The founding of King’s Chapel in 1686 was a brave act in overwhelmingly Puritan Boston. The establishment of the congregation in this first Anglican church in the colony was an act of religious liberty. Visit King’s Chapel to see the place of worship for many of Boston’s leading families, from colonial governors to Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr. and the famed Massachusetts senator Charles Sumner.
The current building is a Georgian construction from 1754. It stands next to Boston’s oldest English burial ground from 1630. Before entering, linger outside King’s Chapel to admire the austere yet elaborate exterior. Listen for the sound of the ringing bell, which was cast in 1816 by Paul Revere, in his role as a silversmith.
Wander into the sanctuary itself, which is considered one of the nation’s finest Georgian interiors. Imagine the illustrious people who used to gather here, including George Washington and Abigail Adams. Spot the pulpit, the oldest one in the United States still in continuous use. Join a tour led by well-informed docents through the church itself and down into the crypts beneath.
Head back outside to the burial ground, which holds the remains of John Winthrop, Massachusetts’ first governor, as well as Mary Chilton, the first woman to step off the Mayflower. Look for the stone for Joseph Tapping, where Death and Father Time battle, etched forever in stone.
King’s Chapel stands in the heart of downtown Boston, walking distance from most of the city’s biggest attractions. Walk from Boston Common in 6 minutes or Faneuil Hall in 8 minutes. Located near the intersection of most of Boston’s major public transportation lines, it is easily accessible from anywhere in Boston or Cambridge. Especially during the summer, downtown Boston can be crowded, so parking may be hard to find. There are a few metered parking structures in the immediate vicinity.
The church is open daily from April to October. In summer, guided tours run every hour from mid morning to mid afternoon. In winter, tours are offered on Mondays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sunday afternoons. Check online for hours and reservations.
