BOSTON — High above the ground inside the historic Old North Church, conservator Gianfranco Pocobene is uncovering eight hidden angels that were covered by layers of paint for over a century. These delightful, child-like figures once graced the church walls when they were painted in the early 1730s. However, in 1912, church officials decided to cover them up during a renovation, applying thick coats of white paint that stripped the interior of its vibrant history.
As the oldest church in Boston, the Old North Church is a popular spot for tourists, primarily known for its lanterns that signaled Paul Revere during his famous midnight ride in 1775. Revere, who had ties to the church as a young bell ringer, has been immortalized in Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s poem, “Paul Revere’s Ride.”
With the 250th anniversary of that significant night approaching in April, church officials are eager to highlight not only the church’s revolutionary heritage but also its roots dating back to its founding in 1723. They aim to bring attention to the church’s dual legacy as a symbol of freedom and its complex historical connections to the slave trade, as many original congregants benefited from slavery.
Emily Spence, the associate director of education at Old North Illuminated, remarked that the church’s colorful past was once an essential part of its identity, setting it apart from the Puritan influence prevalent in Boston during that era. The restoration aims to bring back the original vibrancy of the church that visitors may not expect to see today.
The restoration project, which began in September, has already unveiled the first eight of the original twenty angels, with the rest scheduled for completion by spring. These angels, made to resemble stone sculptures, have a unique charm—all are portrayed in different poses, creating an engaging pattern across the church’s walls.
Pocobene and his team faced challenges while delicately stripping away seven layers of paint without harming the angels. They used a softening solvent and carefully scraped away the old paint before restoring any damaged areas.
Visitors have expressed excitement about the restoration. On a recent visit, Sean Dixon and Sarah Jardine from California were fascinated by the ongoing work and look forward to seeing the angels revealed in their full glory once the restoration is complete.
As we celebrate the rich tapestry of our nation’s history, the restoration of the Old North Church reminds us of the importance of preserving our past, respecting its complexities, and revering the sites that shaped our values.
