Description: I have heard the story of Paul Revere and the Old North Church in Boston, MA since I was a small child. I knew the story of how Paul Revere was given two lanterns high in the church steeple as a message that the English was coming by sea instead of the thought land attack. This night in 1775 began the American Revolution. The church came to life again in the movie National Treasure with Nicholas Cage. So when we stopped to see a few sights in Boston on our way to the airport, I told my husband I wanted to see this church. We asked a woman in military dress how far the church was and if we could walk or should we drive. "It’s not too far, just a short walk probably under a mile". So off we started to walk across the Boston Harbor Bridge, passing the Boston Gardens arena, and across many lanes of traffic. I could tell we were getting close to the historical part of town so I was getting excited until I realized that the historic part of town in all up hill.
We passed an old cemetery where we were told many famous people were buried. We climbed that steep hill until I thought I would fall back down, or die trying. After what felt like hours, we finally arrived at the Old North Church, also known as Christ Church in the City of Boston. It was built in 1723 and is the oldest standing church today in Boston. The inside of the church is magnificent with its pew boxes, linear alter, and the chandeliers hanging from the high ceilings. This church was the King’s church and of those wealthy people who were loyal to the King of England and were usually placed in high positions in the royal government. The king even sent silver to the church for use in the services and a bible.
Today you are able to sit in any of the pew boxes but in the 1700’s these boxes were sold to families. The closer up front or in the middle isle cost more money. Once a box was yours, you could decorate it however you wished. So many of the names I have never heard but I also knew that anywhere I sat, I was sitting where history was made all those years ago.
There are still church services held there today. So the church has been maintained well throughout the years. The is no entrance fee but they do have a donation box if you so choose.
Close