Brattle Street Church, Congregational church in Boston, Massachusetts.
Brattle Street Church was a Congregational church in Boston, built with a brick facade and a square tower that had a cannonball embedded in its wall. The interior held a bell donated by John Hancock, one of the most recognized figures of the American Revolution.
The congregation was founded in 1698 and quickly drew many of Boston's most prominent citizens. The original building was replaced in 1872 with a new structure designed by architect Henry Hobson Richardson.
The church was known for welcoming members without requiring a public account of their faith, which set it apart from other congregations in Boston. This approach made it a gathering point for many of the city's leading families.
The church is located in central Boston and sits within walking distance of many other historic sites in the city. Public transit is the most convenient way to reach the area, as parking in this part of the city can be limited.
Shortly after its founding, the congregation published a document in 1699 calling for more open membership rules, earning it the nickname 'Manifesto Church'. This was an early and public step toward religious tolerance in a city known for strict Puritan practices.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
