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We started our day by arriving at Saint Leonard’s Catholic Church at 8:00 a.m. We were told it is oldest Catholic church in Boston. It was founded the same year as First Baptist Church, Easley: 1873. We were all surprised that it was founded that late. The organist/music director, Juan Mesa, told us that the Italian migration to the United States was a mid 19th century phenomenon. We were all so blessed by the worship we experienced at Saint Leonards. There was a warmth to the service, particularly from Father Michael Dellapenna and Father Rick. The choir sang beautifully and the church was extremely receptive and complementary of our leadership in the service. During communion at Saint Leonards, we were invited to come forward for individual blessings from Father Rick. There was a young Italian worship leader in the service who spoke Italian for a portion of the service.

After worship at Saint Leonards, the choir walked around the block to the Old North Church, which was made famous by Paul Revere‘s famous ride to light the lanterns in the tower to announce the British invasion of Boston. Sadly, we had an accident before worship began at Old North Church. As we were preparing to warm up for the worship service, our very own Cathay Rodgers had an unfortunate fall coming into the sanctuary and fractured her left wrist. Fortunately, we have a strong medical team with us. Cindy Talley set her wrist and Andrea O’Shields took care of her and went with her to Mass General Hospital to be treated. Cathay and Andrea were not able to join us for our step-on tour of Boston. Thank goodness Cathay seemed not too worse for wear when we were reunited. She will need to follow up with an orthopedic surgeon when we get home though. The service at Old North Church was a blessing in terms of making us a feel special. During the prayers of the people, our choir was name specifically, asking for God‘s blessing on our tour. At Old North, we sang six pieces during their service. Two were done before the service actually began and four were done during the service proper.

After finishing the worship service there, our group dispersed and found their own places for lunch. After lunch we were joined by a step-on guide named John Higgins. John boarded our bus and spent the next two hours giving us a history of the city of Boston and showing us several historic sites. The driver pointed out Park Street Church on Boston Common. This is the church that Harold J Ockenga pastored in Boston from 1936-1969. Ockenga what is the subject of John Adams’ doctoral dissertation. We’re hopeful that John Adams matches that same tenure as our pastor in Easley. This probably comes as no surprise, but after eating Italian and seafood for the first two days, our group was ready for something a little different. So Scott our bus driver, insisted he drive us to Cracker Barrel. LOL! Actually he said he’s not sure he’s ever driven that far to take a group to eat at Cracker Barrel. We had great fellowship at the restaurant and came back and had a moving devotion led by Krista Massingill. Her devotion was based on one of the songs we are singing this week: “I sing because I’m happy.“ Several folks shared with the group about reasons they thought we have to be happy and joyful in the Lord and grateful for his many blessings. It really was a sweet time at worship.