Historic Puritan Sermon Returns To Rebecca Nurse Homestead Saturday

DANVERS, MA — Visitors to the Rebecca Nurse Homestead campus in Danvers can take another glimpse back into the region's Puritan history on Saturday when Rev. Samuel Parris returns to his pulpit in the Salem Village meeting house for a special sermon.

Early American history and religion historian Donald Friary will portray Rev. Parris and deliver the Puritan-style morning service first heard on March 27, 1692, at 10 a.m. The audience will be able to actively participate in the one-hour service from shortly after the witch hysteria began on the North Shore.

"To be much in prayer that God would deliver our Churches from Devils. That God would not suffer Devils in the guise of Saints to associate with us," Rev. Samual Parris said in his historic sermon.

Friary will host a discussion on the meetinghouse and the sermon following the service. There will also be a special tour of the Salem Witch Trials sites in Danvers starting at 1 p.m.

Those looking to attend the service should call 978-740-0444 or register here. The Salem Witch Trials tour required an additional registration here.

Those attending are invited to stay and enjoy a picnic on the Rebecca Nurse Homestead grounds, which will be open for tours until 3 p.m.

"Essex Heritage recognizes the importance of educating others about the factual, not fictional background surrounding the Witch Trials and all those involved," said Annie Harris, CEO of Essex Heritage. "Historic resources and their associated history, organizations, and people are critically important to maintaining the quality of life, community vitality, and economic sustainability of Essex County."

More on the Rebecca Nurse Homestead can be found here.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at [email protected]. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)