Old South Church
Church Historic Congregational church in Boston's Copley Square
A historic church on Boston’s Copley Square known for Victorian Gothic architecture and an active congregation; the building hosts services, concerts and community events.
Old South Church is a historic Congregational church in Boston’s Back Bay, located on Copley Square; its congregation dates to the 17th century and the present Venetian Gothic building on Boylston Street was completed in the 1870s.
The church’s interior includes a large sanctuary used for worship services, concerts and community events. Notable architectural features include polychrome stonework, decorative carvings and stained glass set within the 19th-century design.
The original congregation formed in Boston in 1669 and subsequently moved with the city as neighborhoods changed; the Back Bay edifice replaced earlier meetinghouses and has been the congregation’s home since the 19th century.
The church sits on Copley Square in central Boston, directly across from Trinity Church and the Boston Public Library, within walking distance of several transit stops.
- Founding and building: The congregation dates to 1669 and the current Back Bay building was completed in the 1870s in a Venetian Gothic style by the architects Cummings and Sears.
- Location: Located on Copley Square, the church is easily combined with visits to nearby Trinity Church and the Boston Public Library.
How to Get to Old South Church #
Old South Church is a short walk from Copley Square and accessible from the MBTA Green Line (Copley Station) or the Orange Line (Back Bay). The church sits at 645 Boylston Street, adjacent to other Copley Square landmarks.
Tips for Visiting Old South Church #
- Enter during a weekday service to see the church in its intended use and to appreciate the choral acoustics
- Cross-reference the church's name with Boston's Copley Square landmarks to avoid confusing it with Old South Meeting House (near Faneuil)
- If photographing the interior, do so quietly-services and events are frequent
Best Time to Visit Old South Church #
Visit year-round; autumn and spring avoid peak summer crowds in Copley Square.
Weather & Climate near Old South Church #
Old South Church's climate is classified as Hot-Summer Continental - Hot-Summer Continental climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -8°C to 29°C. Abundant rainfall (1124 mm/year), wettest in November, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
January
January is the coldest month with highs of 2°C and lows of -8°C. Significant rainfall (101 mm).
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February
February is freezing with highs of 4°C and lows of -6°C. Regular rainfall (87 mm).
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March
March is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of -2°C. Significant rainfall (103 mm).
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April
April is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 3°C. Regular rainfall (96 mm).
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May
May is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 9°C. Regular rainfall (85 mm).
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June
June is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 14°C. Regular rainfall (86 mm).
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 29°C and lows of 17°C. Regular rainfall (82 mm).
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August
August is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 17°C. Regular rainfall (91 mm).
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September
September is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 12°C. Regular rainfall (91 mm).
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October
October is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 6°C. Regular rainfall (97 mm).
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November
November is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 1°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (105 mm).
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December
December is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of -4°C. Regular rainfall (100 mm).
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