Newbury Falls

During testimony given during the Salem witch trials, Newbury Falls was described as the scene of “baptisms” by the Devil, a procedure theoretically counteracting the Christian baptism previously experienced by an accused witch. Many accusers described the inversion of Christian rituals in their witchcraft accusations. For example, several claimed that Rev. Burroughs led a meeting of witches in the pasture of Salem Village’s Rev. Parris. Drums and trumpets summoned the participants, some of whom flew on poles to get there, the sermon instructed them to replace God’s church with the Devil’s, and a diabolical sacrament of blood and red bread was served.

Eighteen-year-old Richard Carrier, son of Martha Carrier, succumbed to pressure from the magistrates on July 22. His confession was believed to have been derived from torture while imprisoned, when he was tied “neck and heels” until the blood ran from his nose. Said Carrier, “I was baptized at the falls at Newbury in the river, he [the Devil] dipped my head into the water but I do not remember what he said. There were not above six baptized – [incl] Mrs. Bradbury, Goody Nurse, Goody How. When they signed the book the Devil told them they should overcome and prevail.” Mary Lacey Jr. also testified to a baptism at Newbury Falls, saying “the Devil carried me in his arms.”

Newbury Falls was not the only water where Satanic baptisms reportedly took place. Andover confessors mentioned similar events in the Shawsheen River and in Five Mile Pond, aka Spofford Pond.

Richard Dummer was granted a 500-acre farm at Newbury Falls, on the upper Parker River, in 1635. He built the first water-powered mills here in 1636.  The Moody family produced snuff and chocolate at this site after 1710, and the Newburyport Woolen Manufactory built a factory here in 1794.

68 Central Street, Byfield