If you happened to reside in a quaint rural New Hampshire village many moons ago, it’s likely you would have found yourself at a meetinghouse, either for worship or the latest town gossip—er, I mean gatherings.

These charming edifices, or meetinghouses if you prefer, were deemed absolutely essential for any potential settlement. In fact, if a township fancied a charter, erecting one of these buildings was non-negotiable. No meetinghouse, no charter—simple as that.

Back in colonial days, religion wasn’t just a Sunday affair; it ruled the roost, so to speak. Most meetinghouses served as churches, whether shepherded by a minister or a group of devout locals. Though a bit spruced up, the meetinghouses still stand today and offer a fascinating glimpse into our architectural and cultural past—whether used for prayer or the occasional town bicker... I mean, business.

Obtaining lumber for a meetinghouse was no walk in the park either. Times were tough, and wood wasn’t exactly sprouting on trees (oh, wait...). Many meetinghouses were fashioned from logs, modest in size, as noted by the esteemed Eva A. Speare in her “Colonial Meeting-Houses of New Hampshire.”

Initially, a simple structure was considered adequate, but as towns grew and populations expanded, these buildings evolved into more ornate and grand designs. Constructing a meetinghouse was a communal event, with everyone rolling up their sleeves. It wasn’t just about building; it was a social affair complete with picnics and families cheering on the blokes showing off their strength by lifting the heftiest logs. And, of course, rum flowed freely—because what’s a communal project without a bit of liquid courage?

In New Hampton, the Dana Hill Meetinghouse bears the name of Dr. Simeon Dana, a rather interesting character who arrived in the town in the early 1800s. Not only was he a physician, having attended Dartmouth College, but he also fancied himself a bit of a music and dance instructor. Whether his patients ever took up his offer for a jig or two remains a mystery, but Dr. Dana was certainly a man of many talents. He eventually embraced Methodism and became an ordained minister, with Dana Hill named in his honor.

Not far from Laconia, you’ll find the Province Road Meeting House in Belmont, erected in 1792. The building started out as a Congregationalist church but later welcomed the Free Will Baptist Church around 1820. Originally, the structure featured a south-facing entrance and box pews, but it underwent a height reduction in the mid-1800s. A belfry was added in 1910, possibly to house a bell with a penchant for early morning clanging.

Further afield in the Lakes Region, the Barnstead Parade Meetinghouse, also known as the Church, was primarily a place of worship. Eli Bunker provided the town with a lovely yellow-painted meetinghouse in 1796, and while it hosted a few town meetings, it was predominantly a sanctuary for religious services. Town meetings were held here for 24 years, and once a minister was hired, it became a church with regular weekly services.

Now, if you fancy something a bit more rustic, the meetinghouse in New Durham is quite the looker. Built in 1770 on Old Bay Road (once the town’s bustling center), this meetinghouse is perched atop a vast rock ledge, making it instantly recognizable. It served as a place of worship under the guidance of Congregational minister Reverend Nathaniel Porter and later Free Will Baptist minister Benjamin Randall. The Free Will Baptists eventually built their own church, leaving the old meetinghouse to its own devices—eventually used to shelter farm animals.

The Quakers, not to be outdone, established a presence in North Sandwich, with a meetinghouse that was the epitome of their simple yet elegant style. Built in 1881, this structure housed the Sandwich Society of Friends. As the Quaker population grew, they built the North Sandwich Meeting House, which still stands today as a fine example of country worship.

And let’s not forget Wolfeboro, an old town with plenty of historical gems. The former Wolfeborough, Brookfield, and Wakefield Meetinghouse in the Cotton Mountain region replaced an 1801 meetinghouse and was constructed in the 1850s in the simple yet stately Greek Revival style.

In those early days, meetinghouses weren’t just about prayer; they were the epicenter of town life—political discussions, social gatherings, and, of course, the occasional bit of town business. We’re fortunate that some of these structures still stand today, offering us a fascinating peek into the lives and times of New Hampshire’s early settlers.

And speaking of prayers, if you’re in the market to buy a home in any of these charming towns today, you might want to offer up a few yourself! Whether it's for finding the perfect house or outbidding that overly enthusiastic buyer, a little divine intervention could go a long way. But worry not—click on the town names to see the latest real estate listings, sold prices, and market trends. Start your search here, and who knows, you might just find your dream home without needing to call in the heavens.

Cheers, and happy house hunting!