See Churches that Witnessed Revolution 

To live North of Boston during the Revolution was to know, in one way or another, the force that Protestantism exerted in the organization of daily life. Visit one of these churches today, and appreciate the architecture, not just of buildings but of spiritual practices that have stood the test of time.

Old South Presbyterian Church, Newburyport

When Benedict Arnold concocted his plan for a Quebec offensive to garner support in the Canadian colonies, 1,100 troops assembled at Old South to pray.

This still-in-use church was built in 1756 to house a congregation founded 10 years earlier by George Whitefield, the famous preacher who rose to prominence through the Great Awakening and brought this religious movement to New England. Whitefield was a leader of Calvinistic Methodism and reportedly attempted to convert Benjamin Franklin. Whitefield is buried inside the church, and visitors can join historical tours to see the crypt.

First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church, Beverly

Though best known today for his midnight ride, Paul Revere was also a silversmith who crafted church bells. First Parish, which was first built in 1667 (the current structure dates to 1770), was the recipient of one such bell. However, historian Charles Wainwright noted that Revere “was not so good” at the craft, and his bell “rang sour and off-key.” The church ultimately melted it down and recast it. Today the bell tolls for no one, firmly planted on a concrete slab near Garden City Church.

St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, Marblehead

Founded in 1714 by sea captains and local donors, St. Michael’s is the oldest Episcopal church building on its original site in New England. A “handsome church” for a seafaring community, the church has long celebrated music during worship and features stained-glass windows from 1888.

These Congregations Have Worshipped Since Before America Was Born

First Church, Salem (1629)

One of the oldest Protestant parishes in the country, First Church in Salem is today Unitarian Universalist and assembles in a Gothic Revival meetinghouse built in 1836.

First Church of Christ, Lynn (1632)

The fifth church in Massachusetts, First Church of Christ was formed by a minister just three days after he landed in Boston from England.

First Church, Ipswich (1634)

Ipswich’s First Church is steeped in legend, from lightning strikes to the “devil’s footprint.” In 1692, its meetinghouse stood near the jail where people suspected of witchcraft were imprisoned during the Salem witch trials. The parish circulated a petition defending the accused.

Old North Church, Marblehead (1635)

Founded by fishermen and mariners, Old North Church still displays the pulpit bible from their 18th-century preacher Parson Barnard.

First Parish of Newbury (1635)

When settlers left Ipswich to establish Newbury, they organized their community around the First Parish church. The meetinghouse was replaced several times in the 17th century, and the current building was completed in 1869.

Photo: Beverly’s First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church, Leon H. Abdalian/Boston Public Library

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This blog is an excerpt from our digital guide “250 Ways to Explore, Discover, and Celebrate North of Boston”. To view the full guide, click here.