This stove was a foot-stove,--a small metal box, usually of sheet
tin or iron, enclosed in a wooden frame or standing on little legs,
and with a handle or bail for comfortable carriage. In it were
placed hot coals from a glowing wood fire, and from it came a
welcome warmth to make endurable the freezing floors of the
otherwise unwarmed meeting-house. Foot-stoves were much used in the
Old South. In the records of the church, under date of January 16,
1771, may be read:--
"Whereas, danger is apprehended from the stoves that are frequently
left in the meeting-house after the publick worship is over; Voted
that the Saxton make diligent search on the Lords Day evening and in
the evening after a Lecture, to see if any stoves are left in the
house, and that if he find any there he take them to his house; and
it is expected that the owners of such stoves make reasonable
satisfaction to the Saxton for his trouble before they take them
away."
The Old South did not have a stove set in the church for heating
till 1783.