In the early years of the 1800s, the writings of a theologian named Swedenborg, came to the attention of New Englanders.  Swedenborg had a vision of a "New Church", and his philosophies attracted many who were dissatisfied with the beliefs of the Congregationalists, including a small following in Yarmouth.  For many years the small band of Yarmouth "New Church" followers met in the homes of its various members.  By the late 1830s, there was enough interest to try and enlist a regular minister and obtain a larger meeting space.  The congregation met above two different stores until 1858, when one of its members, James Knowles, built a new dry goods store with a second story meeting hall to house the Yarmouth New Church. 

By 1870, the New Church was built and provided a beautiful addition to the Common with its meticulous Gothic details, elaborately hand-painted and stenciled walls, and its impressive pipe organ. Even with its lovely new building, the church failed to attract new members and its congregation continued to remain small in the 19th century, and diminished further in the 20th century. Much needed maintenance could not be provided to the structure, and it fell into disrepair. This lack of maintenance, however, meant that the lovely 19th century structure continued to remain in its original form, right down to the seat cushions.

Today, the few remaining members of the Yarmouth New Church Society have turned over the structure to the Yarmouth New Church Preservation Foundation, a non-profit group formed to save and repair the structure. The Foundation battles now to raise the money necessary to restore this grand edifice to its once proud and beautiful condition and use it as a center for community meetings and activities. Summer services are held here.