Local author Ben Jacques will speak on the history of the First Church in Stoneham – a congregation that has existed since the 1720s, playing a key role in the history of Stoneham, from the founding through the revolutionary war, the fight for abolition and well into the 20th century.  This is part of our special efforts to celebrate Stoneham’s 300th year as a separate town.

Any town in colonial Massachusetts required a school and school master, a burying ground and a church and minister – – that church is First Church Congregational, now located on Main Street.  Until 1826, the meeting house served as both Town Hall and Church and the church was an essential piece of town government and Stoneham’s history in the last 300 years.

As always, doors open for evening meetings at 6:45 pm for time to view the exhibits, with a short business meeting at 7:15 and the speaker at 7:30.