KING'S CHAPEL
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James Apthorp (1731-1799) with 1754 Oxford Prayerbook
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This Anglican Book of Common Prayer was published in Oxford, England by Thomas Baskett in 1754. Thomas Baskett, the son of the King’s printer John Baskett, inherited his father’s printing house and title as the King’s printer, printing Bibles and prayer books from 1743 until his death in 1761. 

Inscribed on the title page of this prayer book is “James Apthorp, Pew No. 75.”  James Apthorp was the son of King’s Chapel member Charles Apthorp, an affluent Boston merchant and well-known slave trader who is memorialized inside the chapel. James married Sarah Wentworth, who also grew up attending King’s Chapel, in 1755. Together, they had ten children, including the poet Sarah Wentworth Morton, who was baptized here in 1759. 

In 1759, James Apthorp purchased pew number 75, the number that is also inscribed on the prayer book title page. Perhaps this book was kept inside their family pew to use during services!

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​While living in Boston and attending King’s Chapel, the Apthorp family lived at 74 King Street (later State Street), just a few blocks away from the chapel. The family moved to Braintree in 1768 after inheriting property there and they became members of the Anglican Christ Church. James Apthorp’s sister Susan Apthorp Bulfinch is the only member of the Apthorp family to remain a member of King’s Chapel following the American Revolution.

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King's Chapel
Est. 1686
​
In the love of truth and in the spirit of Jesus Christ, we unite for the worship of God
​and the service of all​.
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 www.kings-chapel.org |  58 Tremont St. Boston, MA 02108  |  617-227-2155 
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  • Home
    • About Us >
      • Welcome
      • Calendar
      • Clergy & Staff
      • Contact Us & Directions >
        • Send A Message
      • Employment Opportunities >
        • Digital Media Assistant
  • Worship
    • Sunday at 9 AM
    • Sunday at 11 AM
    • Sermons
    • Advent
    • Special Annual Services
    • Book of Common Prayer
  • Giving
    • Why Give
    • Ways to Give
    • Stewardship >
      • Pledge
  • Memorial to Enslaved Persons
    • Memorial Project in the News
  • Music
    • Tuesday Recitals
    • Concert Series
    • Musical Inquiries
  • History & Tours
    • Explore Our History >
      • A Brief History
      • Research and Records
      • 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
    • Online Exhibits >
      • Queen's Chapel: Women's History at King's Chapel
      • Revolutionary King's Chapel: Online Exhibit
      • Literary King's Chapel
      • Uncovering the Past: Exploring Black History Through Primary Sources
    • History Events & Programs >
      • Past Events & Programs
      • Recorded History Programs
    • History Program Blog
  • Community
    • Parish Community News
    • News & Updates >
      • Between Sundays Archive
    • Community from Home
    • Community Action Committee >
      • Anti-Racism Resources
    • Environmental Action Initiative
    • Children & Youth
    • Join King's Chapel
    • For Members >
      • Annual Meeting 2023
      • Partner Church Sunday 2022
      • KC Bylaws
      • 2023- 2024 Church Leadership
  • Weddings & Baptisms
    • Weddings >
      • Dear Prospective Couple
      • Wedding Inquiry
      • Wedding Service
    • Baptisms
  • Space Rentals
  • Member Action Initiative
  • Land Acknowledgment