Statue of William Ellery Channing

The Statue of William Ellery Channing is a bronze memorial housed under a marble canopy near the intersection of Boylston and Arlington streets in Boston Public Garden. The sculpture, created in 1903 by artist Herbert Adams, depicts the historical figure in ministerial robes to honor his religious contributions.

The memorial was created in 1903 by Herbert Adams to honor William Ellery Channing, who served as pastor of Federal Street Church from 1803 to 1842. His decades of religious leadership shaped Boston's spiritual life and established him as a key figure in early American church history.

The memorial honors Channing's role in shaping Unitarian thought and his lasting influence on American religious ideas during the 1800s. Visitors walking through the garden today can reflect on how his teachings helped define this important faith tradition.

The memorial is easy to reach through multiple entrances to Boston Public Garden, with public transportation stops located nearby along Arlington Street. The location provides a quiet spot to pause while exploring the garden's many paths and green spaces.

The statue captures Channing in a thoughtful pose that emphasizes his role as a thinker and speaker, beyond his duties as a minister. This artistic choice highlights how he was seen as a public voice for religious reform during his lifetime.

Location: Boston

GPS coordinates: 42.35219,-71.07067

Latest update: December 14, 2025 12:25