King's Chapel

In 1688, the Royal Governor built King's Chapel on the town burying ground when no one in the city would sell him land to build a non-Puritan church. The first King's Chapel was a tiny church used by the King's men who occupied Boston to enforce British law. By 1749, the building was too small for the congregation, which had grown to include a number of prominent merchants and their families. The present stone structure was built around it to avoid disturbing services.

The congregation hired America's first architect, Peter Harrison, to design a church "that would be the equal of any in England." The new church was completed in 1754. Harrison's plans included a steeple, which has never been built, and a colonnade, which was not completed until after the Revolution. The magnificent interior is considered the finest example of Georgian church architecture in North America.   The church’s exterior columns appear to be stone, but in fact are painted wood, a cost-saving tromp l’oeil.  Paul Revere crafted King Chapel’s 2, 347 pound bell in 1816, and he proclaimed in the “sweetest sounding” he had ever created.

Intoxicating music flows from the interior chamber and past the imposing pillars of this venerable church during daily noontime concerts.  A celestial tribute, and one that seems fitting for a place of worship that was built on the command of a King.  King’s Chapel was the first church in America to acquire an organ, and this one is encased inside a replica of the original built by Richard Bridge of London, and approved for use by the famous organist of London’s Temple Church, John Stanley.

“In his conversations and writings shone keen insight, wit, devotion to truth, love of home, friends, and country and a cheerful philosophy. A true son of New England, his works declare their birthplace and their times...”

Epitaph to Oliver Wendell Holmes, Boston writer and a member of the congregation, written on a stone tablet in King’s Chapel.

King's Chapel
Corner of Tremont and School Streets
617-227-2155
Summer Hours: Mon. Thu. Fri. Sat. 10:00 - 4:00
Winter Hours: Sat. 10:00 - 4:00
Services are held Wednesdays, 12:15pm and Sundays 11:00am
Concerts at King's Chapel: Tue. 12:15, Sun.5:00 (see website for performers)
www.kings-chapel.org