Your First Visit
A warm welcome to Old South Church in Boston! Formed by worship, we are a vibrant, theologically progressive Christian church, diverse in age and culture. We are seriously interested in learning, growing and serving. We gather to pursue Christian ministries of mercy, justice and beauty, and to worship a God who is bigger than we can know or comprehend. Worshiping God helps us live deeply, and with compassion. Worshiping God attunes us to the great mystery that resides both at the heart of the universe and deep within our souls.
Welcome to the church of Benjamin Franklin and Samuel Adams, of Phillis Wheatley and the Boston Tea Party. Welcome to a church that is 350 years old and still making history.
- You say 'All are welcome' — what does that mean?
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Everyone is welcome here — no ifs, ands, or buts. As bearers of God’s good news, we welcome all ages, genders, sexual orientations, races, ethnicities, marital statuses, physical and mental abilities, and classes. We believe that all people are made in the image of God.
- When is worship?
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We offer four distinct services of worship, each with its own flavor. Click here for more details.
Sunday
First Worship – 9:00 a.m. – informal & vibrant
Festival Worship – 11:00 a.m. – grand & expressiveThursday
Thursday Night Church – 6:00 p.m. – tender & full-hearted2nd Sunday of each month
Vespers Healing Worship – 5:00 p.m. – gentle & tender
- What happens during worship?
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The purpose of worship is to place ourselves in the very presence of God. We undertake this holy work by lifting our voices in songs of praise, breaking open the ancient scriptures, addressing God through prayer, attending to sermons, and holding God’s world on our hearts. As you enter, a friendly usher will greet you and give you a program to guide you through the service.
Communion is celebrated weekly at First Worship and Thursday Night Church, occasionally at Festival Worship, and is open to all who wish to receive it. We do this to remember the meal shared between Christ and His disciples.
We maintain the ancient Christian practice of receiving a financial offering to support the church’s ministries. We welcome your gifts and encourage everyone to live a life marked by generosity.
Services and events are photographed and recorded to document the vibrant life of our church. If you do not wish to be included, please notify an usher.
- Do you offer childcare or Sunday School?
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Yes! Children and families of all configurations are welcome and cherished at Old South Church. Infants through grade 2 are welcome in our childcare ministries beginning at 8:40 am. For details on childcare and Christian formation programs for children, visit the Children & Family Ministries page.
- What should I wear?
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Some dress in their Sunday best, others casually. Wear what makes you comfortable; either way, it matters more that you show up. Festival Worship can get warm in the summer months, so please plan accordingly.
- How long are services?
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Festival Worship is about an hour. Thursday Night Church, First Worship, and Healing Worship are a little shorter.
- What happens after worship?
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We invite you to stick around for a snack or beverage, strike up a conversation, and make some new friends!
- Do you offer Bible study for adults?
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Yes, we offer Bible study and more. There’s lots going on, click here for what’s coming up.
- Is the building accessible?
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Yes, we offer a range of accommodations. The building is wheelchair accessible with “wheelchair bays” in the Sanctuary and Chapel. Bathrooms are accessible. We provide hearing assist devices (in our large worship and meeting spaces), and large-print Orders of Worship. Our long-term disability access plans include adding access to the pulpits and choir stalls, and offering sign language.
- How can I get more information?
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Feel free to chat with one of our ministers after worship. You can also email info@oldsouth.org and we’ll make sure your question gets to the right place. Or check the search bar!
We are located at the Copley T station (Green Line, all trains). We are also a short walk from Back Bay Station (Orange Line) (from the station, walk two blocks north on Dartmouth Street, towards Copley Square). Bus routes 9, 10, 39, and 55 also stop in Copley Square. Use the MBTA’s Trip Planner for specific routes and times.
From the North via I-93: Take I-93 south to Exit #26 for Storrow Drive/North Station. At the bottom of the ramp, keep left for Storrow Drive. From Storrow, take the exit for Copley Square/Back Bay. Turn right onto Beacon Street. After 4 blocks, turn left on Exeter Street. After 4 blocks, turn left on Boylston Street. Old South is at the end of the block, on the left.
From the South via I-93: Take I-93 north to Exit #18 for Mass. Ave./Roxbury. Turn left onto the Mass. Ave. Connector, then turn right (north) onto Mass. Ave. Continue on Mass. Ave. for a little over a mile, then turn right onto Boylston Street. Old South is 5 blocks down, on the left, at Boylston and Dartmouth Streets.
From the West via the Mass. Turnpike (I-90): Take the Mass. Pike east to Exit #22 for Prudential/Copley. Bear right in the exit ramp, following signs for Copley Square. Take the first left onto Dartmouth Street, and continue two blocks to Boylston Street. Old South is on the left.
From the West via Storrow Drive: Take Storrow east to the Fenway exit, following signs for Boylston Street Inbound. Once you cross Mass. Ave., Old South is 5 blocks down, on the left, at Boylston and Dartmouth Streets.
From the East via Storrow Drive: Take Storrow west to the exit for Copley Square/Back Bay. Turn right onto Beacon Street. After 4 blocks, turn left on Exeter Street. After 4 blocks, turn left on Boylston Street. Old South is at the end of the block, on the left.
Boston parking meters do not run on Sundays, and we encourage you to find street parking if you are able, though you may need to leave a few extra minutes to search for a spot closer to 11:00 a.m. Old South also has arrangements for discounted parking with two nearby garages. We are pleased to offer these options for Old South worship or church business (excluding weddings and concerts):
Park at the Garage@100 Clarendon (behind Back Bay Station), have your ticket validated at our Front Desk, and you pay the discounted rate of $10 for up to three hours. Old South bears no cost. Weekends only.
Park at the Prudential Garage for up to three hours on Saturday or Sunday, have your ticket validated at our Front Desk, and the Prudential Garage will bill Old South, costing us $15,000-$20,000 per year.
We offer a range of accommodations. The building is wheelchair accessible, with “wheelchair bays” in the Sanctuary and Chapel. Bathrooms are accessible. We provide hearing assist devices (in our large worship and meeting spaces), and large-print Orders of Worship. Our long-term disability access plans include adding access to the pulpits and choir stalls, and offering sign language.