You may know Old North Church, but have you been to these old churches?
When most people think of Boston churches, the Old North Church, Boston’s oldest surviving church, comes to mind. Founded in 1722, it was made famous by Paul Revere held two lanterns from the church’s steeple to signal that the British were marching to Lexington and Concord. Less well-known, but also of historical signficance, are these three beautiful Catholic churches that are deeply intertwined with the city’s rich history and worth a stop while visiting the city.
1. St. Stephen’s Church
Just a 3-minute walk from the Old North Church, following the Freedom Trail, is St. Stephen’s Church, dating back to 1804. It is the last remaining church in Boston designed by the architect Charles Bulfinch, who built the United States Capitol.
St. Stephen’s was not always a Catholic Church. Originally called New North Church, it was first a Congregationalist and then a Unitarian house of worship. In 1862, as the North End of Boston had become heavily Catholic due to an influx of Irish immigrants, the church was sold to the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Boston and became St. Stephen’s.
While it is no longer a parish church, and is run by the Missionary Society of St. James the Apostle, daily Mass is celebrated there. For more information go to MassTimes.com. Located at 401 Hanover Street.