Old North Church 300th Anniversary Lantern Service

Old North Church together with the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts commemorate Old North’s 300th anniversary with a celebratory service marking its founding in 1723 and role in American history with guest speaker and honoree is the Most Reverend Michael B. Curry, Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church. A stirring and inspirational evening of song and rededication, the program features readings from Old North’s history, beginning with its founding in 1723 as the second Church of England parish in Boston, to its role on the eve of the American Revolution and emergence as a national shrine and pilgrimage site.

Recent research on the lives of enslaved and free Black and Indigenous members in the colonial era will be highlighted, along with the inspirational words of President Ford and Queen Elizabeth II who visited in celebration of the nation’s Bicentennial. The Old North Chamber Choir will be joined by the Men & Boys’ Choir of All Saints Church in Ashmont. Anthems include a choral setting of Paul Revere’s Ride, Barstow’s setting of twenty-third psalm, and a new piece titled “The Light and the Wind” commissioned for the anniversary.

Special guests include the Lexington Minutemen and Paul Revere, along with city and state elected officials and neighboring New England bishops. The service culminates in the lighting of Old North’s steeple lanterns as a witness to the city and nation.

Join Old North to celebrate 300 years and commit anew to shining beacons of light, justice and love. Reception following.