Historic Places of Worship in the United States

(RNS) — On Ash Wednesday this year, a noon service at Boston’s Old North Church was attended by around a dozen people. Two days later, Touro Synagogue in Newport, Rhode Island hosted a Shabbat service with a small group of participants. These worship spaces have been conducting sacred rituals for longer than the United States has existed.

Such places of worship are rare in the U.S. With about 370,000 religious congregations today, only 1% existed at the country’s founding, according to The Hartford Institute for Religion Research.

When the country declared independence in 1776, there were 3,228 worship sites across the Colonies. Congregationalists led the way with approximately 20% of the total. Presbyterians followed closely, with Baptists and Episcopalians each at around 15%, and Quakers at nearly 10%. Methodists accounted for 2%, Catholics slightly less, alongside a handful of synagogues and Mennonite congregations. Many of these disbanded due to internal conflicts, financial strains, aging membership, or war impacts. Some survived, such as Old North Church and Touro Synagogue, by remaining steadfast.

Old North Church, Boston

Founded: 1723
Affiliation: Episcopal Church
Famous for: Steeple lanterns marking the start of the Revolutionary War

BOSTON — Rev. Matthew P. Cadwell welcomed about a dozen attendees to this Ash Wednesday’s noon service. Knowing tourists might be present, he offered guidance on Episcopal practices. Cadwell noted, “There are kneelers in the pews – they’re uncomfortable, so you’ll feel penitent using them.”

Old North started as a Church of England congregation in a city dominated by Congregationalists. Today, it offers spiritual space to both Boston residents and international tourists, including visitors from the former opposing country in the Revolutionary War.

Jenifer Miller from Rochester, England, joined Old North Church recently. Reflecting on centuries of past worshippers, she said, “We all have worries and loves, and it’s been around for a long time.”

Its revolutionary history attracts tourists and locals alike. Two lanterns were hung in 1775, signaling British forces’ sea approach; immortalized by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.

Cadwell, with a Ph.D. in Anglican history and theology, shared insights about that historical night. The lantern work, previously thought solely of sexton Robert Newman, likely involved Capt. John Pulling Jr., a vestry member.

After services, Carol Ball, working on church brass chandeliers, said, “It’s usually a pretty even mix of congregation and tourists.”

First Baptist Church in America, Providence, Rhode Island

Founded: 1638
Famous for: Nation’s oldest Baptist congregation
Denomination: American Baptist Churches USA

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Rev. Jamie Washam embraces inclusivity in offering Communion service, stating, “Whether sober, straight, gay, cis, trans, or a nation’s citizen, here, you’re a citizen of God.” Praising separation from church-state, Roger Williams, a former Puritan pastor, established this congregation in Providence after excommunication.

Williams departed after months but continued preaching, leaving behind a church embracing an open-door policy, inviting historic gatherings.

Standing half a mile from the State House, First Baptist’s interior mirrors Georgian architecture. A pastor introduced congregational singing in 1771, which later became a standard practice.

The church held the 1845 Triennial Convention, where differing views on slavery among Baptists resulted in the formation of the Southern Baptist Convention.

Rev. Washam, leading since 2015, cherishes diversity within the congregation’s theological backgrounds. Members of American Baptist Churches USA include longtime Baptists from various ethnicities.

Outreach, like “blessing bags” and hosting Brown University’s baccalaureate services, fosters community connectivity. Supporting immigrant-run local restaurants demonstrates their values.

Touro Synagogue, Newport, Rhode Island

Founded: 1763
Affiliation: Orthodox Judaism
Famous for: Correspondence with George Washington

NEWPORT, R.I. — Touro Synagogue, established in 1763, is America’s oldest standing synagogue. Built by Jews of Spanish and Portuguese descent escaping persecution, it’s located near Newport’s former government seat.

Aaron Ginsburg, concluding a synagogue tour, remarked, “Creating it was a miracle; it’s still a miracle.” Services remain small, yet tourists contribute to maintaining the required minyan.

Moses Seixas praised Washington’s presidency for promoting tolerance. Washington’s acknowledgment mirrored Seixas’s words back.

Touro faced challenges – closure during economic devastation post-war and division over antique ownership. Today, it remains active under Congregation Ahavath Israel’s care, maintaining regular services uninterrupted.

Despite past disputes, Ginsburg emphasized, “The miracle persists in ongoing worship, perpetually since 1763.”

Trinity Church, Newport, Rhode Island

Founded: 1698
Affiliation: Episcopal Church
Famous for: Three-tiered wineglass pulpit

NEWPORT, R.I. — Trinity Church is unique in its wineglass pulpit location. Episcopal congregations shifted similar pulpits for better visibility, but Trinity’s remains central.

Rev. Meaghan Kelly Brower, appointed rector last August, embraces this tradition. George Washington and Queen Elizabeth II are among distinguished visitors.

Historically church members purchased pews, and enslaved people sat in balconies. Presently, changes include welcoming diverse individuals.

Brower prepares for Trinity Church’s tricentennial celebration events. She desires more inclusivity within the congregation, stating, “Every person is welcome, seeking connection with God.”

Efforts in hosting community meals, educational programs, and nonprofit fundraisers aim to integrate the church into surrounding community life.

Her early church involvement inspired Brower to ensure Sunday school students engage closely with service rituals. The congregation has altered its response to children’s presence, embracing service vibrancy with their participation.