Group Visits and Special Tours

Thinking of bringing a group to visit King's Chapel?

Groups are always welcome during regular touring hours, though if your group wishes a special presentation or tour, we ask that you prearrange by filling out and sending in the Group Visit application form. Send completed forms by fax, email, or mail.

For groups who do prearrange a tour, there are several options available. Church and UUA Youth groups regularly visit us and are often given tours by a minister of the Church. If a minister is not available, one of our guide staff will be happy to help.

- History of Unitarianism at KC: This is the tour most often given by a minister to Church and UUA Youth groups. It includes some of the history of the building and congregation, as well as the history of King’s Chapel’s change from Anglicanism to Christian Unitarianism in 1785.

- Revolutionary Boston & KC: This tour talks about the history of the American Revolution in Boston, particularly as it appeared in King’s Chapel. KC was frequented by both Patriots and Royalists during the Revolution, and has a rather interesting roster: Ben Franklin, Paul Revere, John Hancock, Royal Governors Shirley and Hutchinson, and Charles Paxton, to name a few.

- Tory Stories: A special KC treat! Costumed guides assume the characters of some of the Tories (the Royalists) who attended King’s Chapel and were forced into exile in March of 1776. They tell the stories of some of the Tory families attending King’s Chapel during the Revolution and talk about what happened to the Church after their departure.

- History of KC Building & Burying Ground: This tour talks about the basic architectural and social history of King’s Chapel from its founding in 1686 through the Revolutionary period, touching on some of our important personages as well as the interesting and unusual elements of the Church’s construction. The tour also includes a brief history of the neighboring Burying Ground and some of its denizens.

We ask that groups make a donation to King’s Chapel to help continue the tour program and assist with the maintenance and restoration of our historic landmark. Groups are asked for a donation of $3 per person for guided tours, with a minimum of $25 per group. Large groups (more than 25) are asked for a minimum of $1 per person. Groups with financial hardships or limits are asked to contact the head guide for possible elimination or reduction of rates.

Special Tours

During the city-wide fourth of July celebrations known as Harborfest, King's Chapel puts on a series of Tory Stories (see above) open to the public. These stories are given every hour and the half hour (10:30, 11:30, etc.). The Church will also be open for regular tours 10:00am-4:30pm.

Harborfest 2008 will open at noon on July 1 and run through July 6.

Tory Stories Schedule

July 1 - 1:30pm-3:30pm (Concert at 12:15pm)

July 2 - 1:30pm-3:30pm (Midweek Holy Communion at 12:15pm)

July 3 - 10:30am-3:30pm

July 4 - 10:30am-3:30pm

July 5 - 10:30am-3:30pm

July 6 - 1:30pm-3:30pm (Sunday Service at 11:00am)