In 1998, the Sippican Historical Society commissioned an architectural survey of Marion’s historic homes and buildings. The survey was funded one-half by the Sippican Historical Society and one-half by the Massachusetts Historical Commission. Because of the limits of funding, not all of the historic buildings were surveyed, but over 100 were catalogued and photographed. The results of the survey are in digital form on the Massachusetts Historical Commission’s website and in four binders in the Sippican Historical Society’s office (and at the Marion Town Clerk’s office). Marion (Old Rochester) is one of the oldest towns in the United States, and the Sippican Historical Society maintains an extensive collection of documentation on its historic buildings. The Sippican Historical Society will preview one building a week so that the residents of Marion can understand more about its unique historical architecture. This installment features 37 Main Street.
The Congregational Chapel at 37 Main Street is a fine example of a shingle-style ecclesiastic building. It was designed by William Gibbons Preston, a noted Boston architect, who summered in Marion and designed six buildings in Marion. The chapel was built in 1885 by funds donated by Elizabeth Taber, Marion’s benefactress.
