Travel Back In Time: Old Meeting House

Throughout Lynnfield there are many old Colonial homes, as well as cemeteries that date back to the town’s early history. However, one of the best places to visit for history buffs passing through town is the located at the Lynnfield Common, across from the library.

The meeting house was built in 1714, and is generally believed to be the third oldest Puritan meeting house in the state that is still standing on the original land. Since that time it has served the Lynnfield community in religious, political, and social capacities.

Originally the meeting house was built in a square shape with three doors. In 1832 a dissension over the religious doctrine caused some members to leave and found a new church. Faced with monetary struggles, the members who remained behind proposed a second story be added to the building.

The second floor could be used for religious purposes and the first floor for town meetings. The town went through with the plan, and used the space until a new town hall was built in 1892. At that point that bottom floor was used as a primary school. Later it was used as a Fire House, until finally the Lynnfield Historical Society took it over after a new fire station was built.

Today many local groups such as the local gardening club and the Friends of the Lynnfield Library use the space to meet. The Meeting House can also be rented out for a variety of purposes, such as wedding, graduation parties and more. The building and surrounding common has been meticulously maintained over the years and is well worth a visit.

Tours can be scheduled by calling Peggy Weickert at the Lynnfield Historical Society (781-334-4724).