Founded by “the Dissenting Brethren” in 1669, the Old South Church congregation in Boston was the result of 28 men and about 28 women breaking away from Boston’s First Church. Charles Amos Cummings and Willard T. Sears, the architects, designed the church in the breathtaking Venetian Gothic style. And you can appreciate the building’s striking design while attending an enchanting Candlelight concert bathed in the glow of hundreds of flickering candles.
Getting to one of Boston’s most renowned buildings is easy given that it is located at Copley Square—one of the city’s main plazas. You can reach the church within 7 minutes if you hop on the subway from Boston Common, and it is only 17 minutes on foot from the same starting point.
Facts, Curiosities and Interesting Things about Old South Church
1. Several homes
Throughout its storied past, the church has found its home in three different places. After inhabiting the Cedar Meeting House from 1669 to 1729, the congregation worshipped at the Old South Meeting House (known today as a museum on Boston’s Freedom Trail) until 1872, and eventually found its permanent home at the vibrant New Old South Church.
2. Important figures
The church has welcomed a number of significant people in history through its doors. Benjamin Franklin was baptized in their meeting house, and people also gathered there to attend the Boston Tea Party meetings hosted by Samuel Adams.
3. Plenty to absorb
The church’s location today is not modest affair. From the Italian cherry wood and limestone to the stained glass designed by Louis Comfort Tiffany, the luxurious features are in abundance here. Commanding the same attention as the Doge’s Palace and the loggias of Venice, the church stands out and towers over the main square.
Candlelight concerts in Old South Church
The Candlelight series invites music lovers to listen to classical takes on some of their favorite music at the spectacular venue. Holiday specials, tributes to famous film scores, artists like Beyoncé, and more are some the inspiration forming Candlelight’s impressive setlists. Don’t miss out on this one-of-a-kind experience.
What else can you do at Old South Church?
This beautiful church is open to visitors from Sunday to Friday, and entrance is free. You can attend a service or even keep an eye on their website to discover exciting events, including worship accompanied by smooth jazz and Festival Worship which involves wide-ranging music, creative Children’s Messages, and prayer.
As well as attending a service or simply entering the church out of curiosity, one of the best ways to get a feel for its history and significance is by enjoying a Candlelight concert there. What’s more, not only is the popular concert series coming to Old South, but it is also spreading its charm at several other venues across Boston.