1852 this old church was dismantled of its spire and removed to the site
of the present Eliot Hall. It was subsequently destroyed by fire. While
the stone edifice was being erected the congregation occupied the Baptist
Church one half of the Sabbath.

We find Dr. William Gordon a very interesting character of the strict
Puritan type. In a word-picture drawn by a friend, we see him
commissioned by Congress to secure Governor Hutchinson's Letter-books,
"as he ambled on his gentle bay horse, in his short breeches and buckled
shoes, his reverend wig and three-cornered hat, worthy the spirit of a
native-born patriot." It may not be amiss to add that will all Dr.
Gordon's admirable characteristics, his faithful work as a minister, his
active interest in the cause of American liberty, his unwavering
adherence to his convictions as an opponent to the slave trade, and a
champion of the Negro, he frequently lacked prudence and good judgment in
speech and action. It was because of his severe and public criticism of
John Hancock that the governor gave up his summer residence here; it was
because of his attack upon the proposed Constitution of Massachusetts, in
1778, that he was summarily dismissed from his office if chaplain in both
houses of the Legislature. There is a tradition that the Doctor was
somewhat strict and severe in his requirements of the young catechists,
and on occasions he resorted to the birch to enforce his teachings.
"After punishing several of them one winter day, his feet slipped as he
stepped from the icy threshold of the school, and he fell at full length,
his hat and wig rolling off his head. There-upon the boys shouted in high
glee, and gave three cheers." The rod gave place to persuasion after that
experience.

The little cemetery in the rear of the church was consecrated in 1785. A
quiet walk through this "garden of the dead" is full of interest,