Old North Church
About this property
Old North Church (officially Christ Church in the City of Boston) is an Episcopal church on Salem Street in the North End neighborhood of Boston, Massachusetts, United States. The church, built in 1723, is the oldest standing church in the city. Old North Church is notable for its role in Paul Revere's midnight ride on April 18, 1775, when two lanterns in the steeple were illuminated, alerting Patriots of British military movements amid the American Revolutionary War. The congregation continues to host services there, while the secular nonprofit Old North Illuminated oversees tourism and preservation efforts. One of the landmarks on Boston's Freedom Trail, the Old North Church is designated a National Historic Landmark and a Boston Landmark, and it is part of the Boston National Historical Park. Christ Church held its first service on December 29, 1723, becoming Boston's second Anglican congregation. The building was completed in 1726, and additional features, including an organ and steeple, were installed over the two following decades. The church was closed between 1775 and 1778, amid the ongoing war. Among other 19th-century modifications, a new steeple and pews were added in the 1800s, and a rectory and sexton's house were built in 1850. The congregation dwindled during the late 19th century as the owners of pews died or moved out. After taking over the church, the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts renovated the building and added a chapel in the 1910s. Further modifications in the 20th century included various commemorative tablets, a new steeple in 1955, and renovations in the 1970s and 1980s. During the 21st century, Old North Illuminated added a gift shop and made additional repairs. The Georgian-style design was likely influenced by Christopher Wren's London churches. The building has a rectangular nave, flanked by a tower to the west and a semicircular apse to the east. The tower has a belfry with eight change ringing bells cast in 1744, the oldest in North America, along with a steeple rising 191 feet (58 m) above ground. Inside, the church has two levels of pews, along with an organ, a pulpit, and ceiling murals. Below the nave is a crypt where an estimated 1,100 people, such as John Pitcairn and Samuel Nicholson, are interred. The grounds also include the church house at 193–195 Salem Street, the Italian chapel (now a gift shop), and Clough House. The buildings are all connected by paths and gardens. Commentators have described its history as highly significant and its architecture as imposing.
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Property data from the National Register of Historic Places, National Park Service (public domain).
Description adapted from Wikipedia under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
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Questions about this property
When was Old North Church listed on the National Register?
Old North Church was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on October 14, 1966.
What type of historic resource is Old North Church?
Old North Church is classified as a building in the National Register of Historic Places.
Is Old North Church a National Historic Landmark?
Yes. Old North Church has been designated a National Historic Landmark (NHL), the highest level of federal recognition for historic properties in the United States.
What is the period of significance for Old North Church?
The period of significance for Old North Church is recorded as the industrial era.
Can I research the history near Old North Church?
Yes. Aubrey Research reports search National Register listings, battlefield records, land patents, and other primary historical sources within any radius of a US address. A report for an address near Old North Church will include this listing and all other historical records in the area.
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