Category: People of Old North
By Danielle DeVantier, Old North Illuminated Intern
In 1893, a pamphlet titled “A Visit to the ‘Old North Church,’ Boston, Mass.” was…
Lantern Holder
Though not as well-known as Paul Revere, Capt. John Pulling Jr. played a pivotal role in the events of April 18, 1775. A friend of…
A Bishop Who Made History
In 1970, John Melville Burgess was elected the bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts. As such, he also became…
First Black Minister to Preach at Old North
In a July 1833 issue of the abolitionist newspaper The Liberator, a notice announced that Rev. William…
The Church Historian
Whenever a question arises about the early history of Old North Church, Mary Kent Davey Babcock’s many works are among the…
An “Indian of Barnstable”
Little is known about Jerusha Will, an Indigenous woman who appears in the baptismal and burial records of Old North…
By Danielle DeVantier, Old North Illuminated Intern
For nearly a century, a member of the Jewell family rang the historic bells at Old North…
By Lauren Middleton, Old North Illuminated Research Intern (Spring 2023)
Boston’s Old North Church is perhaps best known for its pivotal role in…
By Samantha Frost, Old North Illuminated Research Intern (Spring 2023)
Meet Mehitable Nelson
On August 11, 1721, 30-year-old Mehitable, who was…
By Will Washko, Old North Illuminated High School Intern
Matilda Frances Bibbey was born in 1868 in the North End of Boston to immigrant…