Park Street Church stands at the corner of Park and Tremont streets in downtown Boston, across from Boston Common and beside Granary Burying Ground. Founded in 1809, it is an active church and a stop on the Freedom Trail. Its white steeple rises above the surrounding streets, while the building’s history connects it to abolitionist William Lloyd Garrison and the first singing of the hymn “America.” If the church is closed, you can still see the exterior and read information displayed in its windows.
A church on the Freedom Trail
Park Street Church stands where Park and Tremont streets meet, across from Boston Common. The church was founded in 1809 by 26 local people, many of whom had previously belonged to Old South Meeting House. It was built on the site of Boston’s town granary, which stored grain. The adjoining Granary Burying Ground takes its name from that earlier use of the site.
The church is one of the stops on the Freedom Trail, the route that links Boston landmarks. From here, Boston Common and Granary Burying Ground are close by, making it easy to include the church in a walk through the historic centre.
The steeple and the building
English architect Peter Banner designed the church, adapting a design by Christopher Wren. Its tall white steeple is the most conspicuous part of the exterior. The building was consecrated in 1810, and its steeple was once the tallest in the United States, from 1810 to 1828.
The church is also known as “Brimstone Corner.” One account links the name to the storage of gunpowder in the building’s basement during the War of 1812. The church’s windows can provide a useful look at its history when the doors are closed, with information panels visible from outside.
Abolitionism, music and worship
Park Street Church is associated with two notable moments in American history. Abolitionist William Lloyd Garrison gave his first anti-slavery speech there in 1829. The hymn “America” was first sung at the church in 1831.
The building remains an active church, with Sunday worship services. Its history also includes work serving Boston’s poor: in 1816, Park Street Church joined with Old South Church to form the City Mission Society. When visiting, remember that this is a working place of worship. If a service is underway, keep noise low and follow any directions about where visitors may go.
FAQ
Where is Park Street Church?
It is at 1 Park Street, at the corner of Park and Tremont streets in downtown Boston. It is across from Boston Common and next to Granary Burying Ground.
Is Park Street Church on the Freedom Trail?
Yes. It is one of the Freedom Trail stops in central Boston.
Can you visit the church interior?
The church is an active place of worship, and tourist access can depend on when it is open. If you cannot enter, you can view the exterior and read information displayed in the windows.
What is Park Street Church known for?
Its tall white steeple, its place on the Freedom Trail, William Lloyd Garrison’s first anti-slavery speech there in 1829, and the first singing of the hymn “America” in 1831.
