ST JOHN’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH – PORTSMOUTH NH

Portsmouth, NH – I originally took photos of this church because I always thought it funny that the front stairs go immediately in the street. But, as I did some research about this church I found it fascinating how much history this church has. I found it odd that a church appears to be equipped with spoils or war.

Some interesting facts about the church and articles within:

The Steeple Bell: Is a prize of war taken at the Battle of Louisbourg in 1745. It was installed in the belfry of the Queens Chapel. It was damaged in the famous Christmas Eve fire of 1806 and was sent to Paul Revere in Boston to be repaired.

Vinegar Bible – This bible was published by John Baskett in Oxford, England in 1745. It is called the Vinegar Bible because on of the bible stories contains a misprint, Parable of the vinegar instead of “vineyard”. Only 12 of these bibles were published and this is one of the few remaining.

The Baptismal Font - The font was a prize of war captured from the French at Senegal by a regiment organized bu John Tufton Mason.

Brattle Organ – This organ is the oldest operative organ in the United States. It was imported from England in 1708.

There are 10 vaults along the road which hold the remains of prominent people from the Colonial era such as Royal Governor Wentworth Benning.

I never realized there was so much to know about this church; I hope to someday go inside and take a tour. You can go to there website and read about this church, this is also where I got this information.

Info: St John’s Episcopal Church