[330] A new house was first proposed May 28, 1716, because the enlargement of the old would cost nearly as much as the building of a new one. The committee reported that its size should be “fifty feet long, thirty-eight broad, and twenty-seven feet stud.” It was to have diamond glass and window-shutters, and was to cost four hundred and fifty pounds. In 1719, the subject again came up for more decisive action; and, in Feb. 9 of that year, they put the question in this form: “Put to vote, whether the town will build a new meeting-house forthwith. Voted in the negative.” A movement so full of interest to every family would naturally bring out some diversity of opinion in a widely scattered population. In order, therefore, to secure harmony in the best plan, they were willing to accede to what judicious and disinterested men might say was best. Accordingly, March 7, 1720, in a full town-meeting, they put the question thus:--
Whether the town will choose a committee of five gentlemen, from some of our neighboring towns, to give their advice, whether it will be most convenient for the town, at present, to build a new meeting-house, or to enlarge the old. And, in case said committee do advise to build a new meeting-house, then said committee to state a place, as near the centre of the town as can be, which shall best accommodate the whole town for setting of said house.This was “voted in the affirmative,” and the meeting was then adjourned one week to March 14; but the time was too short for so much business. When, however, the meeting of the 14th took place, the town passed a vote supplementary to that of the 7th inst.; and in these words are the record:--
At said meeting, put to vote, whether the town will abide by, and rest satisfied with, the advice and determination of the abovesaid committee, which shall be according to the vote above written, referring to building a new meeting-house or enlarging of the old, and also as to stating a place for said house. Voted in the affirmative.This vote was passed after the town had chosen the committee, and had probably learned something of their views. The committee make their report; whereupon the town, Feb. 20, 1721, after nearly a year's delay and various indefinite activities, come to the question of this report of the committee. The record is as follows:--
