Established in 1688, this was the first Anglican church in New England, boasting a striking Bell tower and an awe-inspiring colonial-era structure. For those interested in architecture, history, and culture, the King's Chapel uniquely combines all three, presenting an unrivaled journey into the past.
King's Chapel, a stone edifice boasting grand Georgian features, stands out from the surrounding buildings with its peculiar 'wine-glass' pulpit, a remnant of the time. This church became the first non-Puritan church in Boston when it was established in 1688. King's Chapel derives its name, notably, from King James II, who, recognizing the need for a church in his royal province, ordered a wooden chapel to be erected. This initial structure of the chapel was subsequently replaced by the present stone structure in 1754.
King's Chapel is home to various historical gems, notably, the King's Chapel Burying Ground, making it a significant point of interest for history enthusiasts. It is the oldest burying ground in Boston, with some gravestones dating back to 1630. The most striking elements, however, are the pew boxes, which are typical of a 17th-century Anglican church. These box pews housed families during long Sunday sermons and characteristically housed foot stoves in the winter. Similar throwbacks to an earlier era stay preserved within King's Chapel.
Equally compelling is the wondrous King's Chapel Bell, which was cast in England in 1772 but cracked in 1814. Paul Revere, who owned the only bell foundry in Boston at that time, ingeniously recast the bell, which now rings every Sunday before the morning service. Organ music lovers, on the other hand, can feast their senses on the chapel's splendid 1964 C.B. Fisk organ, designed in the style of 18th-century Spanish organs, interpreting Iberian and Italian Baroque music beautifully.
Visiting King's Chapel offers a unique retreat into the vestiges of Boston's colonial past. Whether admiring the grand Georgian architectural details, exploring the historical burying ground, or immersing yourself in the beautiful sounds of the C.B. Fisk organ, you will feel the weight of centuries echoing around you. The King's Chapel, an emblem of architectural sophistication, historical depth, and cultural richness, beckons all those who are keen to share in its unique story.
