The Old Churches

Along the Freedom Trail are two churches, the Old South Church and the Old North Church. Original names I know but they are fantastic buildings. The first one you see is the Old South Church.

They are currently restoring the outside of the building, primarily the wooden parts, windows and such. I thought the flare from the sun was a nice touch. The inside is a museum as this was the site of the decision to conduct the Boston Tea Party (original). The inside is impressive and a little odd if you haven't seen the set up before. 

The pulpit was very impressive. I did wonder about the hanging ceiling though. I ask the docent at the Old North Church about t, as they had one above the pulpit. It turns out it is a sounding board to reflect the speaker's voice back down to those assembled. And considering those assembled, the second picture shows a pew. Keep in mind that the pulpit is to the right, that means that some of the people sitting in the pew the speaker will be behind them. I learned from a guide at the Old North church that a stranger, new parishioner or visitor could use what was called the "stranger's pew" at the back but that after three times coming to church they were excepted to buy a pew. The Old North Church had the family names on the pews as it is still a Episcople meeting house. The Old north Church was where the "One if by land. Two if by sea" occured. They have a nice mural at the head of the hall and a cool organ over the door in the balcony.

Somehow I didn't snap a picture of the outside of the Old North Church. It was raining by that point in the day and I was anxious to do see the last few locals along the freedom trail. I do regret not getting one. It was a pretty cool building.