Painting is underway of the famous Old North Church steeple, 191 feet tall, by some high flying workers as shown in these photos shared by Steve Cavanaugh. The project is part of a 10 year plan to restore the historic site in preparation for Old North Church’s 300th anniversary in 2023. In addition to the spire scraping and painting, substantial masonry repair is being accomplished around the site. Old North’s own fundraising was helped by grants from the Massachusetts Cultural Council and the Freedom Trail Foundation.
On the evening of April 18, 1775, the Old North sexton, Robert Newman, climbed the steeple and held high two lanterns as a signal from Paul Revere that the British were marching to Lexington and Concord to seize the Colonial store of ammunition. This fateful event ignited the American Revolution.
Built in 1723, and immortalized in Longfellow’s poem Paul Revere’s Ride, Old North Church is Boston’s most visited historic site and an active Episcopal parish, led by Rev. Stephen T. Ayres. The church has been an active part of North End life for generations and continues that tradition today through many public concerts and events, such as the famous Lantern Ceremony.
On Thursday, 4/25/13 at 7:00 pm, Old North joins with other neighborhood groups in hosting a memorial service to remember and honor the victims of the Boston Marathon bombings.
