Will's World 02 14 2010

King's Chapel is an independent congregation affiliated

 with the Unitarian Universalist Association.

King’s Chapel, at the corner of School and Tremont streets in downtown Boston, may not leap to mind as a place to be on Valentine’s Day, but the warmth of the congregation, and the words of the minister made us feel we were in a room full of love. Established in 1686, King’s Chapel, according to the Common Prayerbook, “is unique: unitarian Christian in theology, anglican in worship, and congregational in government.”


Today, the Rev. Dianne E. Arakawa preached to an audience of less than 100 about being transformed by love and service. She encouraged the congregation to quash the winter doldrums by seeking “a vision of what is possible” and then putting into action the insights we gain through spirituality.

The present church, made of Quincy granite, was opened in 1754. After the church bell cracked in 1814 it was recast by Paul Revere. It now rings every Sunday morning to summon people to service.

In 1776 the church was closed for a brief period, but was reopened for the funeral of patriot General Joseph Warren, who was killed at the Battle of Bunker Hill.

Across the street from King’s Chapel is The Parker House where we had lunch. Again, the warmth of the dining room’s décor and the thoughtful words of our waiter Alier, made us feel we were in a room full of love. The food and service, as it has been for decades, was excellent.

This hotel and restaurant was the meeting place of The Saturday Club, which included many notable Bostonian writers and intellectuals. Some of those who gathered the fourth Saturday of each month were: Ralph Waldo Emerson, Louis Agassiz, Oliver Wendell Holmes, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and John Greenleaf Whittier.

Looking toward the rear of the main hall.

Worshippers enjoy comfortable cubicles.

Next to King's Chapel, the burial ground, (viewed from the balcony

of the church), has the graves of William Dawes and

the state's first governor, John Winthrop.

The Rev. Dianne E. Arakawa giving the sermon

from the raised pulpit. 

 The Parker House dining room.

Lobby of The Parker House.

Mildred and Kathy, along with Will, await dessert.