Old South Church in Boston image

Old South Church in Boston

Tourist attraction Church

Ornate, 1875 church housing a congregation founded in 1669, with notable organs & jazz services. People often mention church, Church, South, Boston, beautiful, visit, architecture, Beautiful, historic, worth,


Address

645 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02116

Website

www.oldsouth.org

Contact

(617) 536-1970

Rating on Google Maps

4.70 (434 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Sunday: 8:30 AM to 4 PM
  • Monday: 8 AM to 8 PM
  • Tuesday: 8 AM to 8 PM
  • Wednesday: 8 AM to 8 PM
  • Thursday: 8 AM to 8 PM
  • Friday: 8 AM to 7 PM
  • Saturday: 9 AM to 4 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: church (36) Church (19) South (16) Boston (16) beautiful (13) visit (11) architecture (8) Beautiful (8) historic (7) worth (6)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Henry Y. 5 months ago on Google • 367 reviews
    A great Church architecture. But at the time, it was not open for visit. Possibly to call period to visit.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 BradJill 5 years ago on Google • 4316 reviews
    The Old South Church (free entry) dates to the 1660s and one of two historical church visits you can make at Copley Square. We enjoyed the unique architecture of Old South Church, which is Northern Italian Gothic style. The building was designed mid 19th century. There are brochures in the worship hall with information regarding the history and architecture of the building. Both are worth a quick read. Within the church, we enjoyed the stained glass windows, wood carving pews and wall panels and the Gothic style back wall. On the 'Tour The Church' church website page, you find find information regarding the important things to see within the church. During our visit, there was lovely organ play taking place during our visit as well, making it nice to sit and enjoy the sounds of the Old South Church while we viewed its interior. You can conveniently visit the Old South Church in 15-20 minutes before making your way to other attractions at Copley Square or other areas of Boston. It is free to pop in and seemed worth the time to do so if you enjoy seeing historic churches.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Fred M. 4 years ago on Google
    This is the second-oldest church congregation in Boston, dating back to Puritans in the late 1600s Its original location was the Old South Meeting House on Washington Street in downtown Boston (where the American Revolution was discussed and planned). The congregation returns there once every year. After the filling of the Back Bay in the later 1800s, the congregation bought this lot and constructed this lovely huge Romanesque stone church, which has fine woodwork and stained-glass windows, plus a powerful organ. Its big lobby and especially the small adjacent lobby near a rest room have interesting Historical exhibits. These are open almost every day...not just on Sunday. The ministers preach h thought-provoking sermons...and the choir is fine, too. The Copley subway stations are on both sides of this corner. Each side accesses oy one direction. To go the other way, you have to cross Boylston St. If you have time, take a look at the Boston Public Library's pretty inner courtyard ...just across the street
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Koldo T. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Although it is located in a space with very special architectural buildings, it has a unique personality (Original) Eraikin arkitektonikoki oso bereziak dituen gune batean egon arren, berez nabarmentzeko moduko nortasuna du
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Regala K. 1 year ago on Google • 19 reviews
    Had a great time attending a classical music performance by candlelight. The atmosphere was fantastic. There was plenty of space for everyone. The church is conveniently located near Copley Station on the Green Line (trolley) and is a 5-minute walk from Back Bay Station on the Orange Line (train).
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Andri P. 4 years ago on Google
    UCC Old South has progressive Theology, great hospitality, excellent music, and choir, beautiful building. After visited over ten churches, I finally have found Old South as the most recommended Church in Boston.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 jerry p. 1 year ago on Google
    Old South Church is an amazing and refreshing place to worship. People are warm and inviting. The music is amazing. The services are for all people. And the preaching is so good. It's your next church family you never knew you needed.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Paul O. 4 years ago on Google
    Worth seeing
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 JB J. 4 years ago on Google
    Old South Church was built in 1873 and is beautiful inside and out.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ryan S. 1 year ago on Google
    Lived around Boston most of my life, passed this church a few thousand times. Went in to see the Candlelight: Fleetwood Mac tribute ... Stunning.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jérémie H. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) The Old South Church is a beautiful Neo-Gothic church and is located in the Back Bay area. She is a historical congregation of the United Church of Christ. It is designated today as a national historic monument. (Original) La Old South Church est une magnifique église de style néo- gothique et elle est située dans le quartier Back Bay. Elle est une congrégation historique de l' Église unie du Christ. Elle est désigné aujourd'hui comme un monument historique national.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 D3ATH 4 years ago on Google
    Boondock saints is the only reason I came here, but it's a beautiful and historical location that deserves to be seen and respected.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ryan V. 4 years ago on Google
    Such a beautiful church with such rich history. If you're in Boston for the marathon, visit for the "blessing of the athletes" services. A MUST see.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Tracy M. 4 years ago on Google
    Such an amazing place. The History and Architecture of the Building. Simply Stunning 😍
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ed C. 11 months ago on Google • 220 reviews
    Old South Church was born in 1669 in a raging argument over the waters of baptism. Twenty eight men and about as many women (known then as “the Schismatics” or “the Dissenting Brethren”) broke away from Boston’s First Church to found a church aching to dispense the waters of baptism more liberally. Our founders were descendants of separatist and dissenting Pilgrims, Puritan reformers, and Bay Colony merchant adventurers. Their parents left England in the 17th century, some to escape persecution, and others to forge a more prosperous life in the New World. Our founders included a butcher, a bricklayer, a brewer, a fisherman, a bookseller, a shoemaker, two ship’s captains, a tailor, two felt-makers, an apothecary, several merchants, a mason, several selectmen, a mint-master, farmers, and a schoolmaster.

  • 5/5 Deborah M. 4 months ago on Google • 169 reviews
    A string quartet concert was held in this church. Lots of rich history.

  • 4/5 Arwen L. 1 year ago on Google • 161 reviews
    The architecture of this church is stunning and beautiful! It is also a national historic landmark so I highly encourage you to take some time and visit the church.

  • 5/5 Peter Hey (RV P. 1 year ago on Google • 159 reviews
    Beautiful historic church next to Boston's Public Library (also worth checking out). Would have loved to hear its organ play. It was completed in 1873, designated National Historic Landmark in 1970 for its architectural significance as one of the finest High Victorian Gothic churches in New England. It is home to one of the oldest religious communities in the US.

  • 5/5 Bob M. 4 years ago on Google
    Historic!

  • 5/5 Carlos “Carlitos” M. 9 months ago on Google
    Muy lindo lugar, excelente experiencia. Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like never seen before in Boston.

  • 5/5 Jacob N. 2 years ago on Google
    A gorgeous and incredibly underrated church, just across the street from the library. Free to enter, and an incredible sight to behold

  • 5/5 Tobias H. 2 years ago on Google
    Well. I am a member, so I might be biases. But one of the most friendly and welcoming churches I've ever been to. There is something for everyone in this comgregation. Music program is one of the best in Boston.

  • 5/5 Abi M. 2 years ago on Google
    Beautiful ornate church, which it's history goes back to 1669, before there was a United States of America!

  • 4/5 Tony K. 2 years ago on Google
    Beautiful church to visit and take pictures in. Right down the block from trinity church.

  • 5/5 Pedro E Lopez P. 2 years ago on Google
    Love it!

  • 5/5 Sherin E. 4 years ago on Google
    Amazing concerts

  • 5/5 Larry M. 2 years ago on Google
    Besides the spiritual nurturing that happens at Old South Church, the architecture and stained glass are not to be missed.

  • 5/5 Mauricio P. 2 years ago on Google
    Very interesting church with a nice interior

  • 5/5 Jeff P. 2 years ago on Google
    Beautiful and iconic church, including a lovely organ. I've never worshipped here, but have sung and listened to a number of concerts. Always worth a visit, even if it's just to sit and take it in.

  • 5/5 DJ Alex B. 2 years ago on Google
    Old South Church in Boston has a rich heritage in the city dating back over 350 years. They are a welcoming and unique church going as far as holding a special thanksgiving service at their original location, old south meeting house, each year the Sunday before thanksgiving. Furthermore, the physical architecture of their church is breathtaking inside and out.

  • 4/5 Nissan L. 6 years ago on Google
    A very special sight. Especially outside. Inside is beautiful too but smells a bit like there's no air.

  • 5/5 Dean Lorenzo Tartaglia (. 1 year ago on Google
    Hey, awesomely classic looking church, from the outside. 🤙🤙🤙😎 Praise the Lord, and place your bets. Poker Alice..

  • 5/5 Kevin S. 1 year ago on Google
    In town for the Boston Marathon on Easter and attended this beautiful historic church. The Blessing of the Runners was quite emotional and brought tears to my eyes. A lovely service.

  • 5/5 P C. 1 year ago on Google
    A quiet and peaceful place in such a noisy square beautiful building

  • 5/5 Em Flynn P. 1 year ago on Google
    A special, wonderful haven in the middle of the city of Boston. Go for a Sunday morning visit to feel the joy of community, open to all faiths and ways of life.

  • 5/5 Barry K. 1 year ago on Google
    Went there for a string quartet concert. Was lovely

  • 3/5 Rachel L. 11 months ago on Google
    The rest of the reviews will give you an idea of the architecture and the beauty of the color stained glass panels but I’m leaving a review to warn you that the staff can be plain rude and unwelcoming. I came here with two family members on Easter Sunday and wandered into the Sanctuary side of the church after services had ended since there were no signs that entry was prohibited. Within 10 seconds, a volunteer / employee saw us and without skipping a beat started reprimanding us like children. Verbatim “how did you get in here” in a particularly rude and unwelcoming tone. A simple “sorry this area is closed to visitors” would have been more than sufficient. The irony that this church seems to preach the whole “all is welcome here” thing is not lost on us. I’m just glad I hadn’t yet gone through with the donations online towards the church before this awful interaction.

  • 5/5 Remick W. 9 months ago on Google
    Attended a 4 piece string performance of music from 100 years of Warner Brothers' movies.

  • 4/5 Izola P. 4 years ago on Google
    We learn all about health,todays subject was about a healthy heart.

  • 5/5 Louise Cruz P. 4 years ago on Google
    I go to my AA recovery meeting twice a week. It helps keep me loving life.!

  • 5/5 David L. 4 years ago on Google
    Amazing, historical, surreal and beautiful.

  • 5/5 Manuel N. 4 years ago on Google
    Old South Church is celebrating its 350th (!) anniversary. It's a spectacular space with hundreds of whimsical architectural vignettes within the space. We'll worth a visit.

  • 5/5 Judy S. 4 years ago on Google
    Was with my son and it was a lovely, inspirational service. Old South Church is beautiful and the stain glass windows are fabulous.

  • 5/5 Crystal L. 4 years ago on Google
    This is my home church. I really like the fact that this is a church with open doors and open hearts. Anyone, whether he or she believes in God or not, is welcome here.

  • 1/5 Nick N. 3 years ago on Google
    Preaches blasphemy, avoid

  • 5/5 cglylesu44 3 years ago on Google
    Wonderful, historic UCC and all are welcome

  • 5/5 Frank Y. 3 years ago on Google
    An amazing place, spine tingling.

  • 5/5 Carlos 3 years ago on Google
    Iconic church in Boston

  • 5/5 N K R. 3 years ago on Google
    Beautiful and historic cathedral in the heart of Boston

  • 5/5 a h. 4 years ago on Google
    Yay toastmasters Tuesday’s 18:00

  • 5/5 Cristian L. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) You have to know (Original) Hay que conocer

  • 5/5 Kara M. 4 years ago on Google
    Great ministers

  • 5/5 David D. 4 years ago on Google
    Fantastic architecture. Nice acoustics

  • 4/5 Prakriti S. 4 years ago on Google
    Good place to find your calm and pray.

  • 5/5 Justin A. 4 years ago on Google
    Classic boston

  • 5/5 Ping V. 4 years ago on Google
    Beautiful

  • 5/5 L S. 4 years ago on Google
    MHC Vespers here Dec 2019

  • 5/5 leonid m. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) For centuries, wonderful parishioners .. of all Christian movements (Original) Намоленно веками ....замечательные прихожане .. всех Христианских течений

  • 5/5 Paul S. 4 years ago on Google
    Beautiful!!!

  • 5/5 Diane Roberts Stoler E. 4 years ago on Google
    Wonderful experience plus great wedding

  • 4/5 Maureen J. 4 years ago on Google
    Interesting

  • 5/5 Tracy M. 4 years ago on Google
    This Church Is Amazingly Beautiful and The Choir Is Outstanding 💖💖

  • 5/5 Karl-Heinz T. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Very nice old church, worth seeing (Original) Sehr schöne alte Kirche, sehenswert

  • 5/5 Ferlin A. 4 years ago on Google
    This church is beautiful inside. Pastor Mary is very nice and they keep everything looking and smelling very good in there.

  • 5/5 Glenda R. 4 years ago on Google
    Wonderful service with a message that resonates with Jesus's message.

  • 5/5 PHILIP M. 4 years ago on Google
    Great Church

  • 5/5 steven r. 4 years ago on Google
    Pretty Boston church

  • 4/5 phaedra j. 4 years ago on Google
    Very nice clean and very quiet!

  • 5/5 jennifer s. 7 months ago on Google • 2 reviews
    This is a must see performance incredible what a great night we had. Very talented beautiful scene lit up church amazing.


Call (617) 536-1970 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Assistive hearing loop
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✗ Wheelchair accessible parking lot

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