Pack 21 is proud to be chartered by the 1st Presbyterian (Old South) Church of Newburyport.
The Old South Church holds a special place in the history of Newburyport, having been founded as a congregation in April 1746. The current building was erected in 1756 by a crew of 100 men in only 3 days time. It continues to be one of the oldest churches in continuous use in New England.
The church is also the final resting place of the Reverend George Whitefield, who is widely regarded as one of the most prominent religious figures of the 18th century. Whitefield was a preacher capable of commanding thousands on two continents through the sheer power of his oratory. In his lifetime, he preached at least 18,000 times to perhaps 10 million hearers. Whitefield enjoyed a personal friendship with Benjamin Franklin who, after hearing him preach was quoted as saying, "His integrity, disinterestedness, and indefatigable zeal, in promoting every good work, I ha' never seen equaled, and shall never see excelled."
The Old South Church steeple is home to an original Paul Revere bell. The bell was cast in 1802 by Paul Revere and Sons in Boston. The original sale receipt for the bell, which is signed by Paul Revere is preserved in the church archives.