Constitution and Records of the Female Cent Society of Bethel, West Parish

One of the most important elements of town life in early Bethel was the church, and before 1820 Congregationalism remained the dominant religion, despite inroads made by the local Baptists and Methodists. The "Female Cent Society" of the West Parish Congregational Church, organized in 1815, raised funds "to assist in the distribution of the Scriptures" and "in supporting missionaries among the destitute." Like other early nineteenth century women's groups in northern New England, this local gathering also provided an important platform for the exchange of ideas and concerns of particular interest to Bethel's female population.

1815