Topsfield Congregational Church

Situated on Topsfield's Common, three Congregational

meetinghouses have provided a place for spiritual communion

and worship for over three hundred years. The first church

was built in 1703, the second in 1759, and the present one in

1842. Five generations of the Robert Smith family

of Topsfield were Congregationalists including Robert

(1626-1693), Samuel I (1666-1748), Samuel II (1714-1785),

Asael (1744-1830), and Joseph I (1771-1840).

Both Asael and Joseph Smith I were baptized in the second

meetinghouse. Like many families in the area, the Smiths

were noted for their Revolutionary patriotism and religious

devotion. Joseph Smith Jr. (1805-1844), prophet and founder

of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,

is a descendant of the Topsfield Smiths.

Erected by the Topsfield Historical Society

and the Mormon Historic Sites Foundation

2005