1826-2026
On February 15, 1826, Rev. Nathan Parker welcomed the congregation of South Church to worship in their new stone church. Built of Rockport granite, with arched windows filling its sanctuary with light and a portico facing the center of town, it would serve Portsmouth "for perpetuity".
Join us throughout 2026 as we celebrate the anniversary of our building with talks, tours, and opportunities to support the next 200 years!
Purchase your commemorative 200th Anniversary shirts!
EVENTS
May 3
Building Community Talk and Celebration from 4-5:30pm
June 19 - 20
Annual Pocket Garden Tour (tickets required)
July - August
Building tours - Explore South Church’s stunning architecture, hidden stories, and 200 years of Seacoast history.
Step inside one of Portsmouth’s most iconic landmarks and experience history brought to life at South Church. These engaging one-hour historic building tours explore the church’s remarkable Greek Revival architecture, masterful granite construction, and elegant interior design while uncovering the fascinating stories woven into nearly 200 years of community life. Whether you are a history enthusiast, architecture lover, or curious visitor, South Church offers a memorable journey through one of New England’s architectural treasures.
Tours are free and will be offered on the hour from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on July 25, 2026 and August 1, 2026. Click here to check dates and times, and to sign up!
September 27
Book launch of A Church Built of Granite by Janet Polasky from 2-3:30pm
A Church Built of Granite, South Church’s own history, is now available for pre-ordering. The special South Church pre-publication price is $20 ($25 after August). Click here to order (or scan the QR code) and receive a special South Church discount. Please select “local pickup” in the shipping field. Check out the flier here!
October 25
200 years of Music Concert at 2:00pm
November 7
South Church Auction from 6:30-8:30pm
December 31
Chili Sale and Closing Celebration from 5:00-7:00pm
Click here or scan the QR code below to make a donation to the 200th Anniversary Building Preservation Fund! Help support South Church for the next 200 years.
