Church of the Covenant

Gazing up at the Church of the Covenant’s steeple, did you realize it once held the title of Boston’s tallest structure? This magnificent church, located on Newbury Street, is more than just a beautiful building. It’s a treasure trove of art and history, intertwining the architectural brilliance of Richard M. Upjohn with the artistic genius of Tiffany & Co. The Church of the Covenant, originally built between 1865 and 1867, was first known as Central Congregational Church. It was a testament to the generosity of Benjamin Bates, whose contributions funded this Roxbury puddingstone masterpiece. Imagine the Back Bay in its early days, this Gothic Revival structure rising above the landscape, its 240-foot steeple even surpassing the Bunker Hill Monument. This architectural marvel captured the heart of Oliver Wendell Holmes, who declared its steeple “absolutely perfect.” Stepping inside the Church of the Covenant is like entering a jewel box. The sanctuary, redecorated by Tiffany Glass and Decorating Co. in the 1890s, is a symphony of color and light. Forty-two stained-glass windows, shimmering mosaics, and an electric-light chandelier, originally designed for the 1893 World’s Columbian Exhibition, transform the space. Look closely at the chandelier. It features seven sculpted angels, representing the Seven Angels of the Seven Churches from the Book of Revelation. This magnificent fixture, along with its counterpart in another location, is considered a precursor to all later Tiffany lamps. The Church of the Covenant also has a rich history, even making a cameo in the film “Boondock Saints.” The opening scene, featuring the MacManus brothers, was filmed here, after a search for a church liberal enough to allow filming. Interestingly, the imposing crucifix seen in the scene was specifically built for the movie. Today, the Church of the Covenant stands as a testament to both artistic vision and community spirit. Remember the story of the Dorcas window, shattered by a burglar in 2012? The community rallied, raising over half a million dollars to restore not just the window, but other parts of this beloved landmark.