HISTORY. SEVERAL of the churches in the city having become very large, and their houses of worship having been for several years well filled; it was judged that the time had come for the erection of another house of worship, to occupy some intermediate location between the First and Charles Street churches; when, in July, 1839, the residence of the late Hon. Theodore Lyman was advertised for sale. The location was seen to be just what was wanted, both as to the distance from the other churches; as to the beauty of the site, and as to the population for whom it was felt to be a duty to furnish the means of salvation. Accordingly, a number of brethren determined to purchase the ground; and, if the churches were found prepared to approve the enterprise, - to go forward with the erection of a house of worship. The ground was purchased for twenty-four thousand one hundred and twenty dollars and seventy-three cents, being seventy-seven feet four inches on the Square, and one hundred twenty-two feet and nine inches on Chardon Street. The corner-stone was laid with appropriate religious services on the 9th of April, 1840. The following notice of this occasion is taken from the Christian Watchman. 'The corner-stone of the new meetinghouse in Bowdoin Square was laid on Thursday morning, at six o'clock. Prayer was offered by Rev. Dr. Sharp; a hymn was sung; after which Rev. Baron Stow addressed the assembly, explaining the nature of the undertaking, and closing with a solemn appeal to all, to be prepared for a place in the great spiritual Temple above. The site of this edifice is probably surpassed by none in this city; and it is to be erected chiefly by the voluntary contributions of members of the different Baptist congregations, "for the use of a church yet to be formed, and a congregation yet to be assembled." A vast concourse attended at that early hour, and listened to the services with deep apparent interest.' A silver plate, containing the names of the Baptist churches in the city, and of their Pastors, and the following record, was placed under the corner-stone. 'This edifice, intended for the worship of Almighty God, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, was erected by the voluntary subscriptions of members of the various Baptist Churches and Congregations in Boston. This corner-stone was laid April 9th, 1840 – -a year distinguished by an unparalleled revival of religion throughout the United States.' The house was erected under the architectural direction of Richard Bond, Esq. It was dedicated, and the church publicly recognized, on the 5th of November. The services were introduced by Rev. Mr. NEALE. The prayer of recognition was offered by Rev. Dr. SHARP. Address to the church by Rev. Mr. STOW. Concluding prayer by Rev. Mr. TURNBULL. The Dedication Sermon was delivered in the evening by Rev. Mr. HAGUE, from the 16th and 17th verses of the 90th Psalm: Let thy work appear unto thy servants and thy glory unto their children. And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us; and establish thou the work of our hands upon us: yea, the work of our hands establish thou it' The sermon, at the request of the church, was published. The house is ninety-eight feet and a quarter in length, including the projection of the tower; by seventy-three feet and a half in width. The tower projects ten feet from the main building; is twenty-eight feet square, and one hundred and ten feet high. The entire cost, including the furniture and organ, was something more than seventy thousand dollars. It was not until the house was nearly completed, that the question was brought before the churches: Who among you are willing to leave your present connexions for the formation of a church in Bowdoin Square?' At this juncture a fact presented itself which had not been anticipated. The brethren who had undertaken the erection of the house had not supposed it would be necessary for them to do more than provide a house of worship; and few, if any of them, expected to leave their churches. But, notwithstanding the desirableness of the new location, it was found that the attachment of members to their churches and ministry was such, that it was not till some of those who had taken a leading part in the |