Though services were not being held at this Old South Church on this Sunday, the inviting sign "all are welcome" swept us in to see the chapel. There is a glowing simplicity to this sanctuary yet there are so many intricate details to take in from the architecture, to the windows, and organ (I love the window and organs). Not everything was available to see at the moment we were there, but they do have tours available. This beautiful historic landmark and spiritual edifice is worth the stop. read more

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I came here on a Friday night for a candlelight concert honoring Imagine Dragons and Coldplay. The church is a short walk away from the train station and around the corner from Newbury Street. It seems like this building is multipurpose since there was a lecture taking place in one room, and the concert in the main sanctuary. The inside is super nice, with wooden pews, stained glass windows, and beautiful art all over including the ceiling. There are three sections of seating on the main floor - the center floor, and two small sets of pews on either side. There is balcony seating upstairs, but only on the sides. We sat on the right-side balcony, and it was still a great view. They did a good job of decorating the church in candles, especially the altar where the musicians are. The temperature inside was perfect as well as the acoustics. Since the concert started at 7:00 pm, for the first 15 ish minutes, the room still felt bright since the sun was coming in through the windows, but it slowly got darker throughout the night. I know they have bathrooms, but I personally did not use them. There were ushers helping people get to their seats which I thought made things run a lot smoother, especially for the latecomers. read more

Old South Church - Churches Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

This church is a national historic landmark and has been there since 1875. It was spacious and had a few nooks and crannies to explore. Samuel Adams called this his church and Benjamin Franklin was baptized here. There are some pretty areas of stained glass and little bits of history around the church. It can get a little warm inside even in the end of September. It was a nice little stop to explore and worth the visit. read more

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A very welcoming church. They don't turn anyone away doesn't matter your religion or what not. I only really come here once a year during Boston Marathon weekend. They hold a blessing of the Athlete service the Sunday before Marathon Monday. This church is very nice looking inside. Everyone who works here is helpful and nice. read more

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This review is based on a tour only, and not a sermon. The architecture is gorgeous. The greeting at the door shows ALL are welcome which is the way it should be. There was no charge for a tour and there is a great history timeline of the church at the back which shows its involvement in the planning of the Boston Yes Party. The sanctuary is stunning and worth the time. read more

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I was a guest at my cousins wedding recently. The church was historic... Ben Franklin was baptized here. There is Tea Party history here as well! The organ sounded great. It was warm, but they provided fans. As a non-religious person, I really appreciated the welcoming sign on the outside of the building. I included a pic. read more

Old South Church - Churches Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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I walked into the church in July, 1968, and found a grand piano in the choir rehearsal room. I sat at the piano and began playing the 1st Movement of Ludwig Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata. The Minister was in his office and heard my music. He quietly stepped out of the office and stood near me as I went on to play Mozart's Turkish March, and then Clementi's Sonatina and Prokofiev's 'Peter and The Wolf' March. I asked him if he could call my parents in Beltsville, Maryland, and let me talk to them. I had hitchhiked from home three days before. I was a runaway teenager. He let me stay at his house with his wife and three children, Mary, John and Joy. Within two days I was employed and paying for my own lunch. I met dozens of hippies in the historic park, the Boston Commons, and the hippies were camping overnight in the park. The following week there was a riot at the Commons and Boston Police assaulted and battered the hippies and they were rounded up at taken in police wagons to the city jail. A Harvard Lawyer representing the hippies got all the charges dropped and the hippies freed. I was inadvertently rounded up with the hippies because I had come by and watched the riot with a hundred others. I had never seen arrested before, so I sat silent by myself in the cell block until the Harvard Law School attorneys came in. I was told to go to the arrangement hearing with the rest of the detainees and just say 'I do.' when asked if I would plead guilty of curfew violation. His Honor gave me six months unsupervised probation because I was wearing my 'Sunday-go-to-meetin' clothes and was clean and sober so I stood out among the other defendants. The police officers who grabbed me and tossed me into the paddy wagon had torn my expensive designer suit and I was more concerned about finding a tailor. read more

This is a review for the church worship community, not the church as a historical site to visit when you're in town (although you certainly should, the architecture and history are incredible!). I love the ministers here. And the congregation is filled with interesting, kind, open-minded people. It is a very welcoming church, particularly for the LGBTQ community but also racial/ethnic minorities, single people, families, people in recovery and survivors of other religious traditions that have been oppressive/hateful. The overwhelming message is that God is love and loving one another is what Jesus taught his followers. You will not find messages of hate, hell, demons or fear. I leave every service feeling comfort and hope. The church offers 4 services: 9am (super kid-friendly), 11am, super grandiose and longer, Thursday night jazz, and monthly 10am healing worship. There's coffee hour, new member lunches, small group breakouts that meet weekly and are great for meeting new people, and a terrific nursery in a preschool room. My kids love Godly Play (Christian-ed) and we've been satisfied with the monthly Parent's Night Out option (Friday nights from 6-10, cheap and located in the church so you can hit Back Bay for a dinner out). Even though it is a big church it hasn't been hard to meet people and feel connected to other members. There are lots of ways to get involved in the community through the church, too. I feel really integrated into the fabric of Boston because of this wonderful church. read more

"In art the heart, the head, and the hand of a man come together." - John Ruskin, inspiration behind Old South. This great church has stood on the northwest side of Copley Square since 1873 so it's had more than enough time to garner attention from us yelpers yet has apparently been overshadowed by the BPL and Trinity Church. Though it's stature is not as impressive, it's lineage is just as strong and is absolutely worth a gander completing a wonderful trifecta of history with its said neighbors. Originally founded on Washington and Milk Streets in 1669, its pews supported the bums of many a notable figure: Samuel Adams, Ben Franklin, Dave Chappelle (Okay, maybe not. Just seeing if you're really reading.) And has since committed to urban ministry with relatively liberal notions on race, class and sexuality, drawing a diverse and lively congregation. Currently the minister is female and the church is thriving. Erected by the same duo to create the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, the structure as a similar Venetian aesthetic indicated by the arches on the 250 ft high campanile and the ornate wrought iron work but incorporates local materials like Roxbury puddingstone. Crazy fact: the bell in the steeple weighs over a TON. Imagine the reverberations. I just wonder how the hell they got it up there. Also notable to the art buff, Louis Comfort Tiffany (of the stained glass fame though he bit the work of La Farge) did an entire interior revamping at the turn of the century which was later removed and restored to it's more simple original state which is nice, but not incredible. Okay, enough commentary. Onto the practical: they've got a cool jazz service on Thursday nights, a soulful choir that practices in the summer (open to all), an amazing organ with 7,600 pipes in the chancel, church school and Bible study. So do your thing if you're into all that (gobbledygook), or wander over to whet your appetite for Trinity. (Lordy. It's almost 3am on a Sunday night and I'm writing about the architecture in churches. I am my father's daughter.) read more

Old South Church - Churches Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Ligaya's review (below) provides an excellent history of this beautiful church, so I won't go into details about its architectural or culture background. Suffice it to say, this church is famous, old and centrally located in the heart of the Back Bay. Two things struck us about this church: -the stained glass windows are absolutely gorgeous. The colors are gem tones and the brochures say they're reminiscent of Chartres Cathedral in France (which they are, if you've been there, you know). The vibrancy of the colors is unreal, especially if you are lucky enough to visit when the sun's rays hits the windows. -my kids and I really liked how this church made a point of letting visitors know that ALL people are welcome there, that they believe that LGBT folks are in God's image and nobody is ever turned away here. This was boldly advertised on a brochure prominently out on display along with all their other brochures. My family is Jewish, but I truly believe this philosophy is what all religions are supposed to embrace, and it was so nice for me to show my kids that there are lots of churches out there that DO believe this and are welcoming of all. read more

While I will leave off details related to my spirituality, I will say that I am not a parishioner at this church, But I am familiar with the Christian Faith. This is a Protestant/UCC church. I love how they keep their doors open practically year-round as a "Sanctuary in the City" as they call it. It is a lovely place for meditation, rest, or quiet reflection. If you need to talk to someone, the ministers there are really great too! Finally, they periodically have music events, such as on Halloween and New Year's, they have a pipe organ inside, and a talented Minister of Music (organist). Concerts are free, and always awesome. Finally, a beautiful, large historic church in the middle of a city is not something that is found particularly commonly. If you live in Boston, or are visiting from far away, if you are Protestant, or not, In recommend stopping in, and taking it all in. read more

An urban church that makes Boston feel more like a village. Here is a generous hearted and smart congregation that manages to avoid politics and instead keep a focus on loving your neighbor and leaving the world better than we found it. The Thursday night Jazz service, Sunday 9:00 am communion, and Sunday 11:00 "Festival" service are all worth a look if you're looking to balance the human made world with the sacred. read more

We happened upon this cathedral and thought we'd go in for a peak ..they were very gracious and welcoming. No fee like the one across the street and they were practicing the pipe organ which was nice to hear. read more

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Old South Church is one of the popular spots to visit in Boston, also one of the historical placesin Boston. It was designed in the Gothic Revival style, Established in the year 1669, it is also one of the older religious communities in the United States. also because of the location of it, made it not so different to find and hang around. From the architecture perspective, the church is quite different with most of the churches I have visited back in Europe. The style, the choice of color. It is quite special. The church isn't so big, but it surely worth to pay a visit. read more

Old South Church - At night. - Churches Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

This is actually one of a few places that I always feel happy and having "peace in my heart" every time I come to "First Worship" and "Festival Worship". First of all, the church is as gorgeous and classic as "heaven on Earth", nice arts and decorations, the choirs and songs are spectacular and extraordinary. There are three fabulous and splendid Ministers who are Nancy, John and Anthony. They are extremely super polite, friendly and welcoming. Even the first time I came in, I felt like I m one of their family members. That makes me feel grateful and appreciating their kindness. And yes for sure, I have a strong Faith and Spirit in God, this church and the people involved in this community. Totally recommend it and..... Lastly, I honestly can see how bright and stupendous the future will be. You will definitely feel "peace be with you" when you are here!!! - Andy - read more

Old South Church - Fabulous "lighting the candles". - Churches Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Spectacular interior and moving worship. Engaged in the Boston community since the revolutionary war. Must see in Boston. If you have time to go to a service (Two on Sunday one Thursday night) do it! read more

ATTENTION: Future Brides Considering Old South Church I was hoping to get married at Old South in 2014 and so I called to make a reservation for the time and date that I wanted. I was assured by the woman over the phone that this date was held for us and that they would be waiting for our deposit. Right after my fiancee and I scheduled our venue, band etc. around the church, we called to let them know that the check was in the mail. The woman on the phone told us she had given our date away because she "forgot" about us. Here's my suggestion... Don't lie to brides and tell them that they are holding the date for you. The church is clearly not capable of holding reservations. I wouldn't recommend working with forgetful vendors. read more

I was lucky enough to be married here and had an excellent experience. A historic landmark and a church that preaches the beauty and sacredness of love for all was just the kind of place we were looking for. The church itself is gorgeous. Our friends and family were so impressed by the beauty of the space when they walked in. With the woodwork and the stained glass windows, we hardly needed to decorate. The church administrator was very responsive over email and the wedding coordinator provided by the church was very professional. Your booking also comes with the church organist, who played the songs we requested for our processional and recessional with aplomb. The bridal suite has recently been remodeled, so there was a large bathroom and lots of room to get ready. I would highly recommend the Old South Church as a wedding venue. read more

Old South Church - Just a light touch of wedding decorations - Churches Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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Old South Church was an easy choice for our Boston wedding venue. We had a very Boston wedding and with its rich heritage, nothing gets as Boston as being in the heart of Copley Square at Old South Church. We had a small, intimate wedding of about 75 guests so the Gordon Chapel was the perfect location for our wedding ceremony. The room holds up to 165 guests. We also had an option to have our wedding ceremony in the Main Sanctuary, which is gorgeous, but at a capacity of 850 guests, was way to big for us. Gordon Chapel is designed in the gothic style complete with beautiful stained glass windows on two sides, vaulted arches, and an organ. As soon as I stepped into the room, I knew it would be perfect for our wedding. Our wedding package also came with an organist, wedding hostess, and minister. Just remember that wedding dates fill up fast! We booked about 16 months in advance but wish we had done so sooner. Thank you Old South Church for a beautiful wedding location! read more

Old South Church - Wedding Ceremony in Gordon Chapel at Old South Church - Churches Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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Listening to the incredibly full sounding organ and gazing at century old surroundings. Amazing step off of Boylston Street in to a time long passed. read more

This wasn't on the main Freedom Trail tour but my wife and I stumbled across it while we were killing time before our flight home. Absolutely stunning architecture inside and out. We didn't have time for a tour but got a good look around on our own. If I lived in Boston and went to church I'd consider this one...they have Jazz Worship! I love jazz! read more

Ligaya T's review pretty much sums it up but I just wanted to give Old South Church some love with the 5 star treatment it deserves. We have been members there for a year and love the members and ministers. They are so welcoming and open to all walks of life. If you have not toured the sanctuary, please do. It is one of the most beautiful churches I have ever seen, inside and out. read more

I've been to this church a couple of times. The first time was just to see the inside, which is gorgeous. The second time I went to the Sunday Festival service. A beautiful service with nice music and a good sermon. I really like that they focus on loving thy neighbour rather than focusing on the differences between people. It's fantastic that they don't discriminate, which is what church really should be about. read more

As an international student, this church has been my family and my home for three years. There is no word I can use to say how much I love here. read more

The first night orchestra was amazing. It was our first time in Boston doing the first night and we came in for the performance with our family. I highly recommend it. They have one of the most amazing organs in the country and the entire orchestra was playing magically. read more

After reading the review below from a bride, I created a Yelp account just to let you know my own experience of having been married recently at Old South Church. It was incredible, in every sense of the word. The church was beautiful, the service was meaningful, and we will never forget it. And the clergy and staff there are excellent. Of course, we did send our deposit in right away, and we actively communicated with the church. Beyond that, though, a church is not your "wedding vendor". It's a church. Its job is to be a church. The fact they are allowing non-members (I'm assuming you are not a member because I can't imagine a member of a church writing this) to use their historic sanctuary for their ceremonies is not a given. Many churches do not do this. Why? Because a church is not your personal backdrop for your big day. It's a community of faith. In this case the same community of faith where Ben Franklin was baptized, Samuel Adams attended church, and the original Boston Tea Party was planned. If that's not enough, it's the community of faith that has worked against racism in Boston, was one of the first to reach out to people with HIV, and that helped to respond to the city after the Boston Marathon bombing happened, literally, on their doorstep. But, hey, your wedding planning didn't go exactly according to plan, so they totally deserve one star, right? read more

A Boston landmark and right on the Freedom Trail, this is a must see for anyone who's in the city, especially history buffs. The architecture is amazing and needs to be seen to be fully appreciated. Along with a large amount of historical importance in the city itself, the reenactors are a great touch. read more

Beautiful church for certain - can't spring for a 5 as just a spectator.

I love the sense of fun and togetherness. Jazz services on Thursday are convenient and interesting. The sermons are interesting. They always keep you well fed with Christ and food. There is a pancake breakfast annually. People care in this community about everyone. There is acceptance and inclusion of issues but I do find it a bit liberal for my tastes. read more

My wife and I were members of Old South until we moved to Pennsylvania three years ago. Not a Sunday passes without one of us commenting about how much we miss Old South. The most open and welcoming congregation we've ever known. Inspiring music. Thoughtful, intellectually stimulating, and challenging sermons. And, a physical environment that that itself is a thing of beauty. It is hard to imagine a better worship opportunity. read more

I first came to Old South in July 2014 was surprised at how diverse the congregation is and how genuinely friendly they are. They really take seriously the "open doors" motto, and I have found a home here. read more