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. Due to 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 28 Main Street. The Congregational Church at 28 Main Street, built in 1841, is an unusually fine example of a Greek Revival house of worship. Its main entrance opens onto a recessed porch, fronted by monumental Tuscan columns. Architect Seth Eaton of Mattapoisett designed the church and Silas Allen built it. This prominent rectangular building is situated in the heart of picturesque Wharf Village. In the first decade of the 20th century, three stained glass windows designed by Charles Connick were added to the rear wall of the church. When this church was built, it symbolized the maturation of both Marion and the town center.
