Massachusetts Is Home To One Of The Oldest Churches In The U.S.
Less than 20 miles south of Boston, you will find a South Shore town tucked up against the harbor. Hingham has historic houses, small family-owned businesses, and an American landmark. The Daily Passport recently highlighted the oldest churches in America, and this iconic Massachusetts location was named.
“When European settlers first arrived in North America, one of the first orders of business for those mainly Christian pilgrims in the New World was the construction of local churches,” Daily Passport explained when describing how some of these churches are over 500 years old.
In Hingham, it’s the Old Ship Church
Aside from a few coffee shops, drug stores and grocery stores, Hingham is a town that is mostly absent of large chain outlets or retail brands. Instead, the Main Street square area of town is filled with historic houses, many of which contain a plaque hanging on their exterior that features its original build date. In fact, the town even has its own historical society. The Heritage Museum and Historical Society building are just blocks (walking distance) from the Old Ship Church.
“The Old Ship Church was established by a group of Puritans who hailed from Hingham, England,” Daily Passport explained. This church is also the only remaining 17th-century Puritan meeting house. Moreover, it is still open.
Plan a Visit
Currently, Old Ship Church offers worship services, community concerts, and nurturing services. There have been efforts put forth by those active in the church to properly preserve it. “In 2014, the Old Ship community completed a comprehensive restoration project that ensures the long-term preservation of the historic Meeting House,” Old Ship Church explained.
You can become a member of Old Ship Church or simply plan a visit. There is a service every Sunday morning. Tours are offered on a by-request appointment basis only. If you want to add a little history to your wedding ceremony, this Massachusetts landmark offers that as well.
Massachusetts: This South Shore Restaurant Has Turned Into A Holiday Wonderland (PHOTOS)
On the edge of Weymouth, less than a mile from the Hingham border, an Italian restaurant is already bringing the holiday joy. The Venetian is filled with holiday spirit. That is because this South Shore Massachusetts restaurant has completely turned into a holiday wonderland.
Located at 909 Broad St, The Venetian stands prominently upon this main road. Its natural red accented décor certainly made it an ideal spot to turn into a magically themed establishment this season.
On November 1, the restaurant opened its doors and welcomed guests to enjoy a meal seated within a Christmas extravaganza. From the front bar to the more private back room, each area is completely decorated in holiday cheer.
Here is what you will find. Over 5,000 ornaments hang from the ceiling. Fully lit Christmas trees, surrounded by presents, are in the corners of each room. Then, you will find snow-covered polar bear arrangements in the setup in the middle of a few rooms. In addition, the garland is delightfully wraps each beam and banister in sight. Piping into each room, you will hear classic holiday music to further set the tone.
This 2023 holiday season is the first time this popular restaurant is reshaping into what they are calling their “Holiday Pop-Up.” The interior decorations took three full days to set up. In total, 15 workers per day worked tirelessly to build, setup, and design this winter wonderland. The fact that the restaurant already had red-colored booths only enhances the look. Inspired by Rolfs in New York City, The Venetian has certainly set the table for their community to have a memorable holiday season.
Management at this fine-dining restaurant graciously opened their doors to us to attempt to capture the magical setting in photos. During our time, guests of all ages walked in for their reservations (which you will need). Each of them had a delighted reaction, usually followed by a “wow” and cheerful smile.
So, let’s open the wreath-bearing doors and take a sneak peek at this Massachusetts holiday wonderland restaurant.
Jeff Gorra is a Boston-based writer who has been with Beasley Media Group since the beginning of 2023. He writes about restaurants and food, as well as sports and rock music. His experience also includes show hosting and in-depth creative writing in rock and reggae dub music. Jeff’s an avid surfer, New York Giants, and Pearl Jam fan, however, if you make unforgettable pizza, he is sure to find you.
