In 1824, there were three Unitarian societies in Salem, Massachusetts: First Church, Second Church and North Church. Some First Church members withdrew from the society over a dispute regarding the appointment of a minister (some congregants wanted a minister that was Unitarian in theology and others wanted a minister that was Trinitarian in theology). The faction that wanted a Trinitarian minister erected a new church named The Independent Congregational Church. The cornerstone was laid on July 5, 1824 in Barton Square and the building opened for public worship on December 7, 1824 with Reverend Henry Colman as its first minister.

Pews were sold at auction or leased, and were taxed annually to meet expenses. Subsequent ministers were: James W. Thompson, 1832-1859; Augustus M. Haskell, 1862-1886; George Batchelor, 1866-1882; Benjamin F. McDaniel, 1992-1886; Frederick B. Mott, 1887-1891; and Alfred MANCHESTER, 1893-1899.

On April 24, 1899 the Independent Congregational Church in Barton Square in Salem united with East Church Society in Salem and Second Church in Salem in one corporation to be called the Second Church in Salem. Services were held in the church at Washington Square (now the Salem Witch Museum) with Alfred Manchester elected Pastor. The Barton Square church building was transformed into a theater.