193 Salem St.
617-523-4848
www.oldnorth.com
What's
New?
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
