North Church of Portsmouth

Description

The history of the North Church of Portsmouth dates back to 1657. In 1657, the first church in all of Portsmouth, New Hampshire was built beside a milldam. Around fifty years later, a new church was built on a corner of the same 50-acre glebe, near the corner of Congress Street and Pleasant Street. The church grew in popularity, and membership records were kept. Members included William Whipple, John Langdon, and Daniel Webster. During his visit to New Hampshire in 1789, President George Washington attended a service at the church.

The current church is the North Church of Portsmouth which is also known as the third church. Is located right across from the Portsmouth Athenaeum in Market Square. The church was constructed in 1854 and has an Italianate design. It also has an iconic steeple visible from most of the city, the Piscataqua River, and communities on its western bank in Maine. Portsmouth’s “landmark of record” has been described as its spire. A more sophisticated clock was added in 1856. The bell was scheduled to be refurbished in England, but it was lost in a shipwreck. In 1890, a new organ was installed.

The church went through a renovation in 1978 and minor repairs have occurred. Don’t miss out on this stunning New Hampshire spot!

Location

Address: 2 Congress Street
Town: Portsmouth
State: New Hampshire
GPS: Lat 43.07662 Lng -70.75779
Parking notes: There are many parking spaces along Congress Street near North Church. Visitors can also opt for parking in the Hanover Garage.
Parking directions: HERE
Location directions: HERE