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Starting Out!
From the Visitor Center take a left on Route 28. Cross through three sets of lights. At the blinking light take a left on Lewis Road.
West Yarmouth Congregational Church
Prior to 1794 the only way to attend Church was to travel six miles by wagon or on foot to the North Side. The South Side was becoming very popular so the South Siders petitioned for Rev. Alden to visit the South Side as often as their taxes would allow. The first meeting house was located where the Post Office is now ( you will pass it on your left) and unfortunately burned down. The church you are looking at replaced it and was moved to this location in December 1907 at a cost of $500. In 1961 the Congregational Christian Churches, the Evangelical and Reform Church become the United Church of Christ.
Bass River Community Baptist Church
Returning to Route 28 take a right and go past the Visitor Center. Continue through the next set of lights and then bear right onto Old Main Street.
On your left you will see the Church started in 1826 by Simeon Crowell. In 1824 he formed the First Baptist Church and donated his land for the building, he also became ordained as the minister. In 1826 Capt. Baker donated $600 and the building started. At first it was considered an unattractive building and earned the nickname "the Lord's barn"! It was later turned around and extended, a steeple, bell and belfry were added as well as siding. In 1891 the church was raised and a vestry was added beneath it. Today, you will find it an attractive building!
You may want to wander around the beautifully kept cemetery. The earliest stone is marked 1829.
South Yarmouth Methodist Church
Continuing along Old Main Street you will see the Methodist Church on your left.
The Church as you see it hasn't changed much since it was built in 1852 at a cost of $2,000. As you may know this area was once known as Quaker Village. A prominent citizen, Orlando Baker, was a staunch Methodist and lived on Pleasant Street. In 1851 he held the first meeting of the trustees in his home. They raised the money to build the Church by selling $25 shares and then renting the pews. When built, the Church had two front doors, one for women and one for men. In 1891 permission was granted to change them to one. You will also notice the clock on the steeple which has four faces and can be seen from all directions.
Quaker Meeting House
Continuing to the end of Old Main Street, cross over the lights to North Main Street. The Meeting House built in 1809 is on your right.
"A century and a half ago men entered one door of this, the Quaker Meeting House, while women entered the other door. Both groups would sit, unmoving, until one person felt in the mood to speak. They would speak and then sit down again. No preacher led and no bells tolled. A partition down the center of the church kept the sexes separated so each person could concentrate more fully on his, or her, thoughts. Today, there are only a few concessions to worldliness; clothing is modern, electricity is used too for heat and light, and soft cushions cover the high backed wooden benches. Otherwise, the building and the services hold on to their simplicity."
Take a left on Pine Street and a right on Station Avenue. Follow this to the end and take a left on Route 6A, the Old King's Highway. The next Church will be on your left.
First Congregational Church of Yarmouth
Sitting on top of Zion Hill overlooking Cape Cod Bay sits the present Church built in 1870 at a cost of $18,500. The original church, on a different location, was outgrown and replaced by a Church at this location in 1716 at a cost of 400 pounds. A stove was installed in 1727 and parishioners were expected to provide the firewood. If they wanted to sit down, they were also expected to build their own pews! The tall spire became a landmark for the maritime industry and has had to be rebuilt several times after being toppled by hurricanes!
Kelley Chapel
Continuing along you will find hidden away behind the Post Office (on your left) and at the start of a beautiful nature trail is the Kelley Chapel. David Kelley built this for his daughter Rosa who lost her son Frank at the age of 20 months in 1872. She spent most of her time teaching the Bible and Scriptures to local families of all denominations. It was moved here in 1960.
Church of the New Jerusalem
Just down the road a little on your right, you will find the Church built in 1870. Prior to this, services were held at the Old Yarmouth Inn and then what is now the Parnussus Book Store (you will pass these later). The Church houses one of the finest organs in New England. For over 65 years the ministers have come from the same Priestnals family!
Sacred Heart Chapel
Continue along Rte 6A and take a left onto Summer Street at the Old Yarmouth Inn. Built in 1899, this was the first Catholic Church to be built in the Mid-cape area. Prior to that the priest had to travel from Woods Hole every few weeks. A nurse, who had been in service to the Simpkins family for over 40 years was asked how they could repay her for her devotion, she requested that the Church be built.
Getting Back!
Return to Route 6A and take a left. Take a left onto Willow Street at the Christmas Tree Shop. Go under Route 6 and take a left onto Higgins Crowell Road. The second set of lights brings you back to Route 28, the Visitor Center is to the left.
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