Facing the water on one side provided protection, at least from the south, and a ready route of escape if it became necessary. In 1660, the First Parish, now North Congregational, acquired the church building and converted it into a parsonage for its minister. It burned in 1704. Another states that the parsonage and the church were connected and they burned together. The first is more romantic - the second more likely.
Documentation is now remnants of ashes buried beneath asphalt pavings.
The proceeds were used to build the North Church parsonage on Pleasant Street. It is interesting to note that at least a part of the original intent, possibly unintentionally, has been carried out as the new court house that has ben built on the property.