Brief History and Overview of the Meetinghouse

The Meetinghouse. Purchased by the Wilson Family in 2002 at auction (formerly Yesteryears Doll Museum cr 1965) and completely renovated into a 5 bedroom residential property; used as part of the Belfry Inn & Bistro portfolio of rooms and private catered function space. Its was sold by Wilson in 2005 to The Segur family and who have since passed away it was repurchased from the estate by Wilson again in 2018.

The Meetinghouse is one of the most storied landmarks in the village: the First Church Meetinghouse. This was the site of the original First Parish Meeting House, built in 1638 and the first public building on Cape Cod, and served as a literal meetinghouse, simultaneously, of the town hall of Cape Cod’s first settlement and the place of worship for three different denominations. Three different structures have occupied the site-the present one has stood since 1830.

Over the years, the town hall moved out, reflecting separation of church and state, then, gradually, the denominations moved to other quarters. Since 1965, the majestic, yet graceful structure was a doll house museum, Yesteryears, and finally, even that function ended. When we last visited Sandwich, it was cracked and peeling, boarded up and decaying. Wilson bought it at auction and saw it through its reincarnation as The Belfry Meetinghouse.

The Meetinghouse is geared for longer stays-such as weekly business retreats or monthly family vacations. Measuring more than 7,000 square feet, comprises five one-bedroom suites, dining area, game area, bar area, library, open kitchen and meeting space. Complete with an elevator, generator and whole house fire suppression system. Loss of power is never an issue and WIFI most phones can be used as a personal hot spot should cable WIFI go out.

Guests enter through a marble entryway and climb 15 stairs to enter the grandiose main space, where the eye is pulled upward to the newly painted tin ceiling with its handsome center chandelier. The original altar is enlarged and raised two feet above the main floor. A semicircular sitting area with gas burning fireplace invites repose, reflection and contemplation. Light diffuses throughout the magnificent polychrome stained glass fenestration.

The main floor features a library with Internet access, fax capability and additional home office fittings, entertainment and dining areas. A ‘personal chef’ is available to serve occupants and their guests from the open kitchen dining area

The former choir loft has been reincarnated as a gallery sitting area. Horse hair plaster was removed from interior walls, revealing the original etched glass windows beneath, letting sunlight stream in. A winding, three-story staircase gives access to under the bell tower.

Five Guestrooms are were named for historically significant dolls (hearkening to its former use as a doll museum) and feature whirlpool tubs, TV, HVAC, and sitting areas. Beds are dressed in only the finest textiles. The master suite-950 square feet in all-is accoutered with a king size bed, dressing area and palatial bath and offers a panorama of the first floor from its veranda doors. Four additional bedrooms and gallery area are located on the main floor.