The Old South Church: Older Than Your Grandpa's False Teeth, But Definitely Cooler
So you're wandering around Boston, chowder in one hand, freedom fries in the other, and you stumble upon this grand ol' church building. You think to yourself, "Now that's a historic place! But just how historic?" Well, buckle up, history buff (or just curious tourist), because we're about to dive into the age of the Old South Church.
How Old Is The Old South Church In Boston |
How Old Are We Talking Here? Really Old. Like, REALLY Old.
This isn't your average "built-in-the-eighties" kind of old. We're talking about a congregation that's been around since 1669. That's older than Benjamin Franklin's kite key (and probably way less shocking). In fact, the Old South Church is one of the oldest religious communities in the United States. Pretty impressive, right?
Three Homes for One Church: A History Lesson (with Minimal Snoozing)
The congregation of the Old South Church has actually occupied three different buildings over the years. Here's a quick rundown, minus the textbook jargon:
- The Cedar Meeting House (1669-1729): Think log cabin chic, but for Puritans.
- The Old South Meeting House (1730-1872): This one's a famous landmark on the Boston Freedom Trail, and let's just say it's seen its fair share of history (hint: Boston Tea Party anyone?).
- The New Old South Church (1875-Present): This grand brick building in Back Bay is where you'll find the congregation worshipping today.
So, how old is the actual building you see today? The current church was built in 1875, making it a sprightly 149 years old (as of 2024).
Tip: Read once for flow, once for detail.
But wait, there's more! If you add up the lifespans of all three buildings, the Old South Church boasts a whopping 350+ years of history. That's enough time to witness a whole lot of sermons, sing a bunch of hymns (both off-key and on), and maybe even inspire a revolution or two (ahem, Boston Tea Party).
Old South Church: Not Your Average Historical Relic
Sure, the Old South Church is old. But it's also a vibrant community center, a place for social justice activism, and a hub for historical exploration. They even have a pretty cool website (
Frequently Asked Questions (Because We Know You Have Them)
How to visit the Old South Church?
Tip: Remember, the small details add value.
The current church is open for tours and offers worship services. Check out their website (
How to learn more about the Boston Tea Party?
The Old South Meeting House (the second building) is now a museum dedicated to the Boston Tea Party. Head to the Freedom Trail website to plan your visit.
Tip: Watch for summary phrases — they give the gist.
How to impress your friends with your newfound knowledge?
Casually drop the fact that the Old South Church is older than your grandpa (unless your grandpa is, like, super old).
How to channel your inner revolutionary spirit?
Tip: Look out for transitions like ‘however’ or ‘but’.
The Old South Church has a long history of social justice activism. Learn more about their work and get involved in your own community.
How to have an existential crisis about the passage of time?
Maybe don't do that. But hey, at least you now know the Old South Church is older than you think!