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Trinity Church
Rating Details »
Neighborhood: Back Bay
545 Boylston St
(between Clarendon St & Dartmouth St)
Boston, MA 02116
(617) 536-0944
545 Boylston St
(between Clarendon St & Dartmouth St)
Boston, MA 02116
(617) 536-0944
- Nearest Transit:
-
Copley (Green)
Back Bay (Orange)
23 reviews for Trinity Church
I'm SO not religious, if anything I'm against religion. But, I must admit that Trinity did crack my distrust of churches.
Trinity and the Gay and Lesbian Fellowship hosted my favorite AIDS Ride, the Harbor to the Bay Ride, before dawn could even consider cracking (like 4AM!) They served us breakfast in their beautiful downstairs area, and the Fellowship were so incredibly kind and generous. The church is incredibly beautiful, from all angles inside and out. And, my straight girlfriend goes there to worship, and she's never found any other church in town that speaks to her needs like Trinity does.
So, here was my "moment" at Trinity: It literally was 4:35AM in the morning, it was pouring rain, and the wind was howling. We were busy getting the AIDS Ride setup, and preparing to send hundreds of riders out into the nasty weather for a 125 mile bike ride....
Despite being outside in the conditions, the Trinity shielded us from the wind, softened the rain, fed us and made us feel welcomed, no matter our sexuality, or HIV status. I couldn't help but feel that the church was looking out for us, and said a prayer for our safety in the horrid weather.
In all sincerity, I do believe this is a true house of God, and realized that so many other "churches" are not.
OK - I'm gonna go back to being bitter and distrusting - it's much more reliable! ;)
O Christ! Lord! Jesus!, Mother Mary, everyone, every one...yeah, you, here, here is a structure and location so beautiful it will make you religious, or blasphemous, either or.
This is my favorite piece of architecture in Boston. Bar none.
The architecture is by H.H. Richardson, who is my favorite architect.
Most of the stained glass windows were designed Edward Burne-Jones and executed by William Morris & Co. There's also some by John La Farge. There's sculpture by Augusts Saint-Gaudens. Frescos by William Morris.
Walking through here, you get a mini who's who tour of the best period artists of its era. This is all tremendously cool, awe inspiring, and well worth the $5 to get in.
There's several odd bits that most people don't know about the place. They just finished a huge project installing a heating system based on six geothermal wells. Yep! All right Downtown, in Boston. They excavated out about 20,000 sq feet in the basement to add room. Which, given where they are is amazing to me. How did they get the earth out of the place?
The coolest thing I know about the place came from my Grandpa, years ago. When the John Hancock Tower was being built, the pylons that they were driving down to act as a base for the building were tilting the foundations to the church. Walls were cracking, and the windows were in danger of popping out. Yikes!
A quick aside: I should tell you that ALL of the Backbay is built on fill. It used to be underwater during high tide on the Charles. Not only that, it was built on timbers, with water channeling underneath it. The John Hancock Project screwed that up by digging down 1/2 mile through the mud to hit bedrock.
Okay, what to do? Well, this is the cool bit. My Grandpa Hall worked as a surveyor, and he was told to go in the basement. Turns out H.H. Richardson thought ahead, and figured that since the church was built on squishy ground, it might need some fixing at some future date. The whole building was designed and built to be self-levelling. True! At different points in the foundation, there's these giant wheels that you spin to lower, or raise the foundation. A couple of days spent in the basement, and the problem was fixed.
I personally think that is amazing.
Check your religious skepticism at the door and enjoy this place as a unique architectural wonder.
A little bit o' history: originally founded by an Episcopalian parish in 1733 people have been loving god here longer than we've been a country. The original structure burned down in the fire of 1872 that ravaged Boston, so they planned and they erected creating a new form of American architecture characterized by a clay roof, polychromy, rough stone, heavy arches, and a massive tower (thanks, Wikipedia).
Now there are two photo opps which shouldn't be missed. First stand outside the church facing the Hancock. Look up. Magnificent isn't it?
The next will cost you the $5 entry fee. Head down the nave to the right side while facing the chancel. There will be these stained glass windows just above eye level that pop out at you. Give these a gander and snap a photo. You'd have just seen the windows that inspired Tiffany's "signature" style.
Then head up to the front and marvel at the rainbow of different marble each with their own bold base color and striations, just beautiful. Now in your moment of reverence, it's probably time to raise your eyes to the sky and admire the gilded paintings and ornate mouldings. If I got to stare at these splendors every week, I might believe in god too.
In the 17 years that I have lived in Boston, I have never set foot inside this church, and I can't believe it, since I walk by it on a daily basis. I have always loved the contrast of the Romanesque architecture of the Trinity, and the modern grandiosity of the Hancock behind it - especially the way the church reflects in the mirrored panels. The inside corresponds the outside in character and beauty. It carries a muted, guilded glory, hued by the sunlight coming shyly through the stunning stained glass windows. The murals are done by American artists, and the windows were commissioned from famous artists around the world.
I was quite quite impressed that this jewel lives in the middle of Copley square. The $5 self guided tour is a little bare: they hand you a small pamphlet, and that's about it. But this church should be a required stop for all of your out of town visitors.
I just returned from a four day work/play trip to Boston and am so glad I was able to finally see Trinity Church. I can't add much more than what's already been said in previous reviews, but there are few places in the world where you'll see a more beautiful mix of old and new architecture - not only side by side but literally reflected in one another. I didn't have the opportunity to go inside, but plan to on my next trip.
Also spent some time watching a group of children play in the water fountain in Copley Square right next to Trinity. Just a really beautiful day.
You don't even need to enter this church to see that it's really beautiful, but I do suggest that you pay the entry fee and go take a peek at the beautiful stained glass windows and things inside. It is the home of some high-level choirs, and they hold a free event in December that draws long queues of people waiting to view them, something that has apparently become somewhat of a tradition in Boston.
The original designer of this church, Richardson, created this place which began what was, I quote, "the first American architectural style imitated in Europe and Canada." Pretty cool if you ask me. There is sculpture work by Augusts Saint-Gaudens inside, and artwork by William Morris. To me, this was wonderful since I'd spent quite some time huddled over Morris's prints in my GCSE art classes, and to see his work on the windows here is quite magnificent. Hordes of tourists like to take photographs in front of this great building, and for good reason - the AIA lists it in it's top 10 most significant buildings in the US.
Aside from the beauty and architecture, the church itself participates in a lot of community services (which you will maybe see from time to time on weekends with concerts etc.) and charity ventures, including Habitat for Humanity, Walk for Hunger, and many more. It is definitely worth a visit: to admire the sunlight streaming through the stained glass windows (from the La Farge Tiffany's inspirations or the work of the other notable artists in there) or to marvel at the high towers, and just to admire how beautiful it all is.
The 19th-century exterior has warm brown and red granite and sandstone. It contrasts wonderfully with the icy glass Hancock Building. The Trinity's reflection in the Hancock could be the most awesome thing in Boston.
The stained glasswork was worth the $5 entrance fee. The windows were mostly European, but there were also some John La Farge pieces. His rich color variations reminded me of Tiffany glass. The tour blurb explained that Tiffany later used La Farge's innovative opalescent glass and plating techniques. Unfortunately, La Farge's Resurrection was being restored when I stopped by last weekend, but the other La Farge pieces were still pretty great.
Ranked 25th in AIA's Favorite Architecture survey http://favoritearchite...
This is a gorgeous church (inside and out), in a fabulous location, and is run by some very wonderful people. I too am not a religious person, but I come here for one of their services every year that I'm able at Christmastime. They have a carolling version that's just wonderful. This year I went to the Eucharist at 10:30 on Christmas eve. They were wonderfully accepting of all there (they allow anyone to receive a blessing or communion, no questions asked). I went with a Jewish girl, her atheist husband, and their 2 month old daughter (she got an A+ for behavior). We were sitting behind a married gay couple...it was a wonderful atmosphere. The sermon was funny.
i'm not a holy person. i am not a church going person. i also did not even go inside this church, but i loved it from the outside! the architecture is amazing! i also loved how the church reflected off the building across the street.
to end my outside tour of trinity, i got an ice cream cone from a truck parked in front! HAZAH!
What a beautiful church - we came in here and were offered to take our own self-guided tour. The architecture and design is really breath-taking and the staff was super friendly, too. The stained glass mosaics were stunning and the carved sculptures were a magnificent touch.
The gift store (I know - who really goes to a church and hits up the gift store? Apparently my sister and I do) was very interesting and we ended up with a couple purchases.
This church is absolutely stunning.
I've never been in as a tourist; the sole time I visited Trinity was for a funeral.
I walked in, expecting to be impressed but I was so completely blown away. It's intricate, it's welcoming, it's stunning. Due to the nature of my experience there, while I'd love to go back, I just can't see paying money to enter.
I do, however, love to walk by and sit outside and be in its presence. My husband and I got our engagement pictures done with Trinity as the backdrop for a couple.
While everyone typically goes for the Copley Square view and the view of Trinity in Hancock, I think my favorite is when I'm standing on Clarendon Street looking through towards the Fairmont. So beautiful.
I love this Church and enjoyed the Crane Library in Quincy, MA as a child. Here are some other great places to visit:
http://www.greatbuildi...
This may be the most beautiful place in Boston to have your spiritual side enhanced, inflamed, or simply acknowledged. Re-constructed in the 1870s after fire destroyed the original structure, the Romanesque architecture is marvelous. Inside, you'll find lovely stained-glass windows. If you have not ventured inside, it's well worth the look.
This church seems to stand the test of time, and will continue to do so, as the modern buildings around it sprung up. I love the vaulted ceiling and the stain glass inside. It is definitely a place you can go and relax a bit from the busy city life. I think you can go in for free if you just say you're there for some religious meditation. Only thing is, I hoped the outside landscape is a bit better.
I give it a five on architecture, but a three in tourist hospitality. It'll cost you four bucks to see the interior most days but it's free on Sunday (I have an aversion to paying to see churches). You can wander in and see why it was voted one of the ten most architecturally significant in America
I like this place. Lovely, of course. Easy to follow services. Diverse community. Female Rector. Does lots of community work. A great chorus and organist. Sunday afternoon gets packed, they let you in late - no problem. The... prayer... kneeling... things... I don't know what to call them... they are lovely and handmade (in memory of members of the church - I belive). Nice church, with a lot of charming little details.
It's unbelievable how many people have never been in this place. As gorgeous inside as it is outside. I always have friends who have never been inside meet me in Copley to take a quick tour. Yeah, it used to be free, and it seems sometimes some parts are roped off (not sure if they've changed that), but it is one the iconic Boston landmarks, you've got to check it out.
Remember, the Hancock building was built with the intention of reflecting the image of this church, and never over shadowing it.
One of the most photographed spots in Boston, and for good reason. It is a prime example of old meets new, which could very well be Boston's own mantra. Gorgeously ornate & worth a walk through.
Located next to other landmarks such as the Hancock Tower and the Boston Public Library, the Trinity Church is yet another historic piece of architecture in Copely square. Designed by HH Richardson and finished in 1877, the church is well worth a visit. It is finely crafted in the Romanesque style, lavished decorated with murals, sculpture, stained glass, etc. Spend some time in the massive interior chamber of the church and appreciate the delicate lighting.
This church is a beautiful architectural centerpiece of Boston, designed by architect HH Richardson. (That architect also designed the castle that is part of my school, Noble and Greenough) The reason i love this church is because of the beautiful reflections of it that are visible in the glass hancock. It really makes a magnificent sight.
Everyone who knows about American Art and Architecture knows that Trinity Church is considered a masterpiece in American culture! I suggest everyone to play the entrance fee which is $5, and let me tell you, it is not a huge amount considering that you can come back to Trinity Church as many times as you want forever and ever and ever without paying again. You can use the same map to enter.
They are currently restoring the beautiful murals and stained glass window, so this fee is minimal in comparison to the millions of dollars that are spent on restoring all of its windows which are considered to be among the finest in the country!
All the windows are back at Trinity with the exception of La Farge's "Christ in Majesty" which I have been told, is absolutely worth seeing. That window should be back at Trinity in August.
Pay a visit to Trinity and dont complain about the admission fee! It is not the only church that charges to go in and it is the first one... there are many churches, temples and mosques that charge... so get some culture and pay a visit to this breathtaking site! :)
While at Trinity, pay a visit to the Shop and bring home a piece of Trinity or browse through its extensive collection of postcards or books on Trinity Church! You will be delighted!
this church is *beautiful*. one of the quintessential postcard images of boston is to see trinity church reflected on the metallic surface of the hancock tower. a truly elegant juxtaposition! memorial church at stanford was actually designed as a replica of trinity church. i've never been to a service here, but you probably wouldn't want my review on that anyway since i'm an atheist of hindu origins...
