The first European settlement in present-day Danvers, Massachusetts, was called Salem Village. This village was established in the late 1630s when a group of farmers moved five miles from Salem Town to the area now known as "Danvers Highlands." The inhabitants remained legally part of Salem, though from the 1660s they began petitioning for independence. By 1672, Salem Village became a separate parish at which time they built a meeting house.

The Meetinghouse

During the 17th century almost every Massachusetts settlement included a meetinghouse which was built by the Puritan settlers as a place for conducting religious and civil meetings. The Puritan meetinghouse was devoid of any outwardly religious symbols. The high pulpit, visible to all, was the focal point within the building. Above it was located the sounding board canopy allowing the minister's voice to resonate better. The congregation was seated, not according to family units, but with women seated on the east side and the men on the west. The oldest inhabitants were seated near the front, together with church deacons, followed by governmental and military officials, and then those who contributed greatest to the parish support. Seating of the meetinghouse was serious. Often much controversy ensued as members paid for their pews, and the seat's position in the meetinghouse told much of the inhabitant's status within the village. Often slaves, servants, and children were seated in the two side balconies, and mischievous children would take dried pumpkin seeds and shoot them out of their mouths on the adults below. Pews were high sided, and owners often kept foot stools, arm rests, and chairs within. During the cold months, foot warmers, hand muffs, blankets and dogs were allowed into the pews as the meetinghouse was not heated.

Sunday meeting began at 9:00a.m. with a drummer or trumpeter giving notice of the service. The deacon would begin with a song, which was repeated by the congregation. Following the singing of several familiar psalms, the minister would begin with an opening prayer and then give a lengthy and detailed sermon.