“A Slave in the Parsonage” on March 8 at First Congregational Church

“A Slave in the Parsonage” is the first of four Wednesday evening presentations that will look at slavery in Stoneham in the 18th Century and ask the question, what does that mean for us.

The series, "Breaking Free: Slavery and Salvation in Stoneham," opens on Wednesday, March 8, at 7 p.m. at the First Congregational Church.

Local historian and author Ben Jacques will tell stories of several leading families in Stoneham who owned slaves, including the town’s first minister. He will share documents and letters that reveal the lives of dozens of enslaved men, women and children.

Then on March 15, in “Shackles in the City on a Hill,” the Rev. Ken McGarry will examine New England’s role in the enslavement of both Africans and natives, and how this was supported by religious, social and economic beliefs. He will illustrate the vital economic link between Massachusetts, the West Indies, and Africa.

Pastor McGarry is the 39th settled minister of the Stoneham church, founded in 1729.

Then on March 22 in “27 Brave Women,” Jacques will present on the abolitionists in Stoneham, some of whom faced virulent opposition from pro-slavery forces. This will include the women in the church and town who formed the first chapter of the Female Anti-Slavery Society in 1838.

In the final session on March 29, the Rev. Darrell Goodwin, president of the Southern New England Conference of the church’s denomination, the United Church of Christ, will lead a discussion on “Where do we go from here?” What are our obligations as descendants of a society that sanctioned human bondage? Participants will explore how we can use personal and organizational resources to enact justice in our communities.

For more information, readers are invited to contact First Congregational Church in Stoneham at 781-438-0097 or office@firstchurchstoneham.org or to visit www.firstchurchstoneham.or.