September 21st, 2014

Fall Travels, First Congregational Church, Old North Vestry, The Tower, Nantucket, Massachusetts, 1725, Restoration, Preservation, Daily Visit, Worship on Sunday

Sunday, a day of worship for many and reflection.  While in Nantucket, MA, we visited the First Congregational Church and Old North Vestry located at 62 Centre St., which is a few blocks off Main Street.  It is the tallest white bell tower visible from anywhere in town.  Tel. 508-228-0950.  Website?  http://www.nantucketfcc.org.   Since 1725, The Vestry is the oldest structure for religious purposes on the island.  It may also be one of the oldest continuosly used church buildings in the U.S.

The older part of the church, “Old North Vestry” was built in 1725, but was not located on this part of the town.  It was about a mile north from this present site.  It was moved in 1765 to this more commanding position on “Beacon Hill”.

The Big Church as they call it was built in 1834.  A that time the church was composed mostly of women because the men were away at sea.  The box pews still carry the numbers of their original owners.

The original trompe-l’oeil painting was done by an Italian painter and is most unique, even now.  The chandelier measuring over 7 feet in diameter, weighs 600 pounds and was crafted in England.

The steeple rises over 120 feet and up to the observation Tower we went.  The original tower was built in 1795, and in 1800 a 1,000 pound bell was added.  For years the church had been going restoration and in 1970 it was completed and rededicated.  Photos of this journey can be found as you climb to the Tower.

It is a steep climb so be prepared.

From the Tower commanding views of Nantucket Island.

You are welcome to visit daily and to worship with the community on Sunday at 10:00 a.m.  Dress attire?  Come as you are.

Have a great day!!

September 17th, 2014

Destination? Nantucket, Massachusetts, Fall Travels

Cape Air brought me to Nantucket safe and sound.  Just a few of us in the airplane.  Mike was our pilot.

The airport in Nantucket is called Nantucket Memorial Airport.  Can you believe that this airport is the second busiest commercial airport in the state?  Must be all those private jets landing all the time to enjoy one beautiful island.

My friends were waiting for me and we took off to eat at the their club.  Privacy of the club….it will remain anonymous.

The view from our outdoor seating was gorgeous.

Clam chowder for some of us….I thought delish!!

Lobster roll for me….I ate it in memory of my husband, John Merryman, III who thought that there was no other lobster roll in the world as good as in Nantucket.

Fried clam chowder for another….our 95 year old Aunt Barbie.

Then, Welsh Rarebit for another one eating it also in memory of Peter.

And a sandwich with more amazing onions rings!! Well, behind the mountain of onion rings.

I will have more posts from Nantucket…stay tuned.

This island is loved by many.  I thought there was a lot of new construction in town.  Some traveling authorities say that it is the Best Island in The World, or one of America’s Top Ten Most Desirable Islands, or, the Perfect Beach Town for a Fall Vacation….I would have to agree on that one.