193 Salem St.
617-523-4848
www.oldnorth.com
Where it sits neatly on
its narrow North End street, the Old North Church still welcomes
an active Episcopalian congregation into its sanctuary. The
white steeple tops the original brick structure, towering over
the neighborhood. This church is the oldest existing church in
Boston. High above the street, the windows where church sexton
Robert Newman hung two lanterns on the night of April 18, 1775
still face Charlestown. The British were coming by sea.
The church, carefully
renovated and with much of its original flavor in tact, is open
daily for visitors interested both in history and spirituality.
Inside, the high, box pews are disorienting, but the church’s
guide explains all that is visible. The guide also recounts the
story of the eve of the American Revolution when Robert Newman
gave a pre-arranged signal that marked the beginning of the
conflict.
In addition to the free
admission and talk in the sanctuary, the church offers guided
tours of its private areas. The tour includes a visit to the
church crypt where the first captain of the USS Constitution lies,
among others. It continues with a visit to Clough House, Boston’s
oldest brick residence; a chance to see an authentic 18th
century garden; and for truly adventurous historians, a climb to
the bell tower where the immortalized lanterns hung for only
moments that fateful night. By the way, one of the first bell
ringers in this church was a teenager named Paul Revere. Those
bells can still be heard on Sundays.
Next door to the church
rests a small museum and gift shop all mixed up in one. Look
carefully for artifacts among the goods. On the grounds behind
the museum, is the St. Francis Garden, a place of peace and
contemplation. If you’ve arrived at the Old North Church from
Hanover Street, you’ve already traversed the Paul Revere Mall
with its statue of a horseback Revere and the many plaques
commemorating other historical periods of this country.
The Old North Church is on
the Freedom Trail. Since it is home to an active congregation,
you can’t enter during services (unless you wish to worship)
or when the church is in use for other functions, but at all
other times, the doors are open in welcome.
Hours:
June – October: 9-6
November – April: 9-5
Behind the Scenes Tours:
June – October: 10-5 on
the hour
Admission:
Free into the sanctuary.
Behind the Scenes Tour:
Adults: $8.00
Children under 16: $5.00
OLD
NORTH CHURCH
ATTRACTIONS
