The finest preaching and music in the city. You're in for a treat when you worship here. The hymn singing alone is worth the visit. You'll be encouraged to see that the Church is alive and growing with young people across the international community and it's happening here in Boston! Each pastor is unique and all are top tier. The finest organist in the city is also here. read more

Historical must stop location! The architecture is cool, but nothing spectacular. What makes this place special is its impact in the American Revolution as it was large enough for meetings that planned and informed those involved with the Revolution. Take in the history, take in the craftsmanship and take in some of the Spirit! read more

I've attended this church for many years and I'm sad to say that the leadership has gone very much downhill. They once were a place that embraced women in ministry, but the present leadership has marginalized the voice of women leaders. When the Senior Minister was called out on it, he responded during one of his sermons, "The rules for diversity are different in a corporation from that in a church. I'm not going to go out of my way to create candidate pools that include women and I'm not going to hire someone just because they're a woman." Worse than that, our church did have a democratic structure that embraced the voice of the congregation. Now, the present leadership has often delayed or even ignored the congregation's requests for meetings to review decisions of the church, the Elder Board ignores congregant emails, and the Senior Minister has harnessed control of every committee so there are no "checks and balances" to his power. In a church born only 30 years after the signing of the Declaration of Independence, it's sad to see the attack on the democratic structure of the church. Not a good time to make this your church home, but if you want to stop by to listen to a pretty choir and see the inside of a historical building then pay it a visit. read more

Park Street Church - Park Street Church, photo by Susan Lane, 2021 - Churches Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

The architecture and style of this church are absolutely amazing. That being said the pastor pulled my son aside and told him evolution is real supposedly. I don't really care because we usually just go for my wife but she told me to leave a review. And my son lies a lot because he wants to stay at home at play games on Sundays. Not really your guys problem but I just am gonna leave a 4-star so if my wife asks I'm technically not lying. Have a good week. read more

I have not attended this church, only spoke with the church office and researched the church and its comments. I would rate 1 star on one aspect, but a 5 on another, both important aspects too. So I hoped to share rather than be forced to rate. Forced to, I will give a four instead of a compromise of 3 (not wanting to give a low rating to a church I know little else of). 1 star: How does a Christian church leave out the Holy Spirit?! Considering moving to the area, searching for a biblical church, I called this church and was told by the church office that prayer language/speaking in tongues, etc. of the Holy Spirit was not practiced/allowed here. Would God/Jesus/Holy Spirit want me to be fed by and sow into a church where He/Holy Spirit and what He wants to do in and through me, and the other church members' lives in the church, is left out/prohibited? See Mark 16:17 ("And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;...") Would not prohibiting the power of the Holy Spirit to flow freely fall under grieving the Holy Spirit? see Eph. 4:30 ("And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption."), see also 1 Thessalonians 5:19 ("Do not restrain the Holy Spirit" [GNT]); "Do not put out the Spirit's fire" [ISV]); "Do not extinguish the Holy Spirit" [KJV]). God's instruction to us is clear. I will pray that this church opens itself up to the biblical fullness of the Holy Spirit. 5 stars: But HUGE KUDOS to this church that, in spite of any negative comments I see from people who are either biblically unaware of what God considers sin, or love their sin more than they do Christ (see, 1 Peter 1:8 ("Whom having not seen, ye love."); see also, James 2:17 ("So too, faith by itself, if it does not result in action, is dead."), this church remains biblical as to what God tells us is right and wrong=sin, as that will never change, and we Christians are NOT to conform to this world, for any reason, of course including when abiding by the word of God can result in worldly concerns (loss of congregants; "bad" reputation among non-believers, and among believers with one foot in both worlds, etc.) See Rom. 12:2. As the annointed Dr. Charles Stanley lovingly advises: "Obey God, and leave all the consequences to Him." read more

Your second Freedom Trial stop after the Boston Common, Park Street Church is also the first historical building you can enter on your journey to explore the historic Boston. This church played a significant role in the Revolutionary history and was also named the Brimstone Corner because of its fiery preachers rallying a revolution and of its role as secret gunpowder storage for the rebels. Talk about explosive! Because of its history, the church building is rather simplistic but still has an antique beauty inside. The clearer example of its beauty is its stain glass with a mosaic of Jesus Christ at the stairwell. Inside the chapel, there are few exhibits that tell the church's history. Feel free to sit down in one of the benches to get an idea of what the audience must have felt with a fiery preacher condemning the British monarchy back in the Revolutionary Era! This is an excellent Freedom Trial stop and gives you a good first taste of what the rest of Freedom Trial stops will be like! read more

Park Street Church - The mosaic at the stairwell - Churches Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

I'm in the process of church shopping and Park Street Church was in the lead until I found out that they're big "pray the gay away" people. The church itself is beautiful and I love that service in the community is a large component of their message but I can't get on board because of this http://www.parkstreet.org/struggling_attraction "struggling_attraction" -- they couldn't come up with a more compassionate and loving webpage name? read more

Being new in Boston, I am exploring churches in the neighborhood to become involved in. I recently attended the 11:00 am service at Park Street Church. I enjoy the more formal and traditional service. That, combined with the beautiful yet simple church sanctuary and being surrounded by the history of the church itself, I was hoping that this would make a good church home. The people were all very friendly and there was certainly a nice cross mix of attendees. My concern, which I suspected and now realize from other reviewers, was their beliefs. I am particularly concerned about their "pray the gay away" beliefs and teachings. This just doesn't seem very Christian to me...does it to you? I guess I will keep looking for a more inclusive and welcoming church for all people - to meet my views and expectations of Christianity. One more pet peeve for the attendees of the service...why do you think that coming in 30-40 minutes late and then wondering the aisles looking for a place to sit is fine? You are interrupting the service and those people around you... Come on time or stay home... read more

I'm biased. I'll admit it. I love Park Street Church. It has a wonderful history, a large congregation, and has wonderful fellowships. I am involved in their International Fellowship, which I would highly recommend to anyone (and particularly to those who are new to the States). After the 11am service, we have meals together, worship, and break out into small groups and have Bible study. The morning services are more traditional and the evening tend to be contemporary. Both are good, but as far as sermons go, I prefer the evening service. Walter Kim is a great speaker/teacher. Highly recommended. read more

I go here with my parents when I'm on the East Coast visiting. It's not a bad church. The congregation size looks healthy and the members seem friendly. The church is vibrant and enthusiastic. The pastor is funny and serious at the same time (a great combination). Sometimes, it can be a bit too traditional (not as ceremonial and ritualistic as Catholic churches, but certainly a formalized service). It also seems very conservative in some ways. For example, its program asked for prayer for those who struggled with same-sex attraction. It also called for ten strong men to help with something (why not strong women?). It's a great church to visit, but I don't think I'd attend regularly if I lived in the area. read more

I have attended Park Street Church many times over the past 25 years, whenever I was in town. My family has always loved the services -- the music, community, and sermons have always been striking. Pastor Walter Kim was always an especially powerful preacher, but I understand he pastors elsewhere now. The church is beautiful inside and out and, as some reviews note, is on the Freedom Trail. My greatest appreciation for Park Street has always been that it is a congregation that values the life of the mind, and does a great job at helping faith and science work together. It seems to be a place where people of all ethnicities worship together, which I like. I'll close by saying that I never would have written this review, had I not read several obviously bogus bad reviews that seem to have been submitted just to smear the church for being insufficiently politically correct -- two of the three don't even say they actually attended a service. Strange Yelp didn't remove these. read more

I'm completely biased since I go here regularly, but I just love Park Street Church. If you're looking for a church to attend if you're starting to look at Christianity or if you just want to go to church for the first time in a while, it's a great place to get started. They have a ministry for twenty-somethings which I'm parted of as well as good ministries for children, youth, married couples, etc. As the reviewer below stated, Walter Kim is an amazing, God-fearing pastor, and so is Gordon. The morning services are more traditional and the afternoons are contemporary. It's a very comforting place for me as a Christian, but I will see that the one thing about it is that due to its size, it can be overwhelming. Try and get involved right away! And stop by the Cafe welcome table - I'll probably there! :) read more

The Park Street Church can easily be missed if you're just walking and don't pay attention. I almost missed it and I was actually looking for it. Right across the street from Boston Commons, it's right on the corner of the next street. Overall, the Church is kept in great condition and still looks pretty new. #2 of the stop for the Freedom Trail. read more

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Our second stop on the Freedom Trail, Park Street Church dates back to 1809. Its 217 foot steeple was the first landmark travelers saw when coming into Boston. Park Street Church is located at Brimstone Corner which received its name because preachers spoke of fire and brimstone in hell to their congregation. This Evangelical Church is known for its firsts: the location of the first Sunday school in 1818. "My Country 'Tis of Thee" was also sung here for the first time by the church children's choir. This church's beautiful architecture stands out, almost as an oddity, amongst the modern Boston highrises. COST: FREE VIEWING TIME: 20 minutes HOURS: 9:30am - 3:30pm, June - August. read more

My husband and I were stopping by vacation lay-overs and happen to be here on Sundays for both weeks. We had the privilege to listen to a missionary come by the first time, and got to listen to their senior pastor the second time. We got to witness and share in the joys of an infant baptism-- something that our home church does not practice. It was very enlightening and such a blessing. We have learned that they are reformed and most likely covenental. All in all, it was very comforting to be in the fellowship of believers, and very encouraging to be welcomed and be shown hospitality. read more

This was the 2nd stop along the Freedom Trail tour and at this point I was not really impressed. These stops are historical, but just not breath taking. I love history, yet I was just not awwed. I did continue along the rest of the trail, but this was one that does not really need to be visited. read more

Park Street has amazing contemporary evening services and more traditional morning services. Personally, I love the evening services. Daniel gives great sermons that can keep everyones attention and the music is wonderful! They have Children's Church at the 11AM and 4PM service, so your little kids ages 4-7 can give you peace and quiet at church while they do fun things like read children's stories, hear from puppets, eat snack and make a craft! Plus they have AWESOME teachers there (not that I'm bragging or anything...) =) I also got married here, it was beautiful and Dan Verrengia, our marriage counselor/pastor who performed the ceremony was very helpful, fun, informative, and nice. Every pastor I have met at this church is SO intelligent and informed. The amount of information they know about theology and life in general is great. I totally recommend it, especially if you want to try out a contemporary service at 4 or 6! read more

Ha! I can't believe I'm writing a review for my church. But I've spent more time here than I have at anything else I've reviewed on Yelp, so I might as well go ahead. I've been coming here since 2002, became a member in 2004, met my husband here and married him here in 2007. So I guess I'm involved. Park Street is a pretty conservative church, theologically. They consider themselves "Evangelical", but aren't fundamentalist. They take scripture seriously and faith is personal and real, but they're not going to guilt-trip you because you're not as spiritual as they are, or whatever. One of the best things about this church is that it keeps politics on the outside. How you vote is your own business, and there are a wide variety of politcal opinions in the congregation (including pro-life and pro-choice and pro-gay marriage and against). They major on the major things (seek justice/ love mercy/ walk humbly with God) and minor on the minors. If you want to get involved, there is no shortage of opportunity! Park Street has, I think, around 15 pastors and 40+ people on staff. There's a ministry for every stage of life. Literally. Finally, the music is beautiful (more traditional in the morning, contemporary at night), the preaching is articulate, intelligent and thought-provoking, and the people are genuine. This is not a place you have to paste a happy face on if you are having a rough time of it. Oh, but the benches are hard and the a/c is too cold in the summer. I get over those things ;). read more

Go to the morning service and watch the senior pastor run through the crowd to the back of the sanctuary, after the benediction, to stand back there, so that he can shake everyone's hand as they exit. Lol, it's visually entertaining! :D read more

This was our third stop on the Freedom Trail; and, we only stopped to take a few photos; but, spent a lot of time in the Granary Burial Grounds, which adjoin the church. It's an impressive piece of architecture; and, worth a visit. We hand't thought to go inside; but, probably should have. I was planning on attending the 8:30 AM service the next day, as the church is very close to our hotel; but, I missed my chance, when I got my directions confused and ended up at 7-Eleven for coffee for my family, instead of the nearby Dunkin Donuts. read more

Excellent Church! I highly recommend going here, OK I am bias since I do attend the services. Started going here about 4 years ago and I have found that the community of believers to be a great comfort. There is 2 morning services that are traditional and 1 afternoon service that is contemporary, which is the one I attend. During the week there are many small group Bible studies to attend as well. If you are looking for a church, stop by Park Street Church and take in a sermon or two. read more

They are a pretty decent church. Nice group of peolple. Sunday afternoon service is Contemporary. Morning services are traditional but compare to other churches i still think even morning services are kind of contemporary. Their views are a mixture of liberal and light conservative views. 'd call them moderate. They are NOT judgemental. Somebody posted a comment below about Park Street church's views about gays and it is not true! Park Street church's doors are open for everyone. saw some gay people there several times. They come to Park Street church time to time. We are all human. They would only teach what they believe and would ask you to get God's help. But if you want to stay as who you are, noone will ask you to leave. You are still welcome. First thing they teach you is not to be judgemental. Try them and make your own decision. You will like this church. read more

Great church, be sure to get plugged in. Congregational which means the pastor can be ousted at any time (hah!), and most definitely Reformed but fully egalitarian. read more

Beautiful church for certain - can't spring for a 5 as just a spectator.

This is a historical church in the heart of Boston that has been preserved architecturally and remains true to its roots. Open for free tours on the freedom trail, Park Street is where My Country Tis Of Thee was first sung, and where William Lloyd Garrison gave the first abolitionist speech. The sanctuary is on the second floor and still exists in true-to-form Puritanical style. The church today is thriving with four services each Sunday. read more

Pray the gay away was invented as an insulting term and the people at Park Street rightly feel insulted by it. They do believe that God expects a Biblical sexual ethic from all of them, and they try to support each other in doing that. It's a great place for people who are interested in Biblical living. read more

This is a lovely church with a vibrant, young community. However, they do believe in "praying away the gay." I couldn't get past that message. I am still looking for a loving and inclusive church.... read more

I'm not currently worshiping at Park Street (hereby annotated PSC), but my membership is still there (1997-present) and we have been regularly attending a closer church. However, I do download and listen to Park Street's sermons regularly and would definitely be a part of it again in a heartbeat. So I'm biased. I wrote about half the wikipedia articles for PSC and its senior minister, Gordon Hugenberger. Besides being a long-time member, having gone to services at different times of the day, I was a lay leader involved with many ministries and even a seminary intern (2002-2004). By far, it was the healthiest work environment and church environment I've seen. This is a very historical, 200+ year old Congregational church (founded in 1809) -- it's part of the Conservative Congregational Christian Convention denomination (i.e., Evangelical). Congregational means that the church primarily decides on how it will run itself although it has denominational support and resources. PSC self-describes as Trinitarian (as opposed to Unitarian) -- believing in the Triune Godhead -- International (many international students and scholars), and Congregational. In terms of "Evangelical", they are Bible-believing (i.e., "the Bible is the rule for faith and life") and focus on the primary issues while choosing not to divide on the secondary issues. E.g., they do both infant dedications and infant baptists, while they may have a preference for the latter. Moreover, PSC believes in not choosing between a spiritual Gospel and a social Gospel but engaging in both. While many people think that the policies are "top-down," PSC's government is the elder board, as elected by PSC's members and referred and screened by the Nominating Committee. For those who are concerned about the tardiness of arrivals, it's much worse than that. PSC welcomes everyone regardless of whether they arrive early or late -- just like people who would otherwise miss AA meetings (which are held at PSC), it is better to be late than to miss completely. Regular attenders and members have been very pleased to see us when we've visited as they realize this fact. PSC's senior minister has articulated that this church is more like "Sinners Anonymous" or a hospital for the sin-sick rather than a museum or country club for saints. And for people who claim "praying away (whatever)" is wrong -- well, again, it's much worse than that. Nobody at PSC claims to be perfect or sinless, and they pray for many things (including having prayer services), including praying that they may not continue in sin, and namely sins with which each person struggles. No sins are singled out as "worse" for PSC understands that all sins rob people of the abundant life that Jesus wants for each of us. However, there are many types of affinity groups for people in similar situations: e.g., people looking for work, single professionals (20's and 30's), choir / handbell / music ministry, arts ministry, international students and scholars, children's church / childcare, ESL, teen ministry, college and graduate student ministry, engaged couples, newly married, etc. They occasionally have weekend seminars on various topics from marriage, parenting, apologetics, and secular work. Being at the heart of the city, PSC has been involved with homeless and colleges and has a strongly intellectual focus. PSC has adult Christian Formation classes (aka Sunday School) that span a wide variety of topics ranging from books of the Bible to theology to mission to various other topics. PSC members may audit Gordon-Conwell classes held at the church and is a venue for that seminary. PSC's community is primarily at the "small group" or Bible study and ministry level. While you may find some people at worship services who are friendly, newcomers will find a variety of other venues ranging from summer all-church breakfasts to small groups to post-11am service lunches with ministers and elders to ministries where you can really meet and get to know people. There were some neighborhood small groups or community groups that were more cross-generational. I've noticed a distinct attempt to Dr. Hugenberger's part to preach more application and his sermons have always been solid intellectually and theologically. Walter Kim is the associate minister and tends to preach at the evening service and is also very solid. read more

i came here once. no, i'm no christian...heck, i don't even believe in god. however, i just like checking out houses of worship. anyway, i came here for easter service six years ago. it's a big church with a past deeply rooted in boston history. the sermon irritated me simply b/c it was religious and asked me to take a lot on faith (so i guess it was my problem with religion, not this church in particular). i didn't like the music either since i'm used to haunting beautiful cathedral music, but here they had amateur christian rock instead. blah. my best friend goes here though, so it can't be that bad :). read more

Amazing church. On Sundays each of the four services are full. The senior pastor, Dr Hugenberger is a true scholar who preaches while frequently sighting the bible as well as other literature. Unfortunately I had to move out of state but I still listen to the podcast. I encourage anyone in Boston to stop by. You will certainly be welcome. read more