostly wives of seamen. It was imperative that each little village have its own place of worship so that the women whose husbands were away at sea would not be compelled to journey long distances in stormy weather over hazardous roads.
The interest in having a permanent structure led to the building of the first meeting house, and on December 17, 1795, Rev. Stone preached the service of dedication.
10 years later, Rev. Stone died, and his successor, Rev. Joseph Haven, continued to serve as visiting minister until the South Parish was set off from the North, and received an act of incorporation on December 11, 1816. The following year, on June 11, 1817, the church was organized with the Rev. John Sanford as its first minister; he continued to serve until 1839.
The old meeting house was torn down and replaced in 1835 by the larger and more beautiful structure that still stands today. The pews from the old building were salvaged and are still in use.
In the narthex, a bronze tablet bears the names of the first minister – Rev. Sanford – and the 29 charter members.
Two large tablets on the west wall in the sanctuary carry the names of the 106 sea captains in the parish who sailed to distant ports during the glory days of the clipper ships. Descendents of many of them still reside in and around the area.
Entering through the narthex, which offers a comforting place to meet and greet friends and fellow parishioners, first-time visitors are drawn into the sanctuary by the magnificent circa1835 Sandwich Glass chandelier. Although it has been electrified to meet modern conditions, the old whale oil vessels and the delicately etched globes manufactured in the famous old glass factory, speak eloquently of the artistry of a former generation. The sconces on the sanctuary walls match the design and intricacy of the central fixture.
