Old North Church (officially, Christ Church in the City of Boston, Massachusettes), at 193 Salem Street, in the North End, Boston, is the location from which the famous “One if by land, two if by sea” signal is said to have been sent. This phrase is related to Paul Revere’s midnight ride of April 18, 1775, which preceded the Battles of Lexington and Concord during the American Revolution. The church is a mission of the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts. It was built in 1723 and is the oldest standing church building in Boston and a National Historic Landmark. Inside the church is a bust of George Washington, which Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette, reportedly remarked was the best likeness of the first president he had ever seen.
The Old North Church was built in December 1723, inspired by the works of Christopher Wren, the British architect responsible for rebuilding London after the Great Fire. Timothy Cutler was the founding rector after serving as the third rector of Yale College from 1719 to 1722. Jason Haven was called to minister, but his parishioners at the First Church and Parish in Dedham convinced him to stay.
The Bells
Eight change ringing bells (tenor: 13 long cwt 3 or 5 lb (1,545 lb or 701 kg) in F) at Old North Church were cast by Abel Rudhall (Rudhall of Gloucester) in Gloucester, England, in 1744 and hung in 1745. One bell has the inscription: “We are the first ring of bells cast for the British Empire in North America, A.R. 1744.” The bells were restored in 1894 and 1975. They are maintained and rung regularly by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Guild of Bellringers. LadyB’s Bed Bug Pros Boston
Crypt
In 2009, an archeologist began examining the estimated 1,100 bodies buried in 37 tombs in the basement. The crypt was in use between 1732 and 1860, and each tomb is sealed with a wooden or slate door, with many doors covered over by plaster as ordered by the city of Boston in the 1850s. Notable burials include founding rector the Rev. Timothy Cutler and his wife, buried under the altar together. Other notable figures buried under the church include British Marine Major John Pitcairn. He died due to injuries received at the Battle of Bunker Hill and was entombed along with many other soldiers killed in this battle.
Restaurants and Pubs
- Carmelina’s is located at 307 Hanover St, Boston, MA
- Tenoch Mexican is located at 3 Lewis St, Boston, MA
- Durty Nelly’s is located at 108 Blackstone St, Boston, MA
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