Old Whaling Church
Old Whaling Church
4.5
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.5
48 reviews
Excellent
30
Very good
13
Average
3
Poor
1
Terrible
1
kythoro
Lexington, SC810 contributions
Sep 2015 • Friends
Amazing to find such a beautiful structure on an island and well preserved. It is on a corner that takes you to the visitors center. History of whaling captains going to this church for a blessing before sailing was different than any historical church I have visited. Peaceful place to visit and relax after all the crowds in town.
Written September 11, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tim J
Brookline, MA450 contributions
Aug 2015 • Couples
One of several Mormon churches on the island (there are others at Vineyard Haven, Edgartown and West Tisbury) that are still in use in that capacity during the year. When you first walk up the stair and look at the massive pillars of this Greek revival style building, you can't help but be impressed by the architecture. As you enter and you marvel at the domed ceiling (atop which sits the clock tower) supported by no beam you can't help but wonder what it must have taken for the builders during a time with no reinforced steel buildings to have crafted such a structure.
The walls are adorned with paints of three dimensional architecture that is done to fool the viewer into believing they are carved into the wall themselves. Our guide explained to us that it was a result of artists loyal to the congregation that traveled the world and came back with ideas from European churches that they wished to see put into this church but did not have the material or masons with the skill to accomplish. As a result, almost every carving is actually a painting, and the three dimension view behind the altar of a light from no source is a painting done to remind those watching of God's light in the darkness.
This church today functions for everything from eighth grade graduations, in door concerts, weddings and a museum for tourists. One of the interesting tid bits we were given was that, when gifted from the Mormon Church to the Historical Society, there was an agreement in place that the church could still be used for Mormon services and programs (soup kitchens during winter we were told was a big one). It's nice to know that it still is operating for its intended use as well as the additional uses that have been found to keep it operational.
Good place to visit if you are looking to be a part of history.
The walls are adorned with paints of three dimensional architecture that is done to fool the viewer into believing they are carved into the wall themselves. Our guide explained to us that it was a result of artists loyal to the congregation that traveled the world and came back with ideas from European churches that they wished to see put into this church but did not have the material or masons with the skill to accomplish. As a result, almost every carving is actually a painting, and the three dimension view behind the altar of a light from no source is a painting done to remind those watching of God's light in the darkness.
This church today functions for everything from eighth grade graduations, in door concerts, weddings and a museum for tourists. One of the interesting tid bits we were given was that, when gifted from the Mormon Church to the Historical Society, there was an agreement in place that the church could still be used for Mormon services and programs (soup kitchens during winter we were told was a big one). It's nice to know that it still is operating for its intended use as well as the additional uses that have been found to keep it operational.
Good place to visit if you are looking to be a part of history.
Written September 4, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anonymous855
Trabuco Canyon, California1,736 contributions
Sep 2018 • Couples
This doesn't seem to be listed on Trip Advisor but the tour is run twice a day and is on their website. The walking tour takes you to all of the main attractions with a wonderful narrative. The docent has keys to venues you cannot enter otherwise!
Written October 6, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HvPssptWilTrvl
Newton, MA536 contributions
Sep 2017 • Couples
The Old Whaling Church is an imposing figure on the small town street but unless there is something going on and you have a ticket there is no need to poke around this place. Take a picture of the front and move on, trust me.
Written September 19, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sc00ter44
Madison, WI51 contributions
Sep 2015 • Couples
This beautiful church was designed by Fredrick Baylies Jr for the Methodist whaling captains in 1843 (not Mormon as previous reviewer stated). It is said to be the finest example of Greek Revival architecture in New England. The Vineyard Preservation Trust acquired the Church from the Methodists in 1980. The extraordinary trompe l'oeil murals of Carl Wendt 1820-1848 have been recreated by artist and muralist Margot Datz.
Written September 27, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Denise S
San Jose, CA16 contributions
Jun 2013 • Family
We listened to a wonderful band at the Whaling church. It was great. They played patriotic songs and it was so much fun to hear. Loved the conductor and the talented clarinet player. Sad no fireworks but enjoyed a great concert! Thanks
Written July 9, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lee W
Chesterfield, MO40 contributions
May 2013 • Couples
I loved the sound that the bells made at this church. It sounded like the church was whaling. The sound is hauntingly beautiful. I would go back just to hear the bells rings.
Written June 17, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Steffen9278
Vineyard Haven, MA51 contributions
May 2013 • Friends
The whaling church is an Island centerpiece. It is protected and preserved by the Preservation Trust. If you want to see a traditional New England church, this is it. It had become a bit rundown, but Margot Datz has brightened the interior.
Margot is one of our local painters and has done many murals on the Island. She studied old documentation of what the interior looked like and returned it to it's former self. Lovely.
Margot is one of our local painters and has done many murals on the Island. She studied old documentation of what the interior looked like and returned it to it's former self. Lovely.
Written June 2, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Heather R.
6 contributions
Aug 2019
Saw the interior when on a Preservation Trust tour. I absolutely loved hearing the sound of the bell. The interior is stunning - reminded me of a ballroom.
Written September 3, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
FoodieArch
London, UK1,882 contributions
Aug 2019
Behind its dramatic pedimented facade, the church is quite beautiful with a well restored interior where the large church space is set at first floor level accessed by stairs either side of the narrow entrance hall. Well worth a visit if you can gain entrance.
Written August 28, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Are there any events in the Old Whaling Church the week of Sept 10 through the 16?
Written September 8, 2018
Go on their website on Martha’s Vineyard and they post events or go on the Vineyard Gazette (local newspaper) where events are also posted.
Written September 9, 2018
How do you get around to see all the attractions on Martha's vineyard ?
Written July 18, 2016
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