This is a church pew deed (yes, a deed) for church pew #37 in the First Parish of Billerica, MA.
This deed gives complete control and rights to Pew #37 in the new meeting-house to Joseph Blanchard and his heirs in perpetuity. Joseph Blanchard paid $68.50 for the pew.
Joseph's pew was most likely a box pew. Joseph's pew would have been large enough for his entire family to worship together. They were also a good way to raise money to support the church. The pews could be 'improved' upon - and the family's status upgraded - if the owner decided to decorate on as they would decorate their homes.