Hi Kay, In the colonial, pre-Rev. time, the Anglican [Church of England] was the established religion and was supported by public taxes enacted on everyone, even if they preferred another church, and public officials made sure they were collected. I think this is the basis for the separation of church and state in the Constitution. There were other churches, such as Presbyterian, Congregationalists, Quakers, etc., but, I think, they were called non-conformists. Perhaps someone else has a clearer answer. Sara >I've been trying for a long time to figure out if there were established >churches in Bedford and if so, what were they called. If anyone finds the >answer to this puzzle, be sure to post. > >Kay