This Society, which has exerted an influence in the Universalist denomination second to that of no other, was incorporated December 13, 1816.  The meeting for organization was held at the Green Dragon tavern, on the evening of January 25, 1817.  Major John Brazer was chosen the first Moderator.  The Standing Committee consisted of John Brazer, Dr. David Townsend, Edmund Wright, Daniel E, Powars, Lemuel Packard, Jr., Levi Melcher, and John W. Trull, who were directed to ascertain where a suitable lot of land could be procured on which to erect a house of worship.  After examining several lots, the one was selected on which the church now stands, in School street, and it was accordingly bought about the first of May following.

The original means for building the church, was a subscription for shares of one hundred dollars each; one hundred and thirty-nine shares being taken by forty-three persons.  Of this number, after a lapse of nearly a third of a century, the following are still spared to us, as willing supporters of the Society and cause to which they devoted the meridian of their days, to wit:  William Barry, Daniel E. Powars, Winslow Wright, Joseph Badger, Caleb Wright, John W. Trull, Samuel Hichborn, and Job Turner.

On Monday, May 19, 1817, the corner-stone was laid, and within it was deposited a silver plate, the gift of Dr. David Townsend, with this inscription:  “The Second Universal Church, devoted to the Worship of the true God:  Jesus Christ being the chief Corner Stone.  May 19, 1817.”  The building of the house was carried forward with energy, and on the 25th of August the Chairman of the Committee was directed to address a letter to Rev. Hosea Ballou, asking him if it would meet his approbation to be considered a candidate for the office of pastor.  The house having been completed, it was voted to dedicate the same on Wednesday, October 15, 1817.  The Rev. Thomas Jones was invited to preach the sermon, and Revs.  Edward Turner, Hosea Ballou, and Paul Dean, to conduct the other services as might be mutually agreeable to them.  In consequence, however, of the Cattle Show at Brighton taking place on that day, it was afterwards thought expedient to postpone the Dedication until the succeeding day.

On the day following the Dedication, the Society met for the purpose of selecting a pastor; and the Standing Committee were instructed, by a unanimous vote, to invite the Rev. Hosea Ballou to that office, at a weekly salary of twenty-five dollars.  This vote was communicated to him in an appropriate letter from the Chairman of the Committee, to which the following reply was received:—­

    Boston, Oct. 24, 1817.