Good question. I guess things were different then...would be interested to know if this was the general rule in these churches at the time. Perhaps a Freeper who is familiar with New England church history can tell us.
In the late 1800's, most New England churches could seat hundreds and in some cases thousands. A small town could have a dozen churches. Today, most churches are lucky to get dozens to attend. I remember in my childhood, hundreds attending. The preacher would give a sermon clearly derived form the Bible. Nowadays, social justice has taken over many churches. One will hear nauseating sermons on accommodation of unspeakable notions. I expect church attendance will continue to decline. You can't get me to attend.