Old South Church in Boston, Boston

Beautiful historic church next to Boston's Public Library (also worth checking out). Would have loved to hear its organ play. It was completed in 1873, designated National Historic Landmark in 1970 for its architectural significance as one of the finest High Victorian Gothic churches in New England. It is home to one of the oldest religious communities in the US.

Had a great time attending a classical music performance by candlelight. The atmosphere was fantastic. There was plenty of space for everyone. The church is conveniently located near Copley Station on the Green Line (trolley) and is a 5-minute walk from Back Bay Station on the Orange Line (train).

Old South Church was born in 1669 in a raging argument over the waters of baptism. Twenty eight men and about as many women (known then as “the Schismatics” or “the Dissenting Brethren”) broke away from Boston’s First Church to found a church aching to dispense the waters of baptism more liberally. Our founders were descendants of separatist and dissenting Pilgrims, Puritan reformers, and Bay Colony merchant adventurers. Their parents left England in the 17th century, some to escape persecution, and others to forge a more prosperous life in the New World. Our founders included a butcher, a bricklayer, a brewer, a fisherman, a bookseller, a shoemaker, two ship’s captains, a tailor, two felt-makers, an apothecary, several merchants, a mason, several selectmen, a mint-master, farmers, and a schoolmaster.

The architecture of this church is stunning and beautiful! It is also a national historic landmark so I highly encourage you to take some time and visit the church.

The rest of the reviews will give you an idea of the architecture and the beauty of the color stained glass panels but I’m leaving a review to warn you that the staff can be plain rude and unwelcoming. I came here with two family members on Easter Sunday and wandered into the Sanctuary side of the church after services had ended since there were no signs that entry was prohibited. Within 10 seconds, a volunteer / employee saw us and without skipping a beat started reprimanding us like children. Verbatim “how did you get in here” in a particularly rude and unwelcoming tone. A simple “sorry this area is closed to visitors” would have been more than sufficient. The irony that this church seems to preach the whole “all is welcome here” thing is not lost on us. I’m just glad I hadn’t yet gone through with the donations online towards the church before this awful interaction.