Massachusetts churches -- not just in Boston

Trinity Church, Boston

Massachusetts, not surprisingly for a place that was founded by people who thought a lot about matters of religion and faith, has a lot of churches. Some of these churches have amazing history going back to colonial times; others began in the nineteenth or twentieth centuries. We found them interesting.

Park Street Church, Boston

Park Street Church as seen from the Commons

St Mary - St Catherine of Siena, Boston

St Stephen, Boston

We did go to Plymouth, though we didn't happen by any churches.

These churches in the neighborhood of Central Park in Clinton were particularly impressive. First Baptist and First Congregational seem to have more than one congregation meeting in each of their buildings.

First Baptist Church, Clinton

First Congregational Church, Clinton

Spanish-language Seventh Day Adventist Church in Clinton

And one final church from Boston, for several reasons. Old North Church has history (remember Paul Revere and one if by land, two if by sea?), it's beautiful from the outside, and it's beautiful from the inside. Plus it was a welcome cool spot on a very warm summer day.

Old North Church steeple from the park

Can you see the lanterns in the steeple?

What did we miss?

6 old facts about Massachusetts

1. Boston is the capital and the largest city of Massachusetts. Over 80% of the state's population live in the Boston metropolitan area.

2. Plymouth was the site of the first colony in New England. Founded in 1620, it was the second permanent English colony in what was to become the United States. The Puritans, who founded the colony, believed the Church of England to be in need of purification. The colony was organized around their beliefs, which led to intolerance (and banishment) of dissenters (whose religious beliefs and practices differed from Puritan beliefs and practices).

3. American colonial protests against Great Britain grew after the end of the French and Indian War (1763), especially with regard to taxation. (Remember hearing about the Boston Tea Party? yup, taxation issues)

4. The Battles of Lexington and Concord (in Massachusetts) were the start of the American Revolutionary War. After these battles, George Washington became the leader of what was soon the Continental Army.

5. During the Civil War, Massachusetts was the first state to recruit, train, and arm a regiment of black men (with white officeers), the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry.

6. As of February, 2016, 53% of the registered voters in the state were not enrolled in any political party.