The Ministry Shop, 1848

Built in 1848 to replace an earlier ministry shop that became too small, this two-and-a-half-story building was used both as a workshop and, after 1878, a dwelling house for the ministry. Previously, the ministry lived on the second and third floors of the Meetinghouse. The building has a gable roof and was the first at the village to have its roof covered in tin. The Shakers added a single-story ell to the south side of the building in 1858; this ell was first used by the physician and after 1860 by the dentist.

This structure is the only building in the Village that interprets the role of the Shaker ministry, which was responsible for the governance and operation of Shaker communities in Canterbury and Enfield, New Hampshire. Appointed by the lead ministry in Mount Lebanon, New York, the ministry enforced regulations, made policy, settled disputes, and facilitated communication between Shaker communities in New Hampshire.

Today the building is used as exhibit space and is open for guided tours.