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King's Chapel exterior
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King's Chapel interior, highlighting the symmetry found in Georgian-style architecture
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Peter Harrison, architect of King's Chapel
King’s Chapel, designed by Peter Harrison, is a classic example of the Georgian architecture the English brought to the colonies. It was the first style actually developed by influential architects, including the famous Sir Christopher Wren, so it contributed aesthetics and fashion to buildings in the colonies.

A main characteristic of Georgian style is symmetry in the design, as if the building could be evenly folded in half with everything matching the other side. Others include a sense of balance and formality, and a restrained elegance that the 1700s, called the Age of Reason, found attractive. People such as Isaac Newton were discovering the rules that ran the Universe, and architecture also reflected that sense of the order around us.

Georgian buildings often contain elements seen in ancient Greece and Rome, which inspired the European Renaissance, which in turn inspired art, architecture, thought, and politics in the 18th century. A major example is the three types of classical columns-- Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian-- that King’s Chapel contains. The chapel also has a central Palladian window, a large three-part window whose center section has a graceful arched top. 16th-century Italian designer Andrea Palladio inspired many architects of the 1700s, who borrowed this and other features from him.

Beside Palladio’s 1537 book L’architettura, there were design manuals, called pattern books, that colonial architects could refer to. Newport, RI, architect Peter Harrison is thought to have guided himself with these manuals. King’s Chapel was only his second building, after the Redwood Library in Newport. Harrison never visited the Tremont Street site before or during the chapel’s construction. He merely received the commission and the measurements, sending back the plans for the Georgian stone chapel that stands today. One of his later triumphs was the first synagogue in America, Touro Synagogue in Newport, which resembles King’s Chapel in style and serene beauty.
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King's Chapel
Est. 1686
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 www.kings-chapel.org |  58 Tremont St. Boston, MA 02108  |  617-227-2155 
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  • King's Chapel from Home
    • January Environmental Compassion Month
    • Worship from Home >
      • Past Virtual Services
    • Music from Home
    • History from Home
    • Community from Home >
      • Voter Action Initiative
      • Anti-Racism Resources
    • Stewardship & Giving
  • About Us
    • Welcome
    • Calendar
    • News & Updates >
      • Weekly Newsletter
      • Messages from the Ministers
      • King's Chapel Updates
    • Clergy & Staff
    • Contact Us & Directions >
      • Send A Message
  • Worship
    • What to Expect
    • Sunday at 9 AM
    • Sunday at 11 AM
    • Wednesday at 5:30 PM
    • Sermons
    • Special Annual Services
    • Book of Common Prayer
  • Music
    • Virtual Musical Events
    • From The Bench: A Musical Blog
    • Tuesday Recitals
    • Concert Series
  • History & Tours
    • Explore Our History >
      • A Brief History
      • The Stone Chapel: Art & Architecture >
        • The Wooden Chapel
        • Georgian Architecture
        • Box Pews
        • Interior Colors
        • Memorials
        • The Chancel Windows
        • The Last Supper Painting
      • Crypt and Burying Ground >
        • Crypt >
          • Crypt Highlights: Crypt Entrance
          • Crypt Highlights: Tomb Structure
          • Crypt Highlights: The Stranger's Tomb
          • Crypt Highlights: Research and Family Connections
          • Crypt Highlights: Remaining Memorials
          • Crypt Highlights: Hand-Hewn Beams
        • Burying Ground
      • Religious History >
        • Online Exhibit: Independent Country, Independent Church
        • 334 Years of Ministry
      • Slavery at King's Chapel
      • Literary King's Chapel: Online Exhibit
    • Plan Your Visit
    • Virtual History Events & Programs >
      • Recorded History Programs
      • Past Events & Programs
    • History Program Blog
    • About Us >
      • History Program Staff
      • Contact Us
    • Support the History Program
  • Get Involved
    • Adult Education
    • Children & Youth
    • Serve the Church
    • Serve the World
    • Make a Gift
    • Join King's Chapel
    • Ways To Support Our Partners
  • Weddings & Baptisms
    • Weddings >
      • Dear Prospective Couple
      • Wedding Inquiry
      • Wedding Service
    • Baptisms
  • Space Rentals
  • For Members
    • KC Bylaws
    • 2020 - 2021 Church Leadership
    • Environmental Action Initiative Meeting Minutes
    • 2020 Annual Meeting Recording
    • Annual Meeting Materials 2020
  • Leadership Retreat Materials 2020